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    ala

    4.2 (1.2k reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 week ago

    ala Photos

    Business Info

    ALA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - ala

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    Buffet food
    Janae W.

    Went here for brunch, when I first walked in it was packed with people. The smell of meat will welcome you in the door and the ambiance of the restaurant is so cute! The buffet was vast they had all different kinds of meat such as lamb, chicken, beef and fresh veggies. My favorite things on my plate were the deviled eggs and lamb. I was so full after but they also had a dessert bar so o had to grab the baklava and try the dates they also have a chocolate fountain, which was really cool. The brunch was about $36 and if you wanna do mimosas with it, it's an additional $14 the pricing was good for the range of food that you got to try.

    MANTI
    Leslie S.

    Such an unexpected pristine experience! The staff was amazing, and the food was out of this world. Definitely add this to your list of glorious restaurants with divine flavor!!

    KARANAB, ZA'ATAR LABNEH
    Paige Y.

    Attentive staff, delicious food, cute modern vibe. I was so upset I was dining alone because I wanted to try more and more but I was so full!

    Dolonchapa C.

    We saved Ala for our last meal in DC and went all in on their all-you-can-eat brunch--and let's just say, I left a few pounds heavier and completely, absolutely unbothered. No regrets. You know it's serious when I'm saying that. The menu hits that perfect sweet spot: extensive without being overwhelming. There's so much variety, but it never feels chaotic--just thoughtfully curated and incredibly well-balanced. That's the beauty of Levantine cuisine, and this place truly does it justice. Every dish felt intentional, flavorful, and harmonious. The hospitality deserves a special mention. They even offered me a complimentary tea in exchange for a Google review--which, honestly, felt refreshingly generous. Most places just ask; they don't give. Their tea selection, by the way, is excellent. Now the food--because wow. The lamb, chicken, fish, sausage, meatballs, and all the egg dishes were spot on. The lamb was so tender it practically fell off the bone, and the chicken was juicy and perfectly seasoned. And then there were the bureks--cheese and lamb--just unfairly good. And just when you think you physically cannot eat another bite... the dessert spread appears. I'm not exaggerating when I say it felt like I ascended (Fitting, considering we went on Easter.) There was a chocolate fountain, for starters. Beyond that, an incredible spread of pastries, sweets, fruits, jams, breads, and even some gluten-free options. It was one of those moments where you're full but still emotionally committed to dessert. The value for money here is fantastic, especially considering the quality and variety. Service throughout was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The space itself is cozy with a unique charm, and the music added a fun, lively touch--honestly, it gave me flashes of Slavic party vibes in Belgrade, which I didn't expect but fully enjoyed. Overall, an unforgettable meal and the perfect way to end our DC trip. This one stays with you.

    Salina P.

    Went here with a few friends for dinner last night and it was such a pleasant surprise! We did the $58 tasting experience with 3 entrees per person plus dessert and it was plenty of food for the whole table. My favorite dish was the falafel, it tasted so fresh and I loved how crunchy it was. I'm allergic to pomegranate and when one of the dishes had them the server was kind enough to take it back to the kitchen and have it remade. The ambiance was very classy and upscale. I'd definitely return!

    Tim T.

    This place is AMAZING and specializes in Levantine (historical geographical term referring to the eastern Mediterranean coastal region, encompassing modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Jordan from Google AI) and Mediterranean cuisine. They also have a $58 tasting menu option where you can order any three dishes from the cold and hot mezze menu. Very cool interior decor and service is very attentive (I believe our server was named Joseph or Jacob). Highly recommended if you are in DC!

    Bradley L.

    Great food with a nice atmosphere. Ala has a great location. Metroing in is super easy as the station is just across the street, and parking is available (although sparingly) on the streets nearby. They have an excellent patio area as well, as well as very beautiful interior design. My friend and I did the choose 3 option with dessert. The price we calculated I believe ended up showing that if we wanted dessert, then the option was worth it. The food was very good. The flatbread was our favorite and I'd come back just for that honestly.

    Branzino
    Isaac W.

    Restaurant Week 2025 Tried 8 different items. My favorite was probably the Brussel Sprouts. Baklava was amazing. No items were bad. I'm not an expert on West Asian cuisine, so much of this tasted very new to me. I think the owner and several of the waiters are Turkish, but I wasn't sure what to classify this cuisine as. "Modern Mediterranean"? Service and ambiance are great! But it was delicious. Portions are generous. Food has great color. Go!

    Table setting
    Katelyn W.

    Came on my 31st birthday for dinner and it was amazing! I would make a reservation as it can get busy, but it's because it's so good! My boyfriend and I did the tasting experience because we wanted to try a few dishes and we're so glad we did! Everything on the menu sounds amazing and the items we got were so yummy! The drinks were also very good! Our waiter explained the menu and a little history and overall service was amazing. The whole vibe there is wonderful and we will totally be back!

    Samantha T.

    Ala is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in DC and Bethesda. I visited the DC location for the brunch buffet and really enjoyed it. They have a wide variety of options and everything was very fresh and flavorful. The service was great and the staff were very attentive. They also have all day HH at the bar M-F.

    Za'atar Pide
    Ian C.

    We came here on a Monday night so the place wasn't too busy. The menu options all sounded so good we had a lot of trouble picking what to get, but we ultimately decided on a mix of spreads, vegetables, and two protein dishes--a good variety and meal size for three people. The waiter was very helpful in guiding us towards some of his favorite / more popular options. The first item we received was the Mixed Spreads sampler. While a lot of Mediterranean restaurants in DC have great spreads, what Ala really impressed me with was how fresh and amazing the pita was! Absolutely delicious. The chicken skewers (Tawook Shish) were perfectly cooked with a little bit of char on the outside and tender juicy chicken on the inside. I also really enkiyed the Golden Cauliflower and the Hazelnut Halva Semifreddo. Lastly, I really appreciate Ala being a member of the Inkind network so dining out here is a little more wallet friendly.

    GOLDEN CAULIFLOWER
    Latifa H.

    Place has a very nice ambience and is tapas/mezze style. We ordered a few mezze dishes, a mix of hot and cold, and one large dish to share. We got the Adana kebab dish to share which was one large skewer of the kebab served with harissa on the side which was delicious. We also got duck prosciutto which was interesting and the roasted/fried cauliflower which was delicious. We wanted to try the tahini crème brûlée but they ran out, so we tried the layali lubnan ( a semolina flour Mediterranean dish) and was great. Our server was very sweet and brought us complimentary champagne since we were celebrating an occasion.

    Dania J.

    I'm a fan of Ala Bethesda, so I had high hopes for Ala DC and it definitely delivered! Brunch here is a full experience, very similarly to the Bethesda location. The value is hard to beat when you factor in the bottomless drinks...you really do get your money's worth! Food-wise, the Adana slider was still one of my favorites. The lahm bi ajeen was another favorite.. I had quite a few of them lol. Overall, the atmosphere was lively, but not chaotic. I also appreciated how warm and attentive our server was. For these reasons, Ala DC is definitely a place where I'd come to again!

    MIXED SPREADS

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    19 days ago

    Great food. Great advice on what to try by waiter and barkeeper. Sat at the bar and enjoyed the service and ambiance.

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    Page 1 of 32

    ala Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - ala

    Do kids pay full price for brunch?

    Hmm they don't have anything listed on their menu nor website but I'm sure you can ask in person.

    Is the 3-course brunch the only option during the day on the weekend? Can we order off the regular dinner menu instead?

    Unfortunately during the brunch hours it’s the only option.

    Is Ala the same establishment as Ankara? Same owners / chefs?

    Pretty much but there have been some changes to the menu.

    Does bottomless dinner include drinks?

    Yes!

    Hello, any heating options on your patio?

    Starting from September 25 yes we’ll have patio heaters.

    Is it halal?

    All of our dairy and meats are Halal certified!

    Do you guys have a new year eve special menu or something like that?

    Hello, Thank you for asking! We will be offering both our New Year's Eve specials and our all-day… Read more

    Any gluten free options?

    Hi Ale, We have plenty of different gluten free options. Please check our menu www.ankaradc.net/menu

    Is the bottomless brunch every weekend?

    Yes!

    Will you ever bring labneh back? Yours was the best in town!

    Hi Meredith, Thank you so much for interest:) We're planing to bring it back better than ever at the end of August.

    Are opening hours different during Ramadan?

    No. We open as our regular hours. Weekdays 11 AM to 10:30 PM weekends 10 AM to 10:30 PM

    Do you guys have kokoreç?

    Hey Wali! Unfortunately we do not have it. But we'd like to have it in our inventory at future!

    Is your place serving HALAL meat?

    All of our dairy and meat items are Halal certified!

    View All 15 Questions

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    Agora DC - Cauliflower**

    Agora DC

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    0.3 miDupont Circle
    $$$

    A complete vibe! I…read morecame here with a coworker of mine the day before 4th of July for lunch and drinks, and I left full and happy. There is a parking garage around the corner of the restaurant so that makes things very convenient. The inside decor is gorgeous and is chic but also funky fresh. I got grilled octopus over a bed of bean salad that had pieces of pomegranate in it - 10/10. The savory taste of the octopus paired against the sweetness of the salad was really delicious. For desert I got the baklava option that comes with ice cream - INCREDIBLE. You have to order it if you come here.

    Went there twice to taste different kinds of Turkish dishes. One time for dinner and the other for…read morelunch. Overall the food was good. The serving size of the dishes I ordered were medium to small. The service was far less satisfactory than food. I tried the following dishes: 1. Complimentary pita: ~40g per piece. Not salty and paired well with the other dishes. Definitely get some! 2. Lahmacun: The lamb+beef mixture was tasty. It came with 4 pieces. 3. Branzino: ~6oz. The fish was grilled to perfection; juciy tender, and the skin was nicely charred. It was served with freh parsley and seasoned grilled tomato (salt+oregano I think). 4. Imam Bayildi: Half of an eggplant topped with sauteed onions and tomatoes. While itself was pretty normal, it went so well with the Ottoman rice. 5. Ottoman Rice: The true highlight of all the dishes I tried! It was basically Basimati rice cooked with dried apricots, raisins, almonds & pine nuts mix, and seasoned with black currant. Overall it was warm, earthy and lightly smoky. The apricot slices added some delightful sweetness and juiciness to the dish. Should pair well with Labneh, chicken and seafood. But to be honest, I can simply eat this stuff along for a whole meal! 6. Tabbouleh: They went against the traditional recipe by substituting the bulgur with quinoa and added some pomegranate arils. I liked the special texture of quinoa. The sweetness of pomegrante arils also enriched the flavors. However, I had to constantly spit the seeds when enjoying the salad. 7. Kofte: Adana style ground beef patties. Just like what I make at home haha! I ordered it as an add-on to my salad at lunchtime. It came with only 2 pieces which weighed no more than 3oz in total... Despite the delicious food, service was disappointing. The first time, the dinner, was Okay. While my food came out slowly, at least my server was aware of it and asked me how I liked the dishes. The second time, the lunch, was horrible. Even before I was seated, my server made me feel that he was reluctant to serve me, and emphasized that I had to order asap. "Luckily", I had already decided what to order. After I got my dishes, no one in the restaurant asked me if the food was Okay. And at the check, my bill was thrown onto my table. In comparison, the two ladies dining next to me came even after I started eating, but were greeted warmly and were given lots of time to decide what to order; not to mention that the staff gave them lots of suggestions, asked about their dining experience, and even chatted with them about sightseeing in DC, etc. Such discrimitory treatment is really unacceptable.

    Photos
    Agora DC - A quiet dining room. The main dining room was much more noisy.

    A quiet dining room. The main dining room was much more noisy.

    Agora DC - Weekend Bottomless Brunch

    Weekend Bottomless Brunch

    Agora DC - Mocktail çiçek

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    Zaytinya

    Zaytinya

    4.2(6.3k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    The baba ghannouj is well-balanced -- smoky char from the eggplant comes through clearly without…read morethe tahini overwhelming it, and it's not overly heavy despite the richness. Good start to the meal. The lamb kleftiko is the standout of the three. Slow-cooked until it falls apart easily, with the seasoning penetrating all the way through rather than sitting on the surface. It's a dish that rewards the time it takes to prepare -- nothing rushed about it. The kofte kebab holds its own too -- well-spiced, good char on the outside, moist inside, not dried out the way kofte can sometimes end up. Solid textural contrast against the kleftiko. Overall a strong meal across the board -- each dish distinct but all working within the same confident, well-executed style that Zaytinya is known for.

    A coworker recommended Zaytinya, and I quickly agreed--without realizing it's under the direction…read moreof celebrated chef José Andrés. That made the experience feel even more special in hindsight. We walked in on a Monday night without reservations (clearly a theme for us!), not knowing they were needed. Thankfully, they were able to seat us in the bar area, which turned out to be a perfect spot for a relaxed dinner and a glass of wine. We ordered a mix to share: hummus, spanakopita, kofte kebab, and adana kebab. Everything was delicious, but the spanakopita really stood out. It was a bit unexpected--not layered like the traditional version, but more of a rolled presentation. Even so, the flavors were wonderful and elevated in a way that made it memorable. The only slight disappointment for me was the wine selection. The red wines leaned more dry than I typically prefer--I tend to go for something more fruit-forward--but it didn't take away from the overall experience. Dessert was the one miss. We were really hoping for baklava, which wasn't on the menu. Instead, we ordered the walnut delight. While it had all the right flavors, it didn't quite deliver the wow factor we were hoping for. That said, the food, atmosphere, and overall experience were still impressive. I was excited to learn that Zaytinya has locations beyond D.C., including closer to home in the Bay Area--so I'll definitely be visiting again. Highly recommend, and maybe make a reservation!

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    Zaytinya
    Zaytinya
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    Barbouzard - Onion Soup Gratinée

    Barbouzard

    4.3(72 reviews)
    0.5 miDowntown

    I treated my friend to brunch after seeing all the hype on TikTok, Yelp, and Instagram, and it…read moreabsolutely lived up to it! This was easily one of the most entertaining brunches I've experienced in the DMV, while still maintaining an upscale vibe. From the singer taking special requests during brunch to the live entertainment afterward, drummers, dancers, and a saxophonist turning things into a full brunch party...we were thoroughly entertained from start to finish. What really stood out, though, was that the food matched the energy. At some places, you get great entertainment but mediocre food - not here. Everything was beautifully presented, served at the perfect temperature, and genuinely delicious. My friend was so impressed with her birthday celebration that she thanked me for days afterward. The service was impeccable, the space is stunning with plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, and despite how busy it was, it somehow still felt warm and welcoming. If you're in the mood to get dressed up, enjoy an upscale brunch, celebrate a special occasion, or impress someone on a date, this is definitely the place. I'm already looking forward to my next brunch party here!

    Gorgeous restaurant! I felt very underdressed but I loved the vibrant atmosphere…read more STARTER: Prosciutto - very large portion, had plenty to take home, thinly sliced and addictive ENTREE: Hanger Steak Au Poivre $56 10 oz black angus hanger steak, pomme frites & green beans, green peppercorn sauce *I really enjoyed the steak but I didn't finish it because I polished off 2 trays of bread by myself...andddd I don't regret it. COCKTAILS: Smoked Old Fashioned $18 BB Bourbon, BB House Bitters, Syrup, Smoke *I loved the smokiness of the drink and it went great with the bread because I had no self control... Our service was consistent throughout dinner and they packed up all of our leftovers very nicely and set them aside on the counter while we chatted and they didn't rush us with the bill like a lot of establishments do. **Would you believe it that the server packed me a to go box of bread? I am dead. I could not stop laughing when I saw that. I will definitely be back! ;)

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    Barbouzard - Bread

    Bread

    Barbouzard - Katama Bay Oysters

    Katama Bay Oysters

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    Maydan - Roasted carrots

    Maydan

    4.3(1.4k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$$

    Maydan was one of the most anticipated dining experiences for my partner and I on our DC trip and…read moreit was even better than I expected. Gorgeous restaurant centered around a giant hearth, the heart and soul of the space where much of the food is cooked. We went with two friends and opted to do ala carte, and ordered a bunch of items to share. - Muhammara & hummus spreads were both phenomenal - creamy, delicious goodness served with piping hot, generous portions of freshly made pita bread. - Halloumi with a nutty honey glaze - perfection - Sweet Potato - soft and just melts in your mouth - Mushrooms - super unique preparation, definitely worth a try. Very delicious. We also ordered every kabob on the menu (shrimp, scallop, chicken and lamb). The shrimp and chicken kabobs were excellent - charred to perfection and bursting with flavor. Paired with zhoug sauce, I was in heaven. Do not miss these! Scallop and lamb kabobs were just okay. Incredible service, beautiful ambiance, and a memorable meal that will stay with me. Grateful to have experienced Maydan!

    Finally! I've been trying to make it to this restaurant, and my gfs took me for my birthday…read more The best experience. I can't quite tell you that you'd have the same experience each time you go because it all depends. I believe it also depends where you're sitting how impactful it will be on your experience as well. Whatever you do come back each time and try something else because I will Love Amb

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    Maydan - Wood oven front and center

    Wood oven front and center

    Maydan - Shrimp

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    Iron Gate

    Iron Gate

    4.0(828 reviews)
    0.2 miDowntown, Dupont Circle
    $$$

    Could not have asked for a better experience from the hostess to the food, it was top notch. Our…read morewaiter, Joey, deserves a review of his own because he made the experience 1000x more memorable. If you go here ask for him, he was amazing, knowledgeable, and made us feel so special. We came to celebrate our engagement and left with all the best memories. Had the four course dinner with wine pairings and everything was unreal. Get the seafood!!! After coming back from the South of France recently the seafood was as close as we had in Nice and that's huge. Absolutely stellar service, atmosphere and food. 10/10 recommend, we will definitely be back, but only when Joey is working.

    Iron Gate is doing EVERYTHING right! 4.5 stars! And if I…read morelived in the area I would come back. They offer a family style menu in which you pay one price and all the appetizers come out in small bites so you can try everything. They also add complimentary little surprises during each course. My top 3 were the oysters the potato croquette with caviar and the branzino... oh the focaccia was also very Tasty!!!! The capellini was very salty which was a little upsetting. The yogurt had a a light crunch crust and it just wasn't doing it for me. But their take on a cheesecake was very airy which was nice. Let's talk about our server, she was a pleasure!!!! She was honest about every dish we would Receive. She was attentive and there was nothing more we could have asked for. I will remember this meal forever!

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    Iron Gate - The "Tunnel of Love"

    The "Tunnel of Love"

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    Courtyard

    ala - mediterranean - Updated July 2026

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