La Shukran is a hidden gem. It's a very small eatery so reservations are a must - walk ups even for the bar would be difficult. It took some time for our server to come over but she was nice and attentive after that with a bubbly demeanor. The menu consists of mostly tapa size items and you're meant to share with the larger size portion items at the bottom. The drink menu was very unique, with Arak drinks (that is new for me). The cocktails we got were tasty, decently priced but not too strong. For food, we got the falafel jibne (comes with 3 so is hard to share) and it was 10/10, my favorite item. Additionally, we got the hashwei rice which was good. Kind of a smaller portion for rice - tasty but didn't really stand out. The scallops were a larger, small meal portion and while they were cooked perfectly, the dish was wayyyy too rich for me. I could only really eat half. We were surprised afterwards with the peanut butter baklava which was amazing as well. read more

La' Shukran - Middle Eastern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Yes! Yes! And more yes! La'Shukran is an absolute gem! The food is bursting with flavor, the portions are generous, and the service is warm and welcoming. The place feels like you are in a cozy oasis. Highly recommend checking them out! read more

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I came to La' Shukran for dinner earlier this year with a few friends, and I left completely wow'd! From the moment we found the tucked away entrance in an alley near Union Market, I knew we were in for something special. You walk up the striped stairs and suddenly you're in this warm, vibrant, cozy world that's as fun as it is beautiful. The staff greet you like old friends, and the energy instantly makes you feel at home. We shared a bunch of dishes as everything is designed for sharing, which I loved (and every single one was incredible). Standouts for me were the falafel jibne with trout caviar and dill yogurt (soft, fresh, and so flavorful), the BBQ maitake hummus with pomegranate balsamic (the perfect mix of sweet and savory), the hot quail with perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat, and the dumplings, which I still think about! They literally drink up all the broth and are pure comfort on a plate. The lamb fried rice and the oysters with citrus and serrano mignonette were also phenomenal. For dessert, the knafeh and madeleines were just the right sweet finish. Every dish had layers of flavor, and nothing ever felt repetitive or heavy. Drinks are another highlight here as the cocktails are creative and perfectly crafted, and even the nonalcoholic options are exciting. I particularly loved the ginger forward house made ginger ale and the smooth, creamy Arabica mocktail. The vibe is unbeatable. The indoor space is intimate, the rooftop patio is gorgeous for warmer weather, and both feel like their own little worlds. The service throughout was impeccable and every person was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overbearing. La' Shukran has quickly become one of my absolute favorite spots in DC. It's lively, cozy, stylish, and the food is next level. If you're looking for a fun night out with friends, a special dinner, or just a place that makes you feel completely spoiled, this is it. I can't wait to come back and try even more of their inventive menu. read more

OMG! You have to check this place out! Literally every single thing I tried here was amazing. First of all, let's talk about the ambiance! It is so cozy and upscale. Then the service was excellent. On top of that, all the drinks were so unique and delicious. We ordered the oysters, sweetbread, melon, quail, steak, lamb rice and escargot. The quail was my favorite dish. It was cooked to perfection. It had a crispy outer layer and a soft and juicy inside. I wish I ordered another quail instead of the steak. My recommendation will be to skip the steak and order more quail. Then I liked the escargot. It went really well with the hummus. The melon was really interesting. It was sweet with a touch of savory. It's a nice side if you want to add a little sweetness to your bites. The lamb rice was flavorful. I really want to go back!! read more

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La' Shukran, newest in the Michael Rafidi restaurant trio, is one of DC's most competitive reservations right now. Located above the Union Market location of Yellow, this is a rooftop bar and restaurant focusing on a menu that feels like the more casual version of Albi, with a lot of cocktails and natural wines, making this a really fun spot for light bites and drinks. How to actually get in: Reservations open exactly 21 days in advance at midnight, and are gone within minutes of being released. They accommodate walk-in's, but it's common for folks to come and wait in line, even before they open at 5:30 to try to snag one of the 12 bar seats reserved for walk-in's. So to say I really lucked out getting in with no reservation, despite arriving 15 min after opening on a Sunday of a long weekend, is an understatement. They offered me a seat on the outdoor patio that I would need to vacate in an hour, but I asked for them to move me to a bar seat if one became available so I could hang out longer, which I got within 30 min. The patio is stunning and also covered, so on a nice day, it's a no-brainer to want to sit there, enjoying lounge seats and plant vibes. The inside is dark, colorful, velvet-y, and still very fun. The music is dance-y, foreign, but instrumental and so too loud that you can't hold a conversation. For food, I was in the mood for snacky things. I got their signature dish: the escargot hummus, doused in dreamy, umami arak butter. It comes with toasted, seedy sourdough from Yellow, and while I wish I had maybe half a slice more of bread, is a definite must-order. I followed that up with the falafel, which comes in a serving of 3, stuffed with a bit of cheese, topped with herby labneh and trout roe, very tasty but a little saltier than I like it. Got the lemon madeleines for dessert, which were (of course!) made to order, and they were the perfect light, sweet, tangy end to the meal. Perfect caramelized crust. Will be dreaming about those. Grabbed some peanut baklava to take home, which they kindly packed up for me. Their drink menu is separated into a few categories: arak by the glass, cocktails with arak, cocktails without arak, NA cocktails, and natural wine. The arak is a specialty there, an anise-flavored high proof Levantine spirit. I indulged in three cocktails: the boozy "Mish Mish" (tequila resposado, apricot eau de vie, almond, honey, beeswax, carrot), the light and refreshing clarified "Summaq" from the arak cocktail menu (tequila, orange amaro, sumac, pomegranate molasses - a clarified almond milk punch, served over crushed ice), and the incredibly smooth and not super sweet, non alcoholic option "Arabica" (cold brew, orange, carob molasses, lyre's almond, cardamom cream). All were incredibly tasty but the Arabica, with its smooth creaminess and light touch of orange zest on top, was the unexpected standout. Their wines are really tasty with some interesting varietals from around the world: I settled on a lightly funky and delicious orange from Oregon recommended by the bartender. Most glasses of wine and cocktails are $18-20 and even my NA was $16, so drinks are pricy but consistent with other craft cocktail bars of this caliber. One note on accessibility: this is a rooftop bar and you have to go up two flights of stairs to get to it. There is no elevator. I came with a carryon suitcase since I needed to go directly to the airport after (and they were so kind to store my luggage while I dined) and I did have to lug it up those stairs. Not a problem for me, but this spot is not wheelchair accessible. La' Shukran is open late, and to me, this is a perfect post-dinner casual hang with friends (and I'd imagine relatively easy to get in if you come after 9:30 pm). Excellent, attentive service by truly every single staff member I interacted with. Overall this is a really fun vibe and absolutely a place I'd be a regular at if I lived in DC. Totally recommend for anyone looking for fun, casual, but super tasty and unique, in DC. read more

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Lucky to snag some bar seating as a walk in when they opened at 5pm. The drinks are fun and made well. They do come at a steep dc price but the flavors are unique and worth a splurge if you're in the area. The dumplings are unreal!! Literally one of my fave dishes I've eaten this year. The savory broth and the chili crunch paired well with the light dumplings. Must get!! The Maryland crab was also fresh and delicious. Wish it had more chunks of crab for the price but we enjoyed it nonetheless. read more

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We secured a reservation this past Sunday evening, and everyone was so excited. I believe it shares ownership with Yellow and Albi, and I personally enjoyed my experience at Yellow, so I was really looking forward to La' Shukran. Our server was attentive and ensured our cups were never empty. Between the five of us, we ordered a variety of dishes, and they were served in a timely manner. BITES: CRISPY SWEETBREAD - 17 The order came with 6 pieces of fried sweetbread, topped with spring onions and served with a side of tahini sauce. The pieces I tried had a heavy fried batter, which masked the creamy, fatty texture of the sweetbread. The tahini sauce was phenomenal, and we ended up using it with the baguette we got with our hummus. HUMMUS: BEEF HEART SHISH - 22 Each order of hummus came with 5 pieces of benne seed epi baguette. Unfortunately, the baguette was served at room temperature, with a hard texture that made it difficult to pull apart and scoop up the hummus. The beef heart was a rougher cut of meat, topped with some pickled vegetables. The hummus itself was smooth, but the combination of toppings and flavors didn't wow us. We weren't too impressed with the beef heart shish hummus. HUMMUS: SMOKEY ESCARGOT - 21 This hummus, however, was a completely different story. We were thoroughly impressed. The hummus was topped with 6 escargots bathed herbs, parsley, and butter. While there was probably more herb and butter than hummus, the flavor combination was outstanding. The escargots were tender and had a nice chew. This dish was one of our favorites, and we highly recommend it. SIDES: SALAD SHUKRAN - 19 This salad is more of an herb salad (warning: there's cilantro if you're not a fan) with fresh apple slices, pecans, and feta cheese. Sadly, the salad was a bit dry, as it lacked dressing. Personally, I wouldn't order it again. BARBEQUED DUCK BREAST - 46 This was so good! The duck was neatly sliced and plated (9 pieces per plate), topped with fresh herbs, and drizzled with a BBQ sauce made from tahini and harissa. On the side, there were blood orange slices and radishes, adding a delightful sweetness and crisp. The duck was incredibly tender and soaked up the sauce deliciously. The first bite reminded me of the perfect medium-rare ribeye. These were incredible bites and quickly became a favorite at our table. SOUJEK DUMPLINGS - 32 Each plate comes with 9 dumplings, topped with chili crunch and earthy mushrooms, served on a shallow bed of flavorful broth. In the center, there's a generous spoonful of garlic yogurt. The dumplings were quite small, disappearing after just a few quick bites, making it hard to savor their flavor. Besides that, the mushrooms were delightful, the garlic yogurt was bold and tasty, and the broth was rich and flavorful. HASHWEI FRIED RICE - 24 The fried rice reminded me of sticky rice stir-fried with pieces of lamb, carrots, and almonds, all topped with a bit of yogurt and fresh herbs. There were plenty of toppings mixed in, so each bite had a bit of something. The rice tasted better the more we ate it. While this wasn't one of our favorites, we still appreciated giving it a try. PICANHA STEAK KEBAB - 62 For this amount, we expected the most tender steak since each order comes with a small strip of steak, cut into 5 pieces. The steak was topped generously with pickled vegetables and fresh herb salad with an au poivre sauce. I was looking forward to it until I saw my friends to my left and right struggling to cut through their piece of the steak. Unfortunately, my piece was just as tough. While the toppings and sauce were perfectly delicious, the quality of steak of the dish was incredibly disappointing. I wouldn't order this again. CHOCOLATE CARDAMOM TART - 14 This is one of two desserts we tried that night. The tart featured a blend of chocolate and cardamom flavors, but one of my friends found it to be a "hair too bitter". The bit of cream was topped with pieces of sesame brittle and a sprinkle of sea salt that softened the intense flavors of the tart. Overall, though, we weren't blown away by this dessert. PISTACHIO KNAFEH NABULSI - 14 Knafeh Nabulsi is a dessert originated from the Middle East that has a layer of gooey, warm pastry baked with sweet cheese. Ours was topped with pistachio bits, floral syrup, and a scoop of apple cider sorbet, creating a unique experience where each bite was both warm and mushy, yet cold and frosty at the same time. The sweet and salty cheese (reminded us of ricotta) paired well with the fruity, chilled sorbet. The pistachio bits were a nice touch. We really enjoyed this dessert and would highly recommend it We felt like the dishes here were either really good or just meh. There wasn't much room in between. If I came back, I'd definitely order the escargot hummus, duck breast, and pistachio knafeh nabulsi dessert again. Overall, La' Shukran was worth trying! read more

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We decided to celebrate our friend's birthday at this place, the atmosphere was lovely, the food wasn't bad, though the portions were definitely on the smaller side for the price. Customer service was generally good, but one thing did leave us disappointed. We had asked the waiter (and even a couple of us repeated it) to bring a small dessert to the table at exactly midnight as a surprise, since her birthday was technically the next day. It wasn't busy at that time, so we figured it would be doable. Instead, the dessert showed up at 11:20 with the waiter singing happy birthday. While we appreciated the gesture, it kind of spoiled the little moment we were planning, and the timing just didn't make sense. Not a big deal, but it did put a damper on what was supposed to be a sweet surprise. read more

La' Shukran - Middle Eastern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came in for a drink and quick bite, greeted by amazing service that got me a seat at the bar. Management was phenomenal and personable, and the bartender made me feel very welcome and got me an allergy free option on the menu. Unique drinks, great atmosphere. Steak looked insane definitely planning on getting that upon return! read more

La' Shukran - Middle Eastern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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guyssssss get the soujek dumplings it beats EVERYTHING. great service. unfortunately knafeh was too sweet for my taste but happy to have tried. overall unique and contributed to my mission on trying new cuisines read more

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Chef Rafidi does it again! If you love Albi and Yellow, come here for a funky time! Highly recommend making reservations weeks in advance. Reminds me of a speakeasy since it's hidden in an alley, and it's such a vibe. Our server was very attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Some of my favorite dinner items were the Grilled Sesame Bâtard with whipped labne, BBQ'd Maitake Hummus, Soujek Dumplings, Hashwei Fried Rice, and the Fried Hot Quail! This is basically like a remix of Albi... very similar ingredients and items, but just slight differences. The grilled bâtard is such a nice carb replacement of their typical pita. I loved all the drinks we got: Summaq, Filfil, Yansoon, and Arabica. All were so unique and well balanced. The Knafeh Nabulsi and Lemon Madeleines are a must for dessert!! Loved that the madeleines were warm and baked to order. read more

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The Team of Albi and Yellow has done it again!! This Team can truly do it all. From fancy with Albi to casual at Yellow to the in between. Shukran was incredible. It's hard to pin point the highlights because there were so many but I would have to say the Falafel, Beef Tongue, Dumplings, and Fried Rice were all amazing! Do not sit on any of them. Special highlight to Stefan at the bar, his drinks were fabulous. If you are a gin drinker like myself get the Filfil. Sooooo good. And major bonus, no hangover in the morning. Now we didn't have a reservation (those are hard to come by and now it's easy to see why) but we did get there at 5 when they opened and got seats at the bar. Recommend making that the move if you don't want to wait for a reservation. But seriously go, it's incredible, you will not be disappointed. read more

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Upscale cute yet approachable space. The staff are very personable and the food is delicious. You have to get the sweetbreads they're amazing. Our server explained everything well and was very knowledgeable about flavor profiles and recommendations. The cocktails and mocktails were yummy and portions were perfect for 2. I would absolutely go back. read more

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We made reservations here weeks in advance for the outdoor patio only to find out that the outdoor patio is for drinks only. We enjoyed a bottle of wine outside - costador metamorphika and after waiting two hours managed to get a seat at the bar inside for dinner. We didn't mind waiting because we heard the food was worth the wait. The outdoor patio was also a lot of fun, and we chatted with locals sitting next to us. The atmosphere inside has a speakeasy feel. The music is loud and the lighting is dark. It has almost a hypnotic effect like you don't want to leave. Recommend the oysters, falafel jibne, hashwei and the hot quail for dinner. read more

Since this is my first major review of the new year and I'm seeing a lot of these lists flying around, I'm going to do it like they do: Out: Vibe that is too loud! In: This place has the vibe juuuuuust right! It's giving sexy late night middle eastern market with a hyper sleek and modern bend. Candles are everywhere, the music is on point and juuuuust loud enough that you kinda dance in your seat a little bit but can still hear your table talk! Out: Levantine Stereotypical Food! In: Thoughtfully crafted dishes that don't sacrifice flavor for aesthetics! We've all had humus with a meat on top, but have you had humus that is PERFECTLY whipped with spots of tzatziki, pickled red onions and thinly shaven and perfectly flavored beef tongue (it was giving perfect jerky consistency)? Have you had pillowy and perfect bread instead of pita with said humus? Have you had falafel topped with caviar? Or dumplings with shaved truffles? An elevated beef kebab that is really just perfectly cooked steak that happened to be on a skewer and smothered in amazing gravy that had to be sopped up with the aforementioned bread!!!? Every dish was wonderfully flavored, simply presented and traditional in intention but modern in execution! Out: Lack of service! In: Smart fun service, educational service, calling the cocktail menu creator to your table to walk you through the amazing and deliciously inventive drinks service. Food coming out hot and fast, table being cleaned and new plates and cutlery coming out service. Refold your napkin when you go to the restrooms with the best smelling candles service! Doing all this but making you feel comfortable enough to come in in jeans and a t-shirt service, but also dressing up and going on a date service! Out: To dim to eat In: Candles and Candles and more Candles. Did I mention vibes? Oh, and a sexy bar! I've loved everything the folks behind Yellow have done and this is no exception! La'S delivers the future of DC dining in a small but mighty space. Reservations are still tough to get, but come alone and sit at the bar, or just plan ahead cause the bar has been set and there's no going back! read more

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The articles you've read about this being a swanky spot and a vibe are true! TLDR: Would love to come back! The Space: Its a bit difficult to find. You have to go around the corner from Yellow and into the alleyway to find the door. We snagged a reservation for Sunday 5pm which is when it opens. By 5:05pm, all of the "first come first served" seats at the bar were filled so suffice to say, this spot is packed. The Service: Our waiter was attentive. He walked us through cocktail menu including those made with Arak, a Middle eastern spirit that tastes like anise. His description gave me the confidence to try Warda which was worth trying -- yes, there was a faint taste of licorice but more so I tasted the coconut and lime. My husband for the Filfil and while it had a kick from the green chili, I was able to drink it fine (and am usually sensitive to heat). He regularly checked in on us and the food came out at a good pace. We were never left wondering "where is the next dish?" The food: Standouts for us included the mushroom hummus, the dumplings and mahalabiya sundae (milk pudding in sundae form with cardamom and rose YUM). The lamb fried rice was our least favorite - good but felt like something we could make at home. read more

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Fancy cocktails, sexy ambiance, knowledgeable cocktail servers, and escargot: the new place to be. I tried three different cocktails, and I'm not a heavy drinker. They were all so delicious and fresh. The menu is limited, but I also sat at the bar; nonetheless, it was still flavorful and filling. You have some options. The waiter and bartender were very knowledgeable about the restaurant concept and cocktails. Overall, my experience was five stars. ***My only caveat is how someone who needs AA accessibility can access the restaurant. When I opened the doors, you have to walk up a big flight of stairs. If there is another option, I would make that clear. DC is a very inclusive city, and we don't want anyone excluded from this beautiful space. read more

I couldn't score a reservation online since they seem to book up within hours (reservations are released at midnight, three weeks in advance). On a Saturday, my husband and I decided to try the walk-in bar seating when it opened at 5pm. We got into line at 4:55 in an alley where the door to the restaurant is, and there were 9 people in front of us. There are 13 bar seats plus a high top table for 2 in a very dark corner behind the host stand, so we were able to score seats! Service at the bar was quick, as they are amply staffed at the bar. We ordered cocktails ($18 and $19). The bar stools have low back supports and there's purse hooks under the bar. The restaurant decor is beautiful. The bathrooms are so dim, good luck checking your makeup or the toilet seats. The menu has different categories, and we decided to order 1 bite, 1 hummus dish, and 2 mains = 4 dishes in all for the two of us to share. We were pleased with the serving sizes of the dishes, and didn't go away hungry. We tried the beef heart hummus and preferred eating the beef heart on its own and not combined with the hummus. Separately, both were delicious. Soujek dumplings were good but not memorable for me. The steak kebab was tender and flavorful but was the priciest item at $58. We were seated at the bar for maybe one hour and then we were done with our meal. Decided not to order dessert- wanted to have Yellow's soft serve instead! read more

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Quail 4/5 Lamb 5/5 Escargot hummus 4/5 Beef heart hummus 4.5/5 Cucumber 4.5/5 Summer melon 5/5 Sweetbreads 4/5 Kunafa 3/5 Nam 10/5 service was excellent. Really cute. Single if anyone's interested Dukhan 5/5 Simsim 3/5 old fashioned lover would give it 4/5 Great ambiance for small bites and good cocktails Ask for the off menu items since those are spectacular read more

Phenomenal food! No wonder it's hard to get a resy. The restaurant is very small and most tables can only accommodate 2 or 4 ppl. I did see one booth squeeze in 5 ppl. I was so focused on eating I almost forgot to take pics and mine turned out awful lol. I can't wait to come back! Date BBQ'd mushroom with scallion-ginger relish: 9/10. This hummus was very tasty and we enjoyed it more than the charred yam one. The bread it comes with is kind of hard but it does the trick. Bay Scallops w/ harissa butter: 5/10. These were our least favorite and tasted like a lump of chipotle butter. It pairs better with the bread than eaten alone. Grilled Aarowhead Cabbage: 10/10! This was next level AMAZING! I will get this every single visit, it's that good. It has a nice charred taste, with yogurt and almonds. Hashwei Lamb Fried Rice: 10/10. The dept of flavor in this dish is a tantalizing experience on the tongue. Everyone loved this dish! Whole Fried Hot Quali: 8/10. Small but mighty. The skin on this crispy and not like anything I've had before. Aged NY Steak Kebab: 7/10. The sauce really elevates the steak. It was good but nothing special. Mahalabinya Sundae: 10/10. This was delicious! Not too sweet or rich. The ice cream is soft and creamy. The frozen grapes made it refreshing and the raspberry meringue added a slight tang. read more

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A very fun place that you must try in Union Market. Down an otherwise empty alley, you'll hear Middle Eastern beats as you approach, then go up a long dramatic staircase to enter into a truly beautiful space with plush carpets, decorative hookahs, dim lights, and a dj rocking out in the corner. If you come during the weekend, a reservation is highly recommended, as they do fill up. But it's worth it. The drinks are great, very fun and very unique. They have a selection of arak cocktails, which I loved, plus non-arak signature cocktails. The consensus fave for us was the filfil, a bright green drink featuring navy strength gin, green apple, and green chilies. It has a satisfying spice that doesn't overwhelm the palatte. I have never had a drink like this, it is really delicious. The bedouin coffee is a sure-fire crowd please, too. The garnish is a fun burst of color, and the mezcal is temepered nicely by the coffee and cream. Good stuff. Drinks are approximately $18-22. I think the food does not stand up to the quality of the drinks, though. The hummus is excellent - they have multiple varieties, we had the charred yam and black truffle variation - but it comes with a toasted sesame bread that is a bit too hard and thick, a traditional soft pita would have been a better choice. The ny steak au poivre kebab is just ok, and at $65, is wildly overpriced. The beef kebab at Copycat taste way better and are just $15. Plus an entire steak at St Anselm down the block is cheaper but much larger and tastier. We had the scallops and falafel, too, which are good, but none of the food was great. I would recommend coming here after eating elsewhere, maybe just get drinks and dessert. Overall, I enjoyed it. The beauty and energy of the environment make it somewhere I would love to go back for drinks. Plus it's a solid date night choice. read more

La' Shukran - Bathroom decor. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Food is definitely outstanding if you love French and the Mideastern because the cooking style is a combination of the two. Love French Escargot? Now it's sitting on a bed of hummus, drizzled with olive oil! Service was good even though it was midnight on a Friday. Music is a bit loud but that might be what you need in the late night out. read more

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I've been looking forward to a meal here for a while & am glad to have tried it! This speakeasy style restaurant has wonderful ambiance and incredible service. The waiters are very helpful and knowledgeable, as well as attentive. The cocktails are well balanced, and a bit on the sweet side. We tried the escargot hummus & crab labneh. Both were extremely extremely flavorful and unique. I would get both again but the hummus was the show stopper. We also had their famous fava bean dumplings which were great! For mains, we shared the cucumber salad which is nice & refreshing and balances out the strong flavors in the other dishes. The rockfish kebab was good but not worth the high price. For dessert we tried the knafeh, which was very savory and tasted more like an app than a dessert. Overall, the food here is unique and flavor forward and worth a try if you can get a reservation! read more

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Come here for the drinks, small plates, impeccable ambience, and great service. Don't come here for a full dinner (in my opinion). We loved every single cocktail we ordered and also enjoyed the fried sweetbread and hummus. The falafel was also good. However, nothing on the "plates" menu was to exciting to us and we settled with the grilled cabbage and lamb rice. We had a really great night and I really enjoyed soaking in all of the small details that went into the design of the space. It was not an inexpensive night though, and I much prefer the grilled plates at all the kabobs. I doubt we'd be back for a full dinner, unless our friends are in town. But I'd always be down for drinks and small plates. read more

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We finally got reservations for La Shukran for my husband's birthday! We started off with their special ginger ale that they make fresh in house. It's very ginger forward which we both enjoyed. For apps and mains, we ordered the bbq maitake hummus, spiced lamb fried rice, rockfish and the steak. Which was more than enough food for us! The bbq hummus was on the sweeter side but very delicious. The rockfish was also good and flavor forward, however, less salt could have been used. The steak was perfect and we loved the lamb rice (but too much dill!) Overall, we loved the experience here and would recommend it to our friends! read more

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10/10 experience. My boyfriend and I came for dinner, and had the best time. The inside decor is beautifully dark and there's limited seating, which means you can actually hold a conversation with your partner or group. We were seated at a table near the kitchen and it was really nice to have a lot of space as we weren't too close to any other tables. I ordered a Filfil cocktail, which was spicy from the green chilies and yet still so refreshing from the honeydew. He ordered a Warda cocktail, which was arak based and you could also really taste the light, distinctive notes of the rose and coconut. For our initial bites and apps, we shared the tuna tartare on sourdough toast and the shawarma spiced beef tongue hummus with pickled kolhrabi. The tuna tartare was so good and I loved that it was served on sourdough toast. The spiced beef tongue hummus was also amazing, although I wish the beef tongue wasn't sliced so thinly - in my opinion, a slightly thicker cut could've been really tender. Our main entrees were the grape leaf wrapped rockfish and the soujek dumplings. The chili broth for the dumplings was amazing but the dumplings themselves were lukewarm and so-so. The rockfish was wonderful but the portion size was kind of small. I really liked the stew it sat on though - it was savory and the chickpeas were great. While we were so full, I always like to say that there's room for dessert, and this was no exception. We got the Mahalabiya Sundae with Concord grapes. It was vanilla based and milkier yet lighter than a typical western style sundae. This made it so addicting to eat. read more

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We were excited to try La' Shukran ever since it opened in the neighborhood. It's a cozy, comfortable, and somewhat swanky/cool vibe, but the food was just ok for the price and effort to get a reservation. We started with the crab hummus ($22) which was fine, but the crab flavor was overpowered by the hummus. Would have basically tasted the same without the crab. We also got the tuna tartare ($21), which suffered from the same problem. The thinly sliced tuna seemed very high quality, but the other flavors the the very good, think sourdough bread toast overwhelmed the delicate tuna. Again, seemed like sourdough toast would have tasted the same without the tuna. We then had a salad shukran ($19), which isn't much to remark about. Lastly we had the soujek dumplings ($32) which were quite delicious, but should be priced like an appetizer. We left hungry after paying nearly $180 for some small plates and two cocktails. I'd never go back and would rather just get an Andy's pizza just a few blocks away. read more

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La'Shukran is an experience. You go there to be seen and to say you've gotten a reservation (they are hard to get!) The staff is exceptional, knowledgeable and attentive. the thing about La'Shukran is that the plates are pricey and small. The drinks are delicious and small. It is not a place to go to leave full but a place to have drinks, catch up with friends and have a few bites. Though I will say everything I had, drinks and food, were delicious. The price point and "exclusivity" is a bit of a hindrance. I would choose go to Yellow more than La'Shukran due to the hurdles mentioned above. It's a great spot to go and take photos of and with your cocktails, the decor is gorgeous. read more

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Had a wonderful dinner at La Shukran. Stopped in on a Saturday about 15 minutes before they opened and got in line, was able to grab seats at the bar. Space is beautiful, service was good, food was solid and interesting. Sampled most of the cocktails, only one we didn't really enjoy, and the filfil was the clear favorite - great balanced cocktail. For food - highlights were the triple cooked batata (that texture!), the crispy sweetbreads (think chicken nuggets and bbq sauce), the filled falafel with trout caviar, the eggplant dumplings, bbq rockfish, and the foie and beignets were maybe the favorite. The other dishes we tried were also good (lamb kibbeh, melon feta and chili, and crab hummus. We finished with the meringue sundae which was light and refreshing (but the texture of the sorbet/ice cream was not smooth). Great addition to the union market area, feels like a more casual, more fun sibling to albi. There is a nice rooftop terrace as well that they were serving drinks on. read more

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Have been wanting to try this place for a long time but hard to get a reservation when we were available. Finally the stars aligned. I was worried I had built it up too much and would inevitably be disappointed, but from the service to drinks to food, everything was really wonderful and we had a great time. From front of house to service to bussing, everyone was really warm, kind and knowledgable. We were waiting for our reservation as the table was finishing up and we got drinks while we were waiting. I really like anise flavors and the Arak cocktail Lokum was pretty, sweet and delicious. For food, they recommend three small plates per person (with the bigger dishes counting as two). What I would get again: mushrooms (came with sesame baguette, which was so good) carpaccio duck- delicious, delicate, beautifully presented fois gras parfait came out later and we skipped dessert. The fois gras was fantastic, served with a soft savory donut. What I would skip Falafel- felt really salty to me Fries- good but just ok I'm excited to return to try more things on the menu. read more

Service & Atmosphere Service here was outstanding - attentive, friendly, and seamless from start to finish. The restaurant is beautifully designed, with intimate touches that make it feel special. It is on the smaller side, so it can get warm inside (especially if you're seated near candles, like we were). We arrived a bit early and enjoyed drinks on the rooftop overlooking Union Market - will be great in the fall time when its not as hot. Drinks Creative, unique cocktails with gorgeous presentation. Some feature a licorice (not my fav) but if you enjoy that flavor, you'll appreciate the twist. Plenty of other options without licorice as well. Overall, the drink program is solid and worth trying Food Lamb Shank (Special)// Tender and well-cooked, but lacking in bold flavor. Served with a chimichurri-style mint jam sauce that was pleasant but not particularly memorable. Not spicy. Just... fine. Persian Cucumbers// The star of the meal and a must-order. Beautiful presentation, vibrant flavors, and a lovely balance of sweetness with pistachio crunch. Absolutely delicious. Escargot Hummus// Smooth, tangy hummus with buttery escargot. A unique combination, though not one I'd personally order again. Summer Melon // My least favorite dish of the night. The flavor fell flat - I think I would've preferred it with watermelon. Rockfish // Overly salty, possibly from the skin being wrapped around it. Unfortunately, it was too much for my taste and I wouldn't get it again. Triple cooked batata (Like french fries) // Crispy on the outside, mashed-potato texture inside. Came with a flavorful sauce and could've used just a touch more salt. Still, I recommend trying this. read more

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Came for our anniversary & had a great experience! Excellent vibes, excellent service. Food & drinks were great, but dishes were very small & pricey. Crispy sweetbreads - little fried chicken nugget type things with a delicious dipping sauce Tuna carpaccio - very fresh and high quality fish, really yummy BBQ Maitake - so so good, probably my favorite thing we had Soujek dumplings - very flavorful & comforting, literally ate the broth with a spoon after because it was so good Duck breast - very yummy and really liked the seasonings/sauces that came with it Filfil cocktail was a show stopper. I usually do not like gin and this drink was incredible. would come again just for this drink. Overall a great experience, just a bit overpriced. read more

This place is a definite vibe. Came here to get dinner and listen to a DJ set. It has a retro feel, very quaint and somewhat intimate. The music was a 70's throwback sound and the décor followed suit. Moose, our waiter was too cool and brought us some laughs and good recommendations. I enjoyed the (3) scallops wrapped in grape leaf with chickpea & potato stew, green chermoula & pickled fennel. Visually very attractive and somewhat filling if you want a light late dinner. The cocktail I had was the summaq, too much ice and way too little tequila, the other ingredients, orange amaro, sumac, and pomegranate molasses. I suggest coming early if you want the chance to try everything the menu has to offer, we had a 10:30pm reservation. I had my heart set on the soujek dumplings, but they ran out. It was a cool spot, not sure I'd come back, but it was a pleasant experience. read more

La' Shukran - Scallops with fennel & chickpeas - Middle Eastern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Chef Rafidi has brought so much momentum to the D.C. dining scene, which the Michelin guide does recognize through Yellow and Albi. Just hearing the name, La', Shukran, it is the same sense of humor and dynamism that you will find in this fun place. With some unknown magic, we got same day reservations on a whopping Saturday for drinks and snacks. I thought we were gonna be on the rooftop, but somehow got seated in the dining room. Our waiter was as dynamic as I'd expect, and knowledgable about the recommendations. You should either try an Arak cocktail, if you like anise and licorice, or one of their herbal concoctions. If you have been to Albi, the food here will be very familiar. Some highlights are the hummus dishes, especially with the mushroom. Admittedly, we were disappointed with the sujuk dumplings, which were under and chewy. And yes, it gets pricey for even bar bites and cocktails, but that is D.C. for you these days. This was so much fun, more than anything else. read more

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Beautiful restaurant- everything was colorful and vibrant. The place was packed but we were able to get a couple standing spots while we waited ~30 minutes for seat sat the bar. Unfortunately it was raining but their patio area looked beautiful. Server made excellent recommendations describing his favorite drinks. He made us laugh telling me not to lick rose outside the glass - and that everyone still does as soon as he walks away. Leg o'lamb reminded my unrefined palette of a steak tartare. And any time I see quail on a menu, I have to try it - definitely worth it. Looking forward to exploring more of this menu in the future. read more

La' Shukran - Leg o'lamb kibbeh - Middle Eastern Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I'm in love! La' Shukran is a stellar addition the Union Market area. On my first visit, I ate inside for a date night. The standouts were the falafel and fried rice with lamb, as well as the filfil cocktail. I later came back once their rooftop patio opened for an after-work drink and snacks. This time, I had an orange/rose wine that was perfect for a warm day. I also had the batatas (super flavorful and well-seasoned!) and the falafel (best falafel ever wow). Service both times was slightly rushed but overall fine. read more

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I love this place so bad. The ambiance is stylish, dim, warmly lit, with excellent bangers playing. It knows it's a cool space, and it plays that up. I loved the food. My favorite dish is maybe the mushroom hummus or the escargot. I love their cocktails. They're all unique and tasty. It's expensive, but it's good for a catch-up dinner and drinks with friends like on a Friday night kind of vibe. The service is mostly attentive and warm. My only complaint is that we are supposed to have the table for 2 hours. And after about an hour of eating and then saying no to dessert they started cleaning up our table and gave us the check. It felt a bit shady that they were clearly trying to get us to leave. They didn't offer us the cocktail menu again or anything. We felt like they wanted us to leave because multiple servers clearly came by our table just to check if we paid the check yet. It was not a cute way to end the night. read more

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What a great addition to NoMA. Cozy, Sexy, date night spot located in the alley. Ambiance is on the spot. I suggest coming here for drinks over the food. You can order based off the specialty cocktails menus or create your own. The customer service here is amazing where everyone is welcome. *Bar seating is small. *There's an outside patio that opens up with the weather is warm read more

Everything was delicious. They've been open for three weeks and everything was very smooth service wise. We had the lamb kibbeh, the dumplings. The quail, and the batatas. The lamb kibbeh and the dumplings are must haves. The quail and batatas were good, but would like to try something else on the extensive menu next time. It was a decent amount for two people. We had the arak service and got a great tutorial from one of the bartenders. Everyone was super friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely be back. We came at 5pm on a Tuesday and walked around then came back at 5:25 and there was a 10 person deep line for bar seats. Luckily, they have 12 first-come-first serve bar seats, and if you just want drinks they have ample outdoor seating. Also, if you come for bar seating and it's full, they'll seat you outside for drinks until you can sit at the bar for food. read more

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KenScale: 8.0/10 Visits: February 2025 Michael Rafidi's restaurant Albi in DC's Navy Yard delights my wife Jun and I whenever we visit (by my count, we have been to the restaurant eight times since we moved down to the DC area in 2021, last with my parents when they visited last year), so I was very happy to hear that the chef won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef in 2024. Coming off of this milestone win, chef Rafidi's team recently opened a new project in the Union Market area, a more casual bistro style restaurant called La' Shukran. Compared to the more polished Albi where you could have a fancy, destination-worthy dinner, La' Shukran felt more like its free-wheeling sibling suited for an after-party revelry with some cocktails and snacks. Jun and I have yet to visit Middle East in our travel itinerary, but I could totally feel the vibe of a hip hangout in, say, Beirut. As for the food, there were some really delicious dishes at the restaurant, but one disappointment somewhat dulled our momentum. The menu at La' Shukran consists of snacks, hummus and an assortment of savory dishes, followed by handful of dessert options. Among the snack bites, we liked the falafel with trout caviar and dill on top. We've always had outstanding spreads at Albi, so getting at least one hummus dish was a no-brainer here. Despite my plea to Jun to share the escargot spread, she wanted to go in a different direction with BBQ'd maitake mushrooms; no complaint there, the smoky mushroom (lacquered in date molasses on a scallion-ginger relish) was spot-on to go along with the hummus. I only wish we had received the wonderful pita bread we would always get from Albi when ordering spreads instead of the normal-ish (and not quite warm) bread served here. The best dish of the night was a surprise. I don't normally go for quails on a menu, but Jun, after looking at some reviews of the restaurant before our visit, noted how the quail at La' Shukran seems to be a standout dish so I went with her suggestion to split it, which turned out to be a very wise call. I couldn't remember ever having a quail dish this delicious, with perfectly moist, tender meat dunked in Ramallah chili oil. With the quail, the grilled arrowhead cabbage was quite a nice vegetable complement. The one big disappointment at the restaurant was also a surprise, knowing that the lamb kebab at Albi is one of the best dishes we've ever had in DC, period. I expected La' Shukran to pull off a similar feat with its steak kebab prepared 'au Poivre style, but the steak was surprisingly dull, with the meat's texture somewhat off from my ideal of a filet mignon. Jun was equally puzzled that the steak kebab was underwhelming, especially considering the $58 price tag. Our disappointment was somewhat alleviated later by the pistachio knafeh with naulbi cheese and apple cider sorbet, but we couldn't shake off the "what if" feeling had the steak been as good as the lamb from Albi. La' Shukran is one of the hottest restaurants in DC at the moment, so planning ahead for advance booking (Resy reservations are open up to 21 days in advance) is absolutely critical. As we were checking in, we saw a few desperate visitors trying their luck with walk-in seats at the bar area. Not surprisingly for a sister restaurant to Albi, which has one of the best beverage lists in the DC dining scene, La' Shukran also has some really interesting beverages, including wines (many of them from the Middle East) under catchy themes as well as cocktails (some using the traditional spirit arak from the Levant). As noted above, the atmosphere at La' Shukran can get pretty insane with loud music and dark lighting; on our visit, there was a photographer with blinding flashlight on his camera roaming around the kitchen (where chef Rafidi was also on site) and the dining area. If you are looking for a fun dinner and wouldn't mind the noise and dizzying atmosphere, La' Shukran is worth checking out. I certainly would like to come back again for the quail. For now, I think we stick with Albi as a regular with a calmer dining experience (and yes, that killer lamb dish). read more

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