Fava Pot

137

152

4 years ago

I am a big fan of Fava Pot. I used to visit the Falls Church location (although it wasn't close to me) since I love Egyptian food. This branch is close to where I work so I started dropping by for lunch as we returned to the office more recently. Food is always great - I would highly recommend trying the koshari - it never disappoints. What makes Fava Pot extra special is the people behind it. Dina and her family are always attentive to their customers and put their hearts in their work. So yes, I definitely come for the koshari, but I also come for the positive vibes. I'm glad I can have some great Egyptian koshari in DC read more

Fava Pot - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Kevin N.

Elite 24

701

1422

3 years ago

Fava Pot is a family owned local DC restaurant that serves the best Egyptian food! This was my first time and I'm hooked now. The macaroni bechamel and falafel sandwich really won me over. This is a great spot to grab lunch or dinner in the heart of DC. They have a location in Falls Church too with a bigger menu. Macaroni Bechamel - cheesy, creamy and oh so delicious! Falafel Sandwich - I don't know how the got the falafel to be so green but it's amazing! Iced Mint Lemonade - super refreshing! Egyptian Liver Bowl - if you love liver then you're going to love this bowl! Fava Beans - a healthy and delicious snack Spicy Whipped Feta - packs a good kick! Om Ali Pudding - The best pudding I've had in a while. Unique and tasty! read more

Fava Pot - Macaroni Bechamel - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fava Pot - Falafel - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Anne-Olive N.

206

146

331

3 years ago

I've never had Egyptian food but this Classic Chicken Sandwich was so yummy and flavorful! I ordered with my coworkers and split the chicken sandwich. The portions are generous and half the sandwich was good enough to hold me over for lunchtime. I tried the falafel which is made from fava beans and it was nice and crispy - I would def order those next time. I look forward to coming back and trying more. read more

Fava Pot - a pita filled with meat and vegetables - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Jordan N.

635

2455

2165

5 years ago

It's an Egyptian establishment and I do plan on coming back for a ful breakfast someday, pun intended. Just can't turn down a good ful mudamas anywhere, a Fava bean dish ubiquitous in the Middle East. But with it being Egyptian, I went with the uniquely Egyptian dish first - the Koshary. And personally I think a koshary is an acquired taste unless if it is made well. What usually makes it a great dish, in my opinion, is the fried onions and the sauce. Fava Pot's rendition is very good but I felt they offered too little of the fried onions and the sauce in the dish that was full of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and macaroni elbow pasta. It was so much starch and grain that I ran out of the onions and sauce rather quickly as I was eating through the bowl. Be sure to ask for more onions and sauce and you'll enjoy this vegan dish for sure. I'll still be back to try other dishes. read more

Fava Pot - Koshary - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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John B.

Elite 26 All-Star

542

4948

14956

5 years ago

This is a business that is really working its way up, with a history as a food truck, a suburban strip mall joint, a stall at a food hall, and now this little fast casual outlet in Dupont Circle. Their menu is impressive, and offers quality options for the vegan and gluten-free diners among us, but nonetheless you'll never forget it's Egyptian, both the food itself and the walls decorated with various contemporary Egyptian celebrities. While the options are many, I figured I'd get the fava beans first, which among other things are offered in sandwich form with some pickled turnip on the side. The titular fava pot is visible in the store and the beans are delicious, with a hearty, savory quality that mixes with the spices; I think lime is one of the things that makes theirs taste different from other ful. Whatever it is, it's delicious. This belowground restaurant is small and notably lacks any sort of restroom that I could discern. I don't think the portion/price ratio is quite as good as it was out in the suburbs, but if you're looking for a fast casual type meal within walking distance of Dupont Circle, you'll struggle to find anything better than this. read more

Fava Pot - a table and chairs in a restaurant - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fava Pot - Fava bean sandwich - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Business owner information

Dina D.

Thank you thank you thank you for being our first Yelp reviewer, for…

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Lukas E.

2 years ago

Such a cozy environment with great food!! Vegetarian options were great and staff were very kind. Will be back for more of the mint lemonade and kunufa with sweet cheese! read more

Fava Pot - Spicy feta dip - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Dirk A.

2 years ago

We've been obsessed with this place since it had a stall at Union Market. We now order it for delivery all the time. Always packed very well and arrives hot. It's such a great value for the amount of food you get. If you're a fan of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern food broadly, this place will definitely scratch that itch. Our favorites are the following: 1) Chicken kabob sandwich - chicken is delicious and not over seasoned like some other places. Very generous portion. The greens in the sandwich make this sandwich so fresh and not too heavy/meaty. And the yummy garlic sauce (not for the faint of heart)! 2) Tzatziki - perfectly tart and yogurty. This pairs really well with the sandwich. Sometimes i wish it had less cucumber chunks. 3) Spicy Feta - perfect consistency. Always a nice addition. read more

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Ava W.

11 months ago

Absolutely incredible. Everything was flavorful and seasoned perfectly. I got the chicken kabob bowl and it was perfect. Can't recommend this place enough. Their Egyptian coffee is also really good! Such a good find. read more

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Ahmed S.

121

2 years ago

Amazing food , great to find and authentic Egyptian restaurant when traveling , the owner EL was very friendly and treated us well , the macarona bechemel was one of the best I have ever had , coming from California that a big win for them , I would def come back and if you are in Dc this place is a most visit read more

Fava Pot - App menu - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fava Pot - Lemon mint - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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S A L.

2 years ago

When you walk in it is a small quant shop that gives off perfect Egyptian vibes. The food was top notch!!! The service was amazing. The owner was the kindest man and told me about the best food to get. It was as authentic as it comes. I highly recommend this place. I wish one was closer to us. I'd be there all the time. read more

Fava Pot - Koshary Bowl with kotfa, falafel, Spicy Chicken with Zaatar Bowl - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Julia N.

3 years ago

I've said it once and I'll say it again, Fava Pot is one of DCs best casual restaurants. The falafel sandwich is consistently delicious, it's a definite star and I think Chef Dina deserves Michelin Guide attention. They are filled with acidic pickled onions & beets, fresh greens and herbs, crispy, nutty, & herbaceous fava falafel, drizzled with a delicious creamy tahini sauce all sitting atop a smear of hummus inside a warm house made pita (aish baladi)....it's everything and more! It's a generous portion, which I appreciate. It's hearty and filling, so if you're not so hungry, you can easily split with a friend/partner. If one person just eats a half pita, then it is similar (except bigger) to the other popular local falafel spots, & in this case, super affordable and packing a major punch on quality and taste! Clearly, I love Fava Pot! Thank you, as always, for your delicious food. read more

Fava Pot - Falafel sandwich - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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RedFish B.

1 year ago

Authentic Egyptian dishes as good as my Egyptian mother's! Always a truly delightful meal over the several years I have been coming here. Egyptian food is a perfect blend of Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine. The macaroni with béchamel (pastitsio) here is an absolute must-try -- savory, comforting pasta layers, rich ground meat, and a luscious béchamel sauce. The kofta or chicken bowls are also standouts -- tender, perfectly seasoned meat, char-grilled to perfection, paired with a medley of hummus, fresh parsley, and seasoned onions. The spices are just right, and an tahini add on gives another burst of flavor. The falafel, green inside with parsley and lava beans, and moist (rather than dry) is a tasty treat. Whether you're a longtime lover of Egyptian cuisine or a first-timer, this spot is a true culinary gem that elevates fast-casual dining to an entirely new level. The quality is exceptional. The prices are more than reasonable for the portion sizes. An $18 kofta bowl provided two meals- a full dinner and lunch the next day (and I finish a Chipotle bowl in one sitting), so came to $9 per meal. A generous serving of macaroni with béchamel is only $15, a steal for an incredibly labor intensive dish, and large enough portion for a full meal. The space is inviting with several tables inside. The walls are covered with famous Egyptian writers, singers, and athletes. The owner is friendly, warm and welcoming. When I came in to place a preorder for pickup later, he told me I could do it online next time, but coming in was nice because he got to see me twice! So kind. I prefer to support small, local businesses, like this one. If you're in the mood for something unique, delicious, and satisfying, this place definitely won't disappoint! read more

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Emily H.

520

2 years ago

The food was so yummy! Customer service in the store was quite rude, but I would go back for the food

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Violet E.

165

435

3 years ago

Fava Pot has great food that is super flavorful! They have little kiosks to use when you walk in, and I was greeted by the staff. I had an issue with the kiosk and they were quick to help ring me up at the register. I appreciated their kindness and quick service. Their chicken sandwich was super flavorful. My partner said that the liver bowl wasn't bad either if you had the appetite for it. I would definitely come again! read more

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Kareem T.

1722

335

3355

4 years ago

DC RESIDENTS & OFFICE EMPLOYEES!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! You've got FAVA POT ! It's not their first location in DC they have the pop up at Union Market but this is the full experience of Fava Pot !! Want a cheap GOOD lunch? Sorry my friend you won't find that anywhere specially with inflation and ... oh I forgot we can't talk politics, whatever! Here you can find the BEST VALUE for your Dollar for the BEST LUNCH you can ever have! -Fresh -Tasy - Healthy - Affordable with the best value for your dollar - made with Love - FAST DELIVERY from Favapot.com !! Because They deliver it themselves!! - amazing customer service! read more

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Nathanael A.

2 years ago

Great traditional food and drinks, friendly chef! Everything was fresh and hot and made to order! read more

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Christine J.

144

486

379

3 years ago

Tasty chicken and rice bowls! I love their garlic sauce. I for some reason felt like the quality at the Union market location when it was open was better than the main location. But still would recommend! read more

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Madeleine W.

3 years ago

My first time trying Egyptian food but I came here with a friend who has had authentic Egyptian food before. I would say it was yummy. The Koshary is very carb heavy but that was expected. My friend said it seemed healthier than the authentic street dish which is typically more fried. The Kunafa was good but not as sweet as expected. We dined in and it was pretty quiet. There are self order kiosks so as for service, there wasn't much interaction with the workers. read more

Fava Pot - Kunafa - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Bryan M.

403

3 years ago

I'm new to Egyptian food for sure. My pita bread sandwich, a HAWASHEI, was delicious. And huge. Took half of it home. Wife's classic falafel sandwich was very good, as I did sample a falafel ball from it. Made from fava beans, so that's a little different source of materials from a std falafel sandwich (chickpea?) Again, another huge sandwich. We ordered the Spicy Feta Cheese.....and it was OK. Probably will try something else next time. Very nice staff, for sure. We will be back! read more

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Nitaya C.

Elite 23

203

597

4 years ago

We had just landed in DC and ordered takeout. I ended up ordering the lamb chops with stuffed grape leaves. Going into the restaurant, we were hit with the most delicious smells! I immediately felt hungry. The cashier and servers were all very kind, and got our food out to us fairly quickly. I really loved all the flavors, the liver appetizer ended up being my favorite. It came with some pita bread type stuff, such a great combination with the liver and tzaziki sauce. Everything was good, the stuffed grape leaves were a hit. I would definitely go back and try some other things. What a great first time experience with Egyptian food! read more

Fava Pot - Lamb chops with stuffed grape leaves and tzaziki - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Morgan M.

1 year ago

We were starving and running out of luck trying to find a lunch spot and stumbled upon Fava Pot. It ended up being a wonderful experience!! Elhamy gave us great service and the food was super flavorful. Definitely recommend! read more

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Sydney G.

Elite 26 All-Star

2653

1241

13777

4 years ago

Grabbed a quick bite to eat here while I was in the neighborhood the other day. I got the Classic falafal sandwich (fava beans fried and canola oil topped with tomatoes, red onions, organic spring mix, and tahini sauce). It was very delicious and super filling. I like the falafel is different than a lot of falafel you get and it was fun to see them in the open kitchen prepping the falafel when I ordered it. I also got an order of the stuffed grape leaves (grape leaves stuffed with rice, ground beef, onions and spices, cooked in broth) which were fantastic. I get grape leaves/dolma anywhere I see them on the menu and he's are definitely in my top five. read more

Fava Pot - Stuffed grape leaves - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fava Pot - Falafal sandwich - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fava Pot - Iced hibiscus tea - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Joanne L.

Elite 24

108

307

616

4 years ago

So blessed to have this place close to my office. I've been taking advantage of their monthly promotion for 2 months and genuinely looking forward to the next one :) The Koshary bowl is a must-try. It's a mixture of pasta and chickpeas in a garlicky tomato sauce topped with fried onion. I didn't know what to expect but was blown away by the first bite. It was simple but very flavorful, filling, and comforting. I loved the onions on top for the added crunch. The bowl was also generous in portion and I had leftovers for lunch the next day. The falafel bow is also awesome. Their falafels are made of fava beans instead of chickpeas, which made me really curious. The portion for this bowl is smaller than the Koshary but it came with roasted potatoes and tomato salad on the side. the potatoes are honestly the best part of the bowl, so soft and garlicky. The falafels tasted fine but I thought they were a bit over-fried for me. read more

Fava Pot - Falafel bowl - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Will S.

2 years ago

Wow! Came in early and the chicken wasn't ready so went for falafel. Tried a piece before taking it to go and man was it good. Would highly recommend checking out this spot. Appreciate your hospitality, Dina! read more

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Ellen M.

1 year ago

On the search for Egyptian cuisine, I stopped by FavaPot on M Street the other day before the storm and was warmly welcomed by Mr. Samuel. I ordered the fava beans with tahini and falafel to take out, but it was pouring and Mr. Samuel said I shouldn't go out in that weather. So I did what I was told and had a fabulous late lunch -- too much to finish! Everything is made in-house, including the bread. It's a tiny place, and prices are more than reasonable. The host and cook emanate the hard-to-find graciousness and warmth in DC. I look forward to going back and trying other dishes. Highly recommend! read more

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Annie R.

122

267

1998

4 years ago

I'm doing a vegan diet for the week and was in search of something satisfying. I ordered the falafel sandwich. Their falafel was super fresh! And the veggies and sauce within the pita made the flavors pop even more! I was super full and satisfied! read more

Fava Pot - the interior of a coffee shop - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Paul C.

1 year ago

Omg just go. The food was great. We ate in and loved the vibe. What a great little spot. It's a kiosk order place, so don't expect full wait staff but the staff was helpful and personable. Great little spot. read more

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Lucie B.

2 years ago

Had takeout from Fava and ordered the vegan Koshari bowl. It was perfect. Also came with hot sauce to spice it up. Yum. Highly recommend.

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Dane C.

1 year ago

I eat here usually at least once a week for lunch. The food and drinks are great. Prices are slightly high considering ambience and tiny staff. Definitely recommended overall, especially compared with all these phony taco and endless bowl places (The Angry Jerk, Seoul Spice, etc.). read more

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Angelica G.

2 years ago

Customer service was amazing. Instantly greeted by the chef and got recommendations of what to try! The food was amazing, chicken kabob bowl was yummy! And it's a cute little place! Definitely recommend! read more

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C C.

2 years ago

Very good, fresh food. So happy i found this gem! Great for vegetarians and vegans. Friendly staff

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Laura B.

Elite 24

3 years ago

Picked up a falafel and roasted potato bowl for lunch, the food was fresh, delicious and perfectly seasoned. The pickup experience was smooth and the store was nice, would definitely be a good spot to eat in as well. read more

Fava Pot - falafel bowl over roasted potatoes - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Uma T.

3 years ago

Quick and easy to order online! We ordered the baba ghanoush, Mediterranean salad with falafel, and koshary. All were delicious - the baba ghanoush was super flavorful and the pomegranate molasses really came through. My favorite was the hearty koshary which I tried for the first time ever! read more

Fava Pot - Mediterranean Salad w/ Falafel - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Juer Y.

2 years ago

Cute little restaurant owned by an Egyptian family. Love their chicken bowl and the mint lemonade. Very fresh ingredients! Service is very attentive, owners are very kind read more

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Daniel R.

188

536

1934

4 years ago

Absolutely delicious food in a great space! Highly recommend the koshary, which has delicious caramelized onions. You can find them on the Too Good To Go app as well! read more

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Ramia B.

Elite 21

100

195

567

4 years ago

I am so happy to have this place open in DC, I have visited Cairo before and that restaurant Gave me the same amazing vibes. The owner and head chef Dina was super sweet inviting and hospitable along with her business partner. They recommended dishes and asked what we thought about the food and had a friendly conversation with us. The interior of the place is super cool it features old/modern Egypt. We ordered the foul dish and that was extremely delicious with a fresh baked traditional Egyptian bread and some delicious fresh toppings. The lemon mint drink is highly recommended super refreshing and you can tell they used fresh mint. For dessert we ordered the baklava and kunafa and everything was super delicious I cannot wait to try more menu items and to visit that other location in Virginia read more

Fava Pot - an old telephone on a desk - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Jennie S.

2 years ago

Stumbled upon Fava Pot on our way to another restaurant. My husband and I decided to try Fava Pot since the menu items sounded good and neither of us had eaten Egyptian cuisine before. We ordered feta hummus for our appetizer. I ordered koshary, a vegetarian dish, and my husband ordered Egyptian Liver. For dessert we tried Ali bread pudding. Everything was delicious! My husband said it was the best liver he ever had and that it was so tender. The portions are big and the food is not expensive. The bread pudding was not too sweet which I prefer. It had pistachios and raisins and was so juicy, the bread was not dry at all. The owner, El Samuel, is super nice and friendly. He's very humble, he even served us our meals. We had a wonderful meal and experience. We will definitely come back here again. read more

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Evan D.

2 years ago

Great food and staff. One of my favorite lunch spots. I recommend the kofta plate. Uniquely delicious

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Caleb P.

3 years ago

Delicious warm pita bread with a phenomenal hummus. Great environment with loud music. Amazing, quick and helpful service read more

Fava Pot - Hummus - warm pita - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fava Pot - Classic falafel - Egyptian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Back

Page 2 of 4

1817 M St NW
Washington, DC 20036
Downtown
Directions
(202) 492-6919
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.favapot.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Fava Pot open?

Fava Pot opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Fava Pot close?

Fava Pot closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Fava Pot is closed on Sunday.

Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSun Closed

Payment methods

Does Fava Pot take credit cards?

Yes, Fava Pot takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Fava Pot have catering options?

Yes, Fava Pot does have catering options.

Does Fava Pot have a drive thru?

No, Fava Pot does not have a drive thru.

Does Fava Pot serve alcohol?

Yes, Fava Pot serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Fava Pot allow dogs?

Yes, Fava Pot allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Fava Pot have bike parking?

Yes, Fava Pot has bike parking.

Does Fava Pot have outdoor seating?

Yes, Fava Pot has outdoor seating options.

Does Fava Pot have parking?

Yes, Fava Pot has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Fava Pot wheelchair accessible?

No, Fava Pot is not wheelchair accessible.

Does Fava Pot have free WiFi?

Yes, Fava Pot has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

On a Sunday evening just before 8pm, a friend brought me to King of Koshary to introduce me the…read moreeponymous Egyptian dish. At that time, the establishment only had a one other table occupied so seating occurred immediately. As I perused the menu, my focus landed on the tajins / stews. The ox tail, okra lamb, and cow feet tajins all looked delectable. I settled on the cow feet tajin ($20), served with rice. That arrived after about 10 minutes, piping hot in an earthenware bowl. Just looking at the glisten and the viscosity while spooning the stew, I could tell that the cow hocks had simmered long enough to melt and release collagen into the stew. The tendons came off the bone like the proverbial hot knife through butter. The stock proved rich in texture and flavor without overwhelming the palate. Whatever additional seasonings went into it enhanced the clear stock's savoriness without imparting a different direction to the palate. This epitomized the ostensible simplicity of a dish belying sheer time and effort to perfect a dish. As an aside, this sort of laborious effort resembled long simmered Cantonese stews that I grew up with. Hilariously enough, the only other occupied table was also an Arabic guy bringing his Asian friend along. Speaking of Arabic friends, my friend ordered the king koshary ($12) and had me try a bite. The texture contrasts of the varied grains, the crispy onions, and the savory tomato-based koshary sauce, seemed irresitible. I understood why it became a signature national dish.

Two Haiku Review:…read more Came here to try the Best koshary in NoVA. Wow, it was good. So Many other good Egyptian dishes too. The Owner is so nice!

Kings Koshary (Vegan)

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Fava Pot

4.6(504 reviews)

8.6 mi

We had such a lovely breakfast here to kick off our DC adventures. We were trying to take our kids…read moreto as many different cuisines as we could during our time in the city. Our breakfast consisted of a large set spread of savory and sweet Egyptian eats paired with a coffee ceremony (baba, pastries, pita, you name it). Our table of four gobbled up every bite. This spot feels like you're eating in someone's kitchen - very cozy and homey. This is a great spot if you're looking for a healthy meal, vegan options, family-style eating, etc. The service was somewhat slow but warm - no complaints. Bonus: We also loved the educational decor in the bathrooms.

Loved the chicken kabob here & the season was amazing. Service was friendly! I thought at first…read morethis would be an upscale place but it's more of a cafe vibe where you can select your seat and order online. Parking is abundant !

Catering

Hawawshi

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Iced Hibiscus Tea

Albi

4.6(477 reviews)

3.2 mi•Navy Yard

•$$$$

One of the best meals of my life, period. Dish after dish blew me away. The lamb flatbread was the…read morefirst course and all of us were speechless. The pita and hummus with the labneh was a top 3 bite of all time. By the end, we were all completely stuffed until the knafeh arrived. Then a second wind overtook us all and we nearly ate the whole thing. Service was outstanding. We arrived at our table with a handwritten note to us celebrating our time with them for the occasion (it was a going away dinner for a few of us). We were given recommendations on drink pairings and each dish was explained. Whenever someone would get up to use the bathroom for example, their hand towel was changed for a clean one. Albi lives up to every expectation and recommendation it has. I would be hard pressed to find another restaurant let alone in DC, in the country that could take its spot on the podium.

Celebrated a birthday at Albi and the meal did not disappoint. We started with the oyster, embered…read moreover coals in arak butter and trout roe, and the Jericho dates, blistered with ras el hanout and brown butter, for something sweet to balance things out. The gambari, a whole prawn embered over coals with heirloom tomato daqqa, shatta labne and habanada, was a standout. We also had the maqluba, softshell crab upside down rice with embered corn and crab fat yogurt, crispy and packed with flavor. Everything here reflects the care that's gone into this menu: bold flavors, beautiful plating, and dishes clearly made for sharing. A memorable birthday dinner.

Bathroom

Rosewater meringue + walnuts in honey syrup

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Mocktail

Mama Ayesha's Restaurant

4.0(618 reviews)

1.2 mi•Adams Morgan

The food at Mama Ayesha's was delicious, and packed full of flavor! The service was also…read moregreat--very attentive and kind. The restaurant itself is a bit dated, both the patio and dining room. It looks like the decor hasn't been refreshed in a few decades. Mouzat, 5/5, delicious, tender lamb with seasoned rice Maklouba, 5/5, tender chicken that fell off the bone with delicious rice and vegetables Pomtini, 2/5, somehow tasted like Hi-C or some kind of chemical citrus

This is my new favorite restaurant. It's tasty. Clean. The staff is excellent. The food is…read moreincredible. My wife loved it too. So, yes I'm looking forward to going back there.

Ceiling

Arabic Rice Pudding

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Kalaya

Maydan

4.3(1.4k reviews)

1.1 mi

•$$$$

Genuinely beautiful. The food was amazing. Service was attentive and friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed…read morethis. Star of the show was definitely the lamb tagine. However, the halloumi and scallop were impeccable as well I will be back for Many more visits as my wallet allows.

Holy Toledo! You can't get much better than this. Maydan offers delicious middle eastern food set…read morein two different dining rooms, both unique, cozy, and beautiful. We dined on the Medina side. The room was wonderfully decorated, styled like a royal palace in a desert oasis. Only complaint -- the room was too cold (coming from someone who loves frigid temperatures). The other indoor seating option, which appears to be their main room, surrounds the central pit. The restaurant host (or manager) was incredibly kind and gave us a tour. I think the other seating option was better. Regardless, the food was top notch! We got their Tawle (tasting menu) with wine pairings. We also opted for their lamb shoulder. It was well worth the upgrade! Juicy, charred, and well seasoned. There were so many leftovers, too. I can't wait to return!

Wood oven front and center

Shrimp

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Spiced chocolate mousse

Sababa

4.2(378 reviews)

2.1 mi

While visiting friends in Washington, DC, they took us to Sababa, and wow--what an incredible…read moreexperience. I can absolutely understand why it earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. Sababa serves authentic Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine with amazing ingredients and bold, fresh flavors. The menu is designed for sharing, making it easy to try a little bit of everything. We started with several small plates, and they were all fantastic. The Israeli salad was crisp, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The roasted carrot salad was a table favorite, and the fried Brussels sprouts with cinnamon yogurt completely stole the show for me. The combination of flavors was unexpected but perfectly balanced. For my entrée, I had the lamb kebabs, and they were cooked to perfection. The steak kebab was another favorite at our table, and two of our friends shared the Jerusalem Mixed Grill, which was also excellent--especially the beef kofta. The portions are on the smaller side, but after sharing several appetizers, they felt just right. If you're extra hungry, the Mixed Grill could easily be enjoyed by one person. The service was phenomenal from beginning to end. We were warmly welcomed, checked on throughout the meal, and genuinely felt taken care of. One thing I especially appreciated was how clearly the menu labels vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. As someone who is gluten intolerant, I always notice and appreciate restaurants that make dining easier for everyone. This was easily one of my favorite meals during our trip. Every dish was thoughtful, flavorful, and beautifully executed. I would absolutely come back and highly recommend it to anyone visiting DC.

THIS IS A MUST WHEN IN D.C.!!! Food, service & ambiance…read moreAs soon as you walk in, you are immediately greeted by a kind host who Sababa doesn't just serve food! As a vegetarian. It delivers a masterclass in balance, pairing rich, savory options with bright, acidic quick-pickled vegetables and so many options. From the moment the warm pita hits the table alongside a vibrant array of dips (eggplant, labne with garlic, hummus, etc), you know you are in for an authentic culinary journey. The hummus is impossibly smooth, swirling with high-quality olive oil. Our server, Kristin, was sooo pleasant! Fast and efficient.

Look what we did!!

Grilled Broccoli

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Seating

Villa Yara

4.2(282 reviews)

0.8 mi•Georgetown

Went to this restaurant because I was interested in their manti (dumplings) and Tabbouleh salad. So…read moreI made a reservation for lunch, but these items were not on the lunch menu -- note that on their website there was only main menu and weekend brunch menu. Luckily, the manager asked the kitchen to do a special order for me, so I was able to try both of them! Moreover, when he learned that I wanted to make the manti, he even carefully explained to me how it was cooked! Thanks a lot!!! The Yara's Manti was basically small, boat shaped, half-covered dumplings baked in oil, then topped with yogurt and pine nuts. This is completely different from how Turkish or Afghan manti is made, thus having a different flavor as well. The baking procedure gave some crispiness to the dumplings, while the oil helped them to maintain sufficient moisture. These dumplings went well with the yogurt; I also tried sprinkling some sumac on them and it was great. However, the yogurt tend to get mixed with the oil when you move the dumplings. it would be better if they serve the dumplings (and toppings) in a separate, heated container. Yara's Tabbouleh is a creative twist to the traditional Tabbouleh. Besides the usual ingredients, there were diced beets and pomegranate arils. Both added some refreshing sweetness to the salad, and the beets also some hint of earthiness. The freshly baked pita was also delicious. Each piece weighed ~55-65g and was topped with sumac. Paired well with the other two dishes. The restaurant had a beautiful decor. At lunchtime there were not many people so it was relatively quiet. I will go there again the next time I visit DC! And I want to thank the resturant again for offering me the opportunity to try these dishes!

Food is easily a 4.5-5 stars and really enjoyable so if I recommended based on just food alone, yes…read more100% go there. Their hummus was creamy and in my top 5 of the DMV thus far. Their mandu dumplings are extremely flavorful and their za'atar flatbread is simple but perfectly crisp and spiced. There were some hiccups with brunch when I went. My first pet peeve is when a menu online lies and they changed their AYCE (which is why we went) to a more expensive pick 3 items type thing (it is full portions so still filling but was disappointing). It was hard for us to get service, our drink was priced incorrectly on it, and it took some hounding to get some of our dishes out (I think our server forgot to put one in and just said it takes a while/ we had finished the rest of our food practically). I'd come back and try again at least because their food is flavorful and good.

6.9 mi•Old Town Alexandria

Bar area

Complimentary bread and olives

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Outside Patio

Elaine’s

4.0(152 reviews)

If you're looking for a dining experience that feels like a warm hug from someone's grandmother,…read morelook no further. This Mediterranean treasure sitting along the Alexandria waterfront is everything a great restaurant should be. The concept here is simple and beautiful: recipes passed down and made completely from scratch. Don't skip the traditional hummus. I was skeptical about the halloumi goulash because of the fruit but somehow... it works! Both entrees: salmon and lamb chops were delicious. Allie was both the perfect server and drink (ask for her signature punch). They also create award-winning martinis; ask for one!

I felt the host really tried to talk up the fact that they one best something.... I can't even…read moreremember.... Long explanation on the menu. It was like someone was trying to convince me that the place was great. Beet salad was incredibly underwhelming, and even looked unappetizing upon arrival. Nice musical playlist though, and overall space. I wouldn't go back to dine though...

Our elegant and cozy dining room downstairs.

Only on our lunch, delivery, and takeout menu. Middle Eastern Lamb & Beef Sandwich with Fries

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Our new dessert! Poached Pear in Spiced White Wine, Pistachio Crumple, and Mascarpone Whipped Cream

Imperfecto

3.9(238 reviews)

0.4 mi•West End

•$$$$

I was honestly blown away by Imperfecto. My husband and I dined there a few weeks ago for my…read morebirthday and I went in to it with modest expectations given some of the criticisms I saw here. But wow, I'm glad that didn't scare us off. The atmosphere is beautiful, classy but inviting. The service was wonderful. And most importantly, the food was incredible. We had the tasting menu and every dish knocked it out of the park. It's hard to describe but I almost felt like every dish was so genuine? Like it wasn't trying too hard to be unique --which I feel like some fine dining places do given how competitive it is. Each bite was so thoughtful, flavorful and authentic. The lamb was a definite favorite of ours but the standout was actually the dessert --it was like this chocolate 7 ways...it was INSANE. And normally I don't care that much about dessert but this was so good. I can't stop thinking about it. Also our cocktails were delicious. My husband got the Plum Blossom and I had the Little Venice (pictured). So good!!

Imperfecto is a one star Michelin star restaurant specializing in Mediterranean/Latin fusion…read morecuisine. It is located a few blocks from the Washington circle park in Washington DC Service is excellent with attentive and friendly staff, from the hostess welcoming you, to the manager and al the way to the servers. The ambiance is relatively casual, with comfortable, nautical theme of blue and white decor with gold accents. Easy listening music set the stage for a comfortable dining experience, either with coworkers or for a special night out. Their wine and alcoholic drinks selection was wide and their mocktails were equally as interesting. You can definitely see the interesting Mediterranean/Latin fusion in all the dishes. From the ingredients and spices picked for each, to the presentation and flavor profiles, it all screams fusion. Even though we didn't go for the chef's tasting this time, our party got to try and share quite a few dishes.: To start, we were received by a mushroom and truffle cream soup shot. Tasty and creamy, great way to open the appetite. For the appetizer round we ordered the moussaka cigars and falafel. The moussaka cigars were perfectly delicate and airy, yet flavorful, stuffed with eggplant and ground lamb and pine nuts, served with a creamy manchego goat cheese dip to balance the crispy, fluffy phyllo dough. The falafel was equally delicate and light, served with a Latin tahini spiced with sumac and cinnamon. For the main course, we got to try three different dishes: The mushroom risotto - very interesting flavor profile. The crispy fried maitake mushrooms topped the perfectly cooked, creamy risotto, which was surprisingly acidic in a very refreshing way. The lechón was delicious. A generous portion of tender, fall off the bone, suckling pig, including a super crispy skin, served on a date mole with zucchini blossom and a side of zucchini salad with radish, olives and pepitas, definitely stole the show. The only criticism I would have is the zucchini blossom was a bit too oily probably due to the drench they used before frying. Other than that, it was a really well balanced dish. The Lamb terrine was served on top of potato puree, red cabbage confit and lamb juice topped with generous shavings of black truffle. Beautiful to eat with your eyes and equally as delicious on the pallad. For dessert we ordered the pistachio and yoghurt dresser with consisted of a delicious salty pistachio ice cream served with a dulce the leche foam and yogurt, served on a raspberry sauce and topped with a crispy Mille-feuille cookie. Fascinating dessert and incredibly well balanced. The sweetness of the Dulce the leche foam was expertly balanced by the pistachio ice cream and the raspberry sauce provided some acidity. The cookie gave a textural component much needed by all the other soft/smooth elements. Definitely try it out if it's on the menu. I would definitely recommend Imperfecto. I know I'd come back!

Interior at night

Chefs table: beef tartare

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Amuse bouche

Akivva Grill

4.6(152 reviews)

4.4 mi

I am a big fan of Golden Corral (I know, I know!) but it's pretty far from where I live. This week…read moreI wanted to eat closer to home, and food with actual flavor. LOL. After reading reviews, I ended up here at Akivva Grill. I ordered a bowl with a mix of bulgar pilav and Turkish salad, beef and lamb doner, tabbouleh, onion, chickpeas, beets, and Tzatziki. I also had a chicken Pida. So fresh tasting and delicious! My only complaint is that I was going in expecting to pay the prices listed on the Akivva Grill site, but the actual prices in the restaurant are a bit more.

Another visit and another amazing food and service. Forget about other places, this is the place to…read moremake you satisfied and eat yummy food.