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    ilili DC

    4.4 (743 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

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    Recommended Reviews - ilili DC

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    Hummus
    Lia M.

    I was so excited for ilili. I'd been a few years prior for a private event and everything was fantastic. But I went with a friend for dinner and didn't love it, and given the price, it should have been excellent. I loved the vibe and service was friendly. It's pretty inside. I ordered the Keraz Carciofi Negroni, pointing to the mocktail version. I didn't even realize there was a cocktail version and that's what they gave me. Why you would a have cocktail and mocktail with the same name is beyond me. I got lightheaded and dizzy almost immediately, but I couldn't taste alcohol, so I thought it was because I hadn't eaten, especially as I felt fine once I started eating. So this also tells me that the cocktail version is poorly made. I was definitely charged for the cocktail version. We ordered the Lebanese Journey tasting menu. Nothing really wowed, except for the bread, baba ghanoush, and mouhamara. The mouhamara surprised me because it is usually not my favorite but this version was delicious. Lamb was tasty but not good enough that I'd return for it. For a tasting menu to just have two mezeh standouts, on top of an improperly made mocktail, I'd not return to ilili.

    Lisa G.

    Really enjoyed lunch at ilili last week. The service was honestly one of the best parts of the experience. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome without being too over the top. The food was good across the board. We ordered a mix of dishes to share and really liked the kibbeh, meatballs, and whole fish. The portions were solid, the presentation was beautiful, and everything came out fresh. The restaurant itself is also really pretty and has a nice atmosphere for a lunch date or catching up with friends. Not quite a perfect experience for me personally, but definitely a strong 4 stars and I'd go back again.

    Iftaar assortment
    Jihan N.

    This was the first time I tried this restaurant and I'm glad I did. We opted for the Iftaar set menu even though we were pass the time. They accommodated our group of 4 and we were very happy. There was so much food offered and honestly I can't even remember all the names but I'll try to mention a few that kept me wanting coming back. - The lamb leg with rice - gosh my favorite x Stuffed dates Hummus Eggplant Lentil soup So many more other things I can't remember. The waiter was very attentive and we felt very well taken care of. They did not rush us or anything and our girls evening was just wonderful. The food is fresh , flavorful and amazing. I definitely want to Go back to try more dishes. The ambience is definitely vibe and we enjoyed all the hustle and bustle of the restaurant. Amazing place all around!

    Thank you sorbet
    Candy M.

    I took a good friend last night for an early father's day dinner. Due to the crowds at the Wharf parking took longer than normal. They were very accommodating for that. Upon arriving at the restaurant there was no waiting we were taken to our table. The waiter was very helpful and attentive regarding the menu and specials not on the menu. We ordered a mixture of hot and cold mezza plates to share at the table. I initially ordered a mocktail that was good then we ordered wine. My friend ordered a glass of the red table wine however in my case my palate was off last night because every wine before settling on the chardonnay was clashing with the food. For the meal we ordered the mixed meat plate with suppose to be roasted veggies. The veggies were odd they seemed pickled and not roasted. The meat with the warm bread and dirty rice were good. We didnt order any dessert. I gave 4 because of the veggies and wine selections.

    Alison M.

    Ilili was cute! Great location beside The Anthem at The Wharf and service was excellent, attentive and extremely competent with ability to make recommendations and discuss, in-depth, menu choices. We chose to go lighter and eat after our show at nearby Anthem. So, we got the fattoush salad, the lamb and beef meatballs, and rice. Paired with their warm pita bread, this was more than enough of a fill us up and the meatballs were served with delicious, warm cherries that I probably could've eaten by themselves. Our server was elegant and knowledgable about the menu and easily about to answer all questions and make suggestions for us. As we were seeing a show at The Anthem we had a "hard stop" time and we easily met this and were on our way. Would come back again for sure.

    Kelsey R.

    We went to Ilili because our Uber driver recommended to stop by here. We were not disappointed at all. The food was excellent and the presentation of the food was beautiful. We had the lamb, which the meat itself just melted off of the bone, and the duck shawarma with pita. All the flavors hit the spot, the staff was kind and attentive. The place itself was hip and off of the water. The price of the items on the menu was a bit higher than we normally spend, however it was worth it!

    Duck Shawarma
    Ying X.

    Dining with my friend on Lebanese cuisine was a delightful culinary adventure filled with surprises and delights. Moussaka: A classic Lebanese dish. Eggplant and hummus were simmered until soft and flavorful, with a subtle smoky aroma. The addition of mint leaves enhanced the flavor. Bone Marrow: Beef tartare with bone marrow and pomegranate seeds--how interesting! The first two provided a rich, fatty texture and intense aroma, while the latter burst in your mouth occasionally, juicy, tangy, and refreshing. Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts with grapes, walnuts, fig jam, and mint yogurt--a whimsical yet magical combination... The Brussels sprouts offered a fresh, vegetal aroma and a slightly roasted aroma; the walnuts provided a nutty richness and crunch; the fruit provided a fresh sweet and sour taste and plenty of juice; and the yogurt acted as a binder between the flavors while adding a touch of minty coolness. Duck Shawarma: My friend and I thought: ...Peking duck? The skin was soft, the meat tender, not gamey, with a subtle smoky flavor; the fig and lemon sauce was sweet and refreshing; the small pita pillows held the meat securely, better than the lettuce what might have been too cold. Lamb Stuffed Grape Leaves: Black rice was wrapped in grape leaves and simmered with minced lamb. The rice absorbed the fragrance of the grape leaves, similar to lotus leaves (my friend and I thought: lamb version of sticky rice chicken糯米雞...?). The lamb, however, was served separately at the bottom of the pot and didn't absorb much flavor; overall, it was intensely sour. In short, this dish was a bit oddly designed, and it was the only one we didn't finish because the sourness was unbearable. Pita Bread: The bread was thin yet chewy, with a rough, slightly powdery surface, making it substantial and satisfying. I especially loved the "everything wrapped in a big pancake" style! This restaurant is located on the wharf near the Potomac River and boasts beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows. The spring sunlight streamed in softly.

    Ken N.

    The food is excellent and the service was fantastic. Highly recommend this restaurant! It's a bit louder than expected but the food and service more than made up! Great for a family or date night.

    Zack G.

    Middle Eastern restaurant that was ranked #7 on Yelp's national restaurant ratings. The place is slightly upscale and stylish, and the prices reflect this. The menu is comprised of a bunch of tapas-style dishes, but they have some larger dishes as well I came here with my fiancé for dinner on a Friday night and we split 4 different dishes: hummus, Brussel sprouts, duck schwarma, & meatballs. They were all solid, but best by far was the Brussel sprouts. Service was extremely fast, friendly, and on top of things

    Varsha S.

    I would rate this a 3.5 rounded up to a 4. This restaurant has a really cute, upscale interior and the servers are very nice and knowledgeable when it comes to describing their dishes and making recommendations. Kahwa x Shay- their version of an espresso martini. It was the perfect balance of alcohol, bitterness from the espresso, but some sweet/spice as well. So good! Mouhamara- a great dip to try if you want to branch out of the traditional hummus! The sweetness of the pomegranate was a great touch. King prawns- these were delicious! The shrimp was nice and tender and I liked the sauce. Cod- the fish was cooked perfectly. I will say the acidity of the tomatoes and the sauce was a tad bit much for me, but I enjoyed the fish itself. Overall a super cute spot in dc!!

    Hummus with Lamb Confit, Smoked Beets, and Fattoush
    Tiffany E.

    AMAZING! I have been to ilili before with family and we were a large group. It wasn't as memorable as my dinner with my sister recently. Dimitri, our waiter was really helpful in helping us picking unforgettable dishes. We started off with the hummus with Lamb confit. So good, and like Dimitri said, game changer. 5/5! We enjoyed the fattoush salad and smoked beets with the burrata in side together. So sweet and fresh! Both 5/5 Then we had the Brussels sprouts and carrots! 5/5! Generous portion sizes. My sister went home and devoured the rest of her share of the Brussel sprouts. I was close to doing the same! The grilled octopus is so delicious! The sauce and smoky taste is incredible! 5/5 The service was amazing, everyone is so attentive, making sure out glass is full of water or the zero proof drinks we got... my sister enjoyed her grapefruit soda and loved my sweet berry hibiscus drink. Will be returning!

    Sneha W.

    The place is beautiful and the staff is very polite. They're very welcoming to say the least. Our server was so well spoken - I've not met one in recent memory. The menu has a few different styles of food available. The hummus, falafel, duck shawarma, lamb burger - and all the dips we ordered were amazing. The bread came in nice and warm wrapped up in the napkins. Really good! The baklava was outstanding. The best thing on the menu!! It was quite an experience.

    Abdou B.

    First time trying this place on my bday while in dc. Great atmosphere and location. Not too loud or crowded. Large variety of options on the menu however some were not wow, still very good and i would recommend

    Duck Shawarma

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    ilili DC Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - ilili DC

    How many ounces is the lamb shank? Can it feed 2 people?

    I have been there twice and had it on both occasions, shared amongst two. It was just enough. Of course we also had some other great things as well. But yes, eating it alone might be too much.

    Hello would it be appropriate to wear formal attire here? Example suit/ dress shoes etc and gowns

    Like all of DC, you can dress up or down and it's probably okay. It's a bit of an upscale feel, but attire ranges from smart business to flip flops for the pier.

    Is this restaurant pet friendly?

    No pets. Would call about service animals.

    Does this have dress code? or casual?

    No formal dress code from restaurant but patrons tend to be on the slightly dressy side.

    Is this restaurant by reservation only or people can also walk in?

    You can walk in however if there aren't any tables available you'll have to sit at the bar. We walked in and sat at the bar. A few other people at the bar but with us it was pretty full. Don't think it would accommodate another party. If you want a… Read more

    Is the restaurant kid's friendly?

    Yes it is

    Is any of the food halal?

    Yes, all of it- my friend is muslim and they informed us that the restaurant is halal.

    Is ilili like ambar? does it have an unlimited option, one price to pay to order multiple items on the menu?

    No it's not like Ambar

    Is there outdoor seating?

    Hi Zeb, our veranda has retractable windows and a retractable roof. However they are only open weather permitting.

    Do I need to make a reservation?

    Yesss, reservations run out quick as well!

    View All 11 Questions

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    La Vie - Rice ball appetizer...delicious!

    La Vie

    3.9(1.4k reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$$

    Tbh, this is one of the best places I've ever eaten at!…read more Let's start out with the service! The service was amazing! Juan & Will made sure our bottomless mimosas were truly bottomless, our plates were never empty on the table, and that they were attentive to our needs! The view from our seats over looking the wharf was amazing and the overall decor just added to the experience. The buffet plus the family style plates that come to the table had a good variety and everything was tasty. We had a group of 10 and it was such a seamless experience. I'm upset I don't have more pictures because the ones I do have are only the surface.

    Happy hour. Decent prices and lasts until 7pm. It's a very…read morehigh end place and normal SW DC residents can't really afford it. Last time I dined at La Vie, was when I proposed to my wife in 2019. It was an amazing expirenced and very special occasion (for me) with amazing food and customer service. Our expirence at HH today was no different. We had a group of 5 and sat that the bar. The drinks and food HH specials are decently priced. The same quality you would receive if it weren't HH. Very friendly, attentive, polite. Just seemed like an all around nice guy and. True professional. It was impressive just watching him craft cocktails. Marvin was our server and gave us complimentary tasting of the "Marvin Margaritas" his own made up concoction of Passion fruit juice margarita. It was exquisite! We were all pleasantly surprised for the complementary tasting. But more surprised as how good it tasted. Hands down one of the best margaritas I had ever tasted. This should be on the main drinks menu. (Marvin's true calling is a mixologist) We were a small group of people and just did appetizers and cocktails. We really enjoyed catching up. But the way Marvin treated us middle class customers, He makes you feel like you are a VIP! He just scored 5 loyal customers and I plan on visiting him again at HH on Tuesdays when my schedule permits. La Vie is truly high end, the decor, the amazing views, the service and the food and beverages! The place is immaculate. If you or your friend like to take selfies, this restaurant is full of amazing backgrounds, from the windows overlooking the wharf to the hallways.

    Photos
    La Vie - Part of restaurant

    Part of restaurant

    La Vie - Prawn ala genovesa

    Prawn ala genovesa

    La Vie - View from where we were seated

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    View from where we were seated

    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!

    Photos
    Zaytinya
    Zaytinya
    Zaytinya - Spreads & Bread

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    Spreads & Bread

    Albi - Brussel sprouts

    Albi

    4.6(472 reviews)
    1.4 miNavy Yard
    $$$$

    My wife and I have been trying for a long time to grab a dinner reservation at Albi and we've never…read morehad any luck. So for my birthday, we decided to walk in right when they opened to try our luck. Lucky for us, the staff was super nice and were able to accommodate us with a table near the bar. We went for their multi-course Sofra meal and their wine flight (pairing?). Every course was amazing. Our favorites were the meat pies, bread and hummus course, the lamb kabobs, and the desserts! Really we loved every single thing and the wine pairings were on point. Service was amazing and everyone we interacted with was some warm and welcoming. Definitely one of my favorite meals I've had in a while and will come back as soon as possible. Parking can be rough Friday-Sunday but there is a few garages nearby.

    Craving for some Middle Eastern eats, we decided to check out Albi…read more We started off with: +the Crispy Kibbeh - kibbeh is one of my favorite snacks, so I was excited to find these on the menu +Jericho Dates - blistered, and prepared with ras el hanout and brown butter +the Mushrooms Lightly Smoked on hummus - with confit egg yolk and black garlic; served with wood-fired potato pita +and, the Sfeeha - wood-fired lamb meat pies, topped with toum and lemon juice For our mains, we ordered: +the BBQ'D Lamb Kebabs - marinated in dill yogurt +the Maqluba - softshell crab upside down on rice with ramps and crab fat yogurt; served with crab dagga gazawiya smashed tomatillo, dill seed, and chilis; note that this dish runs out Service was friendly, and the space is cozy and intimate; loved the seating setup and the coal fire oven! We were thinking of trying out the Sofra, but we decided to order a la carte; maybe next time! Metered and garage parking in the area. +shareables +friendly staff +metered and garage parking available

    Photos
    Albi - Bathroom

    Bathroom

    Albi - Rosewater meringue + walnuts in honey syrup

    Rosewater meringue + walnuts in honey syrup

    Albi - Mocktail

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    Mocktail

    Falafel Inc - Vegan shawarma bowl

    Falafel Inc

    4.6(244 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $

    I must say that this location has changed my opinion of the restaurant after a poor encounter at…read moreanother location. This location was much better and their staff were very friendly and helpful. It's a large location and who wouldn't want to grab a bite here and then find a seat at the beautiful waterfront. I ordered the falafel bowl with a side of hummus. Let's just say that for $5 that bowl was extremely generous in quantity and the fresh quality of each item was AMAZING! I thoroughly enjoyed my bowl. The side of hummus was sinfully good! Something I wouldn't mind ordering again to enjoy with their delicious pita chips Overall, I don't think I'll be visiting any other location but this one because they were fantastic!

    This is one of my go to's and will continue to be! Love their falafel sandwich (with pickles!) and…read morefries. Appreciate you can try different sauces to dip your fries or add to your sandwich or bowls. Only reason they didn't get a 5 star on this last visit was how long it took to get our order. It was a Saturday night, so we did mobile ordering and pickup. It said it would be ready within 3-15 minutes. I arrived 12 min after our order was placed. They were quite busy - and seemed the two employees working were a bit overwhelmed. There were a few people waiting for food, a line to order, they were out of containers for sauces, and some of the sauces were empty. I ended up waiting for an extra 25 minutes until I asked to check on an order - it was apparent from their reaction, our order got lost in the shuffle. Once they realized, they made it right away, which was appreciated. However, they grabbed a bag of fries that had been sitting on the counter since I walked in - so they were cold. Good thing - they do great in the air fryer! I've never experienced these issues before and it won't stop me from returning, definitely felt like a bit of an off night for them. Solid food, great cause, and one of the best affordable options for a quick bite at the Wharf! Recommend them!

    Photos
    Falafel Inc - Menu

    Menu

    Falafel Inc - FALAFEL SANDWICH

    FALAFEL SANDWICH

    Falafel Inc - SHAWARMA SNACK WRAP ($5)

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    SHAWARMA SNACK WRAP ($5)

    Maydan - Roasted carrots

    Maydan

    4.3(1.4k reviews)
    2.8 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

    Photos
    Maydan - Wood oven front and center

    Wood oven front and center

    Maydan - Shrimp

    Shrimp

    Maydan - Spiced chocolate mousse

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    Spiced chocolate mousse

    Agora DC - Cauliflower**

    Agora DC

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    2.2 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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    Mocktail çiçek

    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon - Garlic Hommus & Baba Ghanoush at Lebanese Tavern Pentagon

    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon

    3.6(518 reviews)
    2.3 miPentagon City
    $$

    Wow... slap me now. This place was awesome. It's been several years since dining here and we showed…read moreup in a large group. First, Said was our sever and he was great. He was very responsive and made adjustments with a smile. He recommended a family meal that allowed us to taste just about everything and with generous portions. There are a variety of appetizers, kabobs, rice, salads, side dishes, lamb, chicken, beef, pita bread, etc. Our out of town guests were thoroughly impressed. I didn't see the large family style option on the menu, so, you will have to ask. If you have a large group, make sure you make reservations to hold a good spot.

    Decided to give Lebanese Taverna another shot, assuming they have taken care of those health code…read moreviolations mentioned above. Ordered the roasted beet salad, salmon harra, a glass of Chateau St. Thomas Les Emirs, a chocolate turkish coffee cake, and a glass of Ayran. Roasted beet salad: Balanced between sweet and tart from the oranges, slight pepperiness from the arugula base, a crunch from beets and sunflower seeds and brine mess from the feta. Solid overall. Salmon harra: Flaky and tender, if a little overcooked as last time, though only slightly charred and not devoid of texture. Charred squash and tomato-pepper compote were nice savory accompaniments. Chateau St. Thomas Les Emirs: A full-bodied Bekaa Valley red blend, Rhône-inspired but not a GSM; more GSCS. Not my best pairing, but I prefer fuller reds, so that's on me; it's solid regardless. Chocolate Turkish Coffee Cake: A warm (albeit slightly small) chocolate-lava style cake accompanied by cold mocha ice cream and a room temperature marshmallow crême fondant with date-orange syrup. An eloquent dessert; appreciate the temperature variation as a sensory note. Ayran: Turkish savory yogurt drink to finish. Lightly salted and well creamy, with a refreshing level of tartness; no complains, a decent Ayran. The server was also much nicer this time, which warranted the adding of an additional star. Overall, there is certainly improvement, though still room for more.

    Photos
    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon - The dining room

    The dining room

    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon - Mixed Grill Kabob

    Mixed Grill Kabob

    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon - Inside Lebanese Tavern Pentagon

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    Inside Lebanese Tavern Pentagon

    ala - GOLDEN CAULIFLOWER

    ala

    4.2(1.2k reviews)
    2.2 miDupont Circle, Downtown
    $$$

    Brunch review ahead!!!!!…read more Ambiance- perfect for a cute date, time with friends, family members, or coworkers. The ambiance welcomes it all. Hospitality- The hostess was incredibly friendly and seated us upon arrival. Waiter- Eric was an AMAZING waiter. Bubbly personality, very polite and personable. His service was definitely a 10/10 Brunch- My friend and I decided to try their Easter Sunday brunch and my only regret was not visiting here sooner and not selecting an earlier time to dine, LOL! The entire experience was phenomenal! Bottomless mimosas- SO worth the extra $ Standout dishes: Adana meatballs Braised lamb Chicken Golden cauliflower Crispy Falafel Desserts: Baklava Brownie Kadayıf Sadly we did not get to experience all of the brunch menu items because brunch ends at 3pm and our reservations were at the heel of this time. Nonetheless, the standout dishes and desserts were enough for me to come back. I've enjoyed their happy hour, cafe area, and now their brunch. Can't wait to return.

    Three stars isn't the actual rating; I'd say more 3.5. Stopped by after visiting the Dupont…read moreCircle's weekly farmer's market to try their Sunday brunch buffet. Was warmly greeted, seated, and given an overview of the menu and brunch package options; decided to opt-out of the bottomless drinks, which had an alcoholic (mimosas and Bloody Marys) and NA (juices, sodas, drip coffee and black tea), as I wanted to try their more speciality coffee and tea. The drinks I ordered were the Turkish coffee, Levantine-style tea and digestive tea. All were quite solid. The Turkish coffee was as robust as espresso, yet not overwhelmingly bitter and slightly sweetened. The Levantine tea was a smooth black tea with natural sweetness and layered with a mint steep and floral notes of hibiscus, and rose petal. The digestive was more herbaceous with fennel and pomegranate zest, in addition to a steep of spearmint. The food was more hit-or-miss. On one hand, the meat and seafood was all very delicious and well-made. The braised lamb shank is their speciality, and well-deserved, as it's moist, savory and tender. The short rib similarly so, and the chicken casserole, lamb biajeen, Adana kebab and steamed lavraki (sea bass) were all similarly flavorful. On the other hand, the sides and mezze options were more mixed; the dolmas and fresh bites cheese with za'atar/nuts were delightful, however, the borek, cheeses, and some of the dips tasted reheated and/or not super fresh, the Brussels sprouts were quite scorched, and the savory salmon waffles were bone dry and flavorless. The French onion soup had the right flavor profile, but not the intensity; it tasted watered-down and even looked it, due to the noticeable oil blebs on the surface. Dessert was similar; the melon and fruits were fresh enough, the yogurt bar was quality, the kadayif nutty with the sweetness balanced, and the layali lubnan was intoxicatingly tasty, but many of the baked goods looked rather packaged and the fondue station was mediocre. The staff, however, were extremely friendly (my special regards to Mia, she's a great conversationalist and a sweetheart!). They answered all my questions, and one of the bartenders even gave me half a lemon to zuzh up my tea with. As I said at the start, more 3.5 stars than 3 stars. The core of their offerings are all quality, so I can't quite dock them a full two stars for the food quality because they had buffets aren't usually renown for said quality. You really can't expect perfection from AYCE, even though I naturally encourage the management to avoid sourcing pre-made items from Sysco if possible. The friendly staff and eloquent Eastern Mediterranean ambiance allows me to still say I enjoyed this experience, and may be back for dinner in the future.

    Photos
    ala
    ala - Adana Kebab

    Adana Kebab

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    ilili DC - lebanese - Updated July 2026

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