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Ottoman Taverna ended up being a great choice for a Saturday night with a larger group. It was not overly busy, which created a nice sense of calm and made it easy to settle in and enjoy the meal. We ordered a spread including the cold mezze sampler, cauliflower, moussaka, lamb shank, branzino, and the combination grill platter. The food across the board was strong with no real complaints. The cauliflower was the standout for me and easily my favorite dish of the night. The meat dishes were tender and full of flavor, and everything felt well prepared. If I were to go back, I would probably explore more of the hot mezze. The cold mezze sampler was good to have, but it did not feel particularly unique, so I could see skipping or rotating that out in favor of trying something different next time.
Ottoman Taverna is a cool spot for a quick happy hour. While waiting for friends, we stopped in for drinks; I had a well-crafted whiskey sour, and my companion enjoyed a refreshing Turkish Raki berry with a lovely presentation. I also ordered some falafels from the happy hour menu, which were delicious-crispy and well-seasoned. The only knock was that the bartender needed a bit more personality.
I've heard a lot of good things about Ottoman Taverna, so a friend and I decided to give it a try for dinner. Overall, it's a solid spot for Mediterranean food, but there are definitely some trade-offs. We both started with martinis, which we enjoyed, and opted for the "A Trip to Turkey" set menu, which felt like a good value and let us try a variety of dishes. We shared everything. To start, the tzatziki and hummus were both fresh and flavorful. The sigara böreği and falafel were also very tasty and well-prepared. For mains, we split the salmon, which was fine but nothing memorable, and the Adana kebap, which was the standout--really well-seasoned and delicious. Dessert was a bit of a letdown. The tahini tiramisu and baklava were just okay and didn't quite live up to the rest of the meal. The biggest downside was the overall experience. The space is huge and very brightly lit, which takes away from the ambiance--it doesn't feel particularly warm or inviting. Service was also inconsistent. We were moved three times throughout the meal, and everything took quite a while to come out. That said, our server was on her first shift and genuinely did a great job under the circumstances. One thing to note: there's an automatic 20% service charge added to the bill, and it's not a tip. All in all, Ottoman Taverna is a decent choice with some strong dishes, but given the options, I'd be more inclined to return to Rumi's Kitchen or Zaytinya.
This place is great for Turkish food. We got the lunch specials with an appetizer, main entree and dessert. We got the pembe sultan, which was a very rich good beet mixture. The muhammara red pepper spread was also excellent along with the fresh hummus. I ended up with getting the Adana kebap. The beef was very tender and delicious and seasoned very well. It went very well with the pilav and carrot red cabbage slaw. Overall the flavors were excellent. The staff was very nice and attentive to us. The space is very beautiful and can be partitioned for private parties or intimate dinners. Highly recommend.
On a trip to Washington DC, we decided to eat at a Turkish restaurant. It seems to be family run- but I didn't ask. It's a very large dining room with comfortable seating for small groups and large groups as well as a beautiful bar. Can I tell you I had the best Old Fashioned I e had in my thirty plus years of drinking it? The staff who made my drink and sat us and took our order -which is why I think it's family run- said he was told it was too sweet because he bought a brown sugar infused bourbon but he also used cinnamon which set it off! I will always dream about that drink. Anyway, we decided on the fresh hummus with to die for fresh hot fragrant pita- and we also got halloumi cheese they made with tomato that was sooooo good!!! I'll think about that dish forever! We then shared all the meats! See the name under the photo. Don't sleep on this restaurant. We did t want to leave!
Ottoman Taverna has always been on my radar and when restaurant week presented itself this past August, we finally went with some friends to try it out. While I understand that restaurant week gave us a taste of what the restaurant has to offer, I felt that the food was mediocre and I wouldn't necessarily come back unless someone asked me to meet up there. I ordered the beyti kebap as my main and a yogurt for dessert. The wrapping around the kebap was a bit too heavy, which distracted me from the actual taste of the meat. The food tasted simple, and the plating felt cheap. In terms of ambiance - the restaurant is very airy, spacious, and welcoming. Friends also felt the same way about their food and restaurant atmosphere.
The food was amazing I had the beet dip and also the vegetarian moussaka and they were both delicious and also their baklava and I loved it! Top it off with some Turkish tea! Our waitress Burte was great and her service was outstanding, she recommended me and my friend some dishes and we appreciated her and the staff being so nice as we got there late. Loved the ambience of the place and their decor . I will definetely come back to this place!
One of the best meals I've had in DC. Not sure why people feel otherwise. The flavor profile was amazing and the portions were perfect. A little bit expensive but that was to be expected. The Adana Kebap tasted wonderful, perfectly cooked. Also service was great. No complaints besides price and what can I do about that in this economy.
Love the ambiance of the restaurant. Cosy and comfortable seats. Food was excellent. The only thing I have taken a star off was because of the service. It took a long time for them to serve the next course meal. We waited a while for every course and for the bill. Other than these it was an excellent night to celebrate with friends. Prices were reasonable.
4.5 stars. Definitely a recommended place. Heads up: 20% service fee is included and they say you can tip on top of that, optionally, if you want to. Service: attentive and lovely. Ambiance: Lovely and quaint. Feels upscale, but you can roll up in a nicer t-shirt and jeans, or like 'casual friday' attire and be fine. Food: Everything is incredibly well spice and flavorful. both of us and our friend (I didnt get a photo of his main) really liked what we got. I wanted a slight bigger portion of mine, like 1-2 more pieces of chicken, but maybe that's because i'm greedy. Maybe I just eat too fast. but, given all the bread etc. i'd had it was a great main. The grape leaves were lovely.
My husband and I came here for restaurant week 2025. The food is very authentic and flavorful. We loved the falafel and beef kabob the best. They are offering a free $25 gift card on their website too so you can use that alongside the restaurant week menu. My only complaint was the service. I had to flag the server down multiple times and my husband sat with an empty drink the entire time until I asked the server for another. The restaurant places an automatic 20% service fee which explicitly says it's not a tip. I dine in all the major US cities and I've never seen something like this as it's usually 3%-11%. My personal opinion if you place a 20% service fee that should be the automatic gratuity. Regardless this place has great Turkish food.
Love the motifs and the dining ambiance. Beautiful, welcoming, well lit space with lots a color. Persian rugs on the wall. I think I liked the space better than the food. Service was warm and attentive. The area is definitely challenged for parking so be mindful. Work colleague and myself wanted some Turkish food so we checked this place out. I had the lamb shank and he had the rib chops. Some apps and a couple of drinks later and the bill was $170. The red lentil soup was very lovely. I wasn't expecting to legumes to be pureed. That was a nice touch and the soup was super duper flavorful and well seasoned. That might have been the star of the show for me. The lamb shank was tender and flavorful. The rib chops were overcooked, yet still flavorful. That was his fault because he didn't specify the proper cook temperature. 20% service fee and $30 tip. I didn't feel $200 worth of enjoyment. That's DC dining for you these days in general. *shrugs* The experience was okay, nothing fantastic though. I guess I was just left with kind of a "meh" feeling overall for the money. I might come back for a drink in the future, who knows.
My new favorite restaurant. Great food. Nice ambiance and professional service. This is a great first date night or 100th date night. I will be sharing this hidden gem with my friends. This is the kind of place you take someone you want to impress and still be casual. read more
Wow, can't believe how long it's been since my original review! Time for an update! This is a favorite spot when I'm in DC. The food is consistently delicious and service is excellent. On this trip I had the lamb cubes over eggplant purée and it was wonderful. The lamb was tender and flavorful and the eggplant was perfectly seasoned. The bread was warm and fresh and the seasoned dipping oil was wonderful. Definitely make a reservation here if you're visiting during any busy season. It was totally full shortly after 6 on a Thursday evening in early April. The decor is modern and bright. It is loud when full as are all places in DC. It's an easy walk here from the National Mall area, so if you're looking for something just a bit outside the most touristy area this is a great option! read more
Came during restaurant week. It's a large space with a mixture of booths and tables. The portions were generous and mostly flavorful aside from the salmon. I really enjoyed the Beyti Kebap, hummus, Atom and red lentil soup. Dessert left a lot to be desired as the rice pudding was awful and gelatinous. The Turkish tea was refreshing. Service was slow and it wasn't a busy night so unclear about that. I would try other items again with a group, but otherwise would not go out of my way to dine here. read more
3 years ago
It's been a few years since I been to Ottoman Taverna in DC, so when my friend wanted to try their brunch offerings I immediately said YES! You can't beat a Michelin star restaurant offering a bottomless brunch for $45. And that includes your choice of unlimited mimosas or Bloody Mary's. The restaurant is strict on the two hour time limit, so don't waste your time perusing the menu. Just dive into the Turkish odyssey read more
2 years ago
We got the big kabab platter and it was very very good! The restaurant looks very authentic and staff are friendly, problem is the 20% service fee that doesn't include the tip read more
A downtown-y restaurant where you'll want reservations and where the noise level is high. The menu is quite good for special dietary needs, and my group's platter of cold appetizer dips was colorful with flavor to match. The sesame-encrusted bread it came with was delicious, albeit all too filling. I got down a delicious grape leaf and a Turkish fruit soda as well before my entree arrived, which despite the earlier indulgences, was still the most impressive thing I ate. My white bean stew came with some delightful little pickled peppers which delivered an exciting (if salty) gustatory experience. While I wanted no dessert, I ended up with the quasi-obligation of finishing a "choclava" with chocolate ice cream, which was as indulgent as one might expect. While I'm not the type for flashy downtown restaurants, this place delivered food as tasty as I could have hoped. read more
2 years ago
Ottoman Taverna has phenomenal food. Great spot to come to for brunch with friends. For the brunch menu, the rec is to get all the cold mezes along with a few hot plates. The cold meze is a bunch of various dips including humus, baba ganoush, and yougurt based dips too. There were a few that I'd never tried and was pleasantly surprised. Even a dip made of beets!! The restaurant is pretty upscale and decor is impeccable. Certainly a place you should get a reservation for. They may get packed otherwise! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
7 months ago
We came back here for restaurant week lunch! Woo hoo. It was quite busy on a Sunday at 2 but it was pleasant and a fun atmosphere! I only wish we could do the bottomless mimosas but alas we have a baby now and so we did the restaurant week lunch! The staff was very friendly and accommodating. There was a good amount of options for the lunch service and we liked the idea of two mezes and one entree or one mezze, one entree and dessert. That's great for patrons as an option! I really enjoyed my chicken Kebob and the potato cakes. My husband got the kofte and hummus. We order a side of eggplant mezze as well. Love the bread! It is fresh and hot! Those black sesame seeds are just fantastic! So glad to come back here and look forward to returning again! read more
We were visiting DC over the 4th of July holiday weekend and wanted to try something different. We were close by and decided on Ottoman Taverna. We were not expecting it to be brunch time but it was an excellent stumble. We were not familiar with the cuisine so we asked our server for recommendations. He was gracious and told us what to get from the brunch menu and drink. We started with bread and several dips, then moved on to smaller plates of meats and rolls. All were excellent choices and well made. It was quite the experience and a total food adventure to try. Service was professional and friendly. We left extra tip. Thanks Ottoman for the fun time. You will probably see us again on our next DC visit. Recommended! read more
3 years ago
Excellent service and a good variety of food for their bottomless brunch! For about $50 it's bottomless food and drinks for 2 hours. Instead of ordering individually, all menu items are brought to the table and based on what you like more can be ordered. For drinks it's a choice between mimosas, bloody Mary's, tea and coffee. The bloody Mary's were ok and a little bland. The mimosas were good and strong. Almost immediately after being seated the first round of cold mezze spreads came to the table. There was hummus, tzatziki, atom, muhammara, moutabal, pembe sultan, and so much more. The bread was warm and all the spreads were pretty good. The next course was the hot mezze which was falafel, patatas kofte, frittata, and some omelettes. The final course were the meats which was a lamb sausage, beef döner kebap, and tavuk köfte. Tavuk köfte was probably my favorite of the dishes. It was small chicken patty's seasoned and grilled well. It was delicious and so flavorful! Another favorite of mine was the falafel. I'm usually not a huge falafel fan but this was delicious when it came warm. For drinks the waiters were very good about refilling our pitchers and clearing the table of empty plates and dishes. Overall this was a fun brunch experience and I'd love to try their lunch and dinner menus. read more
2 years ago
Went for bottomless brunch and everything was so good $59 including tax and tip. The server was really nice too. read more
Came here for the first time for happy hour with a group of over 10 people. We ordered several drinks and a mix platter of bites of the hot mezze and a mix platter of their cold mezze. What's Hot - Menu. There's a pretty good variety- meats, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan. Their general menu appears to have a good selection, but their happy hour menu is very limited. No sweets on their happy hour menu, as well. - Quality. It's pretty good. The muhammara, hummus, and penne sultan were pretty flavorful and went well with the bread served. Well-seasoned and not overly salty. - Portions. For their happy hour menu, the portions of the food are definitely smaller than their regular menu. The portions are fairly decent, but be prepared to order several items to feed hungry people if you come during their happy hour service. - Price. Pretty reasonable, especially given the portions for their happy hour menu. What's Not - Quality. Most of the bread served with the appetizers were warm and soft, but there were several that were also hard and stale. Definitely a turn off and makes me question how their bread is kept. - Parking. You're in downtown D.C., so driving and parking in this area is definitely not convenient. Be prepared to pay for walking and to walk, especially depending on the day and time. - Service. Definitely lacking. It was hard to flag down any of their staff to put in orders. There were a couple times when I tried to get the attention of their wait staff and was completely ignored. It definitely took time to get service, so be prepared to be patient. Additionally, I had put in an order for a Greek salad, which was completely forgotten. Our group stayed through the dinner hour and none of their staff offered us a copy of their dinner menu, which wasn't great, especially because a fair number of us were hungry. If they had offered us a dinner menu, we might have stayed and spent more money. Their staff don't appear to be well-coordinated, nor are they very good about paying attention to details. If you come with a group larger than 4 and you're not seated, be prepared for haphazard service. - Price. Be prepared to be automatically charged a 20% service fee. This is stated on their website, but it's not on their menu. Their website states the service charge goes to increasing the wages of their employees to above the current minimum wage for all employees in D.C. That's a good employment policy, but that it's not clearly stated and printed on their physical menus, which are provided to customers. That's a failure to give full disclosure. - Layout. There is a bar section, tables for small parties, larger parties, and; there appears to be larger rooms for large groups, but you have to reserve those ahead of time (and there may be a fee?). If you come with a group larger than 4, their layout is very inconvenient. Our group was at the end of their bar section, where there were also some small tables close by. It was difficult for our group to mingle, because of the layout. Final Answer Would be willing to come here again, but may not be a first choice. read more
Wow, they do their meats well! Visited here for a birthday celebration (2 of us) Dishes ordered - * Moutabal - the eggplant dip was so smoky. Yum! * Chef's Mixed Grill - They say it's for two, but this probably could have fed 3-4. We took half of it to go. Probably the best way to try ~6 different types of meat they cook on the grill, each one charred to perfection. The pita (?) bread pairs so well, and even the salad is well done with acidity that pairs well with the saltiness / char on the meat. * Chocolate Baklava - Haven't seen this concept anywhere else, but the flavors paired so well! Ambiance - Reinforces why this place has been voted Bib Gourmand several years in a row. Interior is beautiful and appropriate even for a romantic date! Outdoor seating available as well Service - definitely a little slow, but you can tell the servers are working so hard. We felt unattended to, but it's pretty clear they're understaffed when you see everyone running around and attending to so many tables - won't dock any points from the rating here. Oh read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
A few friends and I decided to take advantage of a weekday off and go to brunch. I had heard great things of the brunch at Ottoman Taverna, so we decided to try it - we were NOT disappointed! The space is very large and clean, and the atmosphere inside is very nice. I will say that the music choice (very much Top 40 vibes) didn't seem to fit the classy interior, but we enjoyed it anyway. Our table all got the unlimited brunch (the whole table has to participate) and since there were four of us, we basically ended up eating the entire brunch menu. Our server brought us all the dips/spreads, which were truly a highlight of the meal! I especially loved the atom (garlic yoghurt) and moutabal (eggplant). I normally don't care for beets, but I will say that the pembe sultan (beet yoghurt) may have changed my mind! It also came with plenty of delicious bread. And the first round of mimosas, of course! The other courses were also delicious! Shoutout to the patatas kofte and tavuk kofte as particular standouts. I will say I didn't care for the falafel (incredibly dry) but I recall enjoying everything else. Service was attentive and friendly, and they even let us linger for a bit after we paid. By that point, of course, we'd had way too many mimosas, but the servers didn't even seem phased. There were plenty of empty tables, so I guess they didn't mind letting us hang out. Overall, a bit of a pricey meal, but given the quantity of food and drink, I'd say it was definitely worth it! read more
9 months ago
FINALLY came to this place after having it on my list for so long and I was not disappointed! Can't wait to come back! We enjoyed the Trip to Turkey 4 course menu. Service: 10/10 Vibe: 9/10 Bread: 8/10 Hummus: 8.5/10 Muhammara: 8.5 Patates köfte: 8.25/10 Sigara böregi: 7.75/10 Tavuk sis: 9/10 Dondurma: 9.1/10 Overall: 8.68/10 (4.34/5) read more
It's an amazing restaurant. Delicious food, generous portions, reasonable prices, pleasant service and a soothing atmosphere. Decor is earthy with soft yellow and brown colors. Tables are covered with white tablecloths. It is spacious inside. There are a few outdoor tables too. We ordered from the lunch express menu and tried 5*PEMBE SULTAN included Beets, Labneh Yogurt, Garlic, and Olive Oil. Very rich taste. 5*HUMMUS: Chickpeas Spread was fresh and not salty. 5*Bread: both appetizers hummus and pembe sultan came with bread. The bread was fresh, and al dente which was neither hard nor soft but was firm and slightly chewy. It was perfectly textured bread. 5*ADANA KEBAP included Char-Grilled Ground Beef Kebap Seasoned with Red Peppers & Turkish Spices. It was served with Bulgur Pilav, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) & Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw: great presentation and delicious food. 5*TAVUK ADANA KEBAP---Chicken Adana Kebap Seasoned with Red Peppers & Turkish Spices. It was served with Bulgur Pilav, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) & Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw: I don't usually order chicken, but Ottoman Taverna's chicken was surprisingly tasty and delicious, far exceeded my expectations. 5*BAKLAVA---Thinly Layered Pastry Filled with Nuts & Steeped Syrup: not too sweet or syrupy, it was great! 5*SUTLAC was delicious oven-baked rice pudding, not too sweet and very good. Besides delicious food, Ottoman Taverna also offers a great value. I would definitely bring family and friends back to try more dishes. I tried several times to book for a big group event here; I called and came in person and left my contact information - unfortunately Ottoman Taverna never called me back. I don't know what to make of it. It has been Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2017, so maybe they just don't care for big groups. I'll never know. read more
Business owner information
Hakan I.
Thank you for leaving this wonderful review! We are delighted to hear…
2 years ago
Def 4.5/5 stars if I could rate in between! The full Turkish brunch experience is well worth the money! For $45/pp including mimosas (also good mimosa to juice ratio which is not always the case with AYCE/bottomless), you will definitely leave stuffed and satisfied! All the cold mezze dips were tasty and a great addition to accompany the many dishes that followed! Our server had great timing with sending each of the small plates and I loved the family style to be able to try so many new dishes. The beef kofte, scrambled eggs, and fries filodough with some sort of feta mixture were my favorite dishes. At the end we were served a thick honey yogurt/topped with pistachios and a few sliced strawberries, which I enjoyed but it was not very sweet and not everyone at the table enjoyed. read more
A good place for a brunch. We chose the bottomless brunch option for a party of 8. We were digging into the food so fast that we weren't able to take photos fast enough. Flavors of the food were very tasty and the amount of food we received were enough for us all. The staff were a little harder to come by but they were fully packed so that was understandable. For those coming with a car, parking is a little tricky, we were able to park across the street in a lot for $10 all day. read more
Business owner information
Hakan I.
Hi Melody!…
This was hands down the best Turkish food I have ever had--EVER! I was visiting the area and I live in an area with many Turkish restaurants so I can distinguish between what is decent and what is exceptional. First of all, the atmosphere is one that is upscale, but the prices are average. As for the staff, they are super friendly and attentive. read more
Great food that's flavorful yet approachable for any Middle-Eastern food lover. --- Three buddies and I visited here on a Friday night for restaurant week. I had come hungry and ready to feast, and this did not disappoint. The dining room is large and expansive, with high ceilings and large windows and a view into the kitchen. While aesthetically pleasing and bright, it did get very loud as the restaurant filled up - as if we were in an echo chamber. A note if you are coming for dinner on a busy weekend. Our table participated in the restaurant week menu, which included, per person, 2 small plates, 1 large plate, and a dessert. I also got a cocktail to start the night - the speciality Gin and Tonic w/ Pomegranate Juice. It was refreshing and a solid start, although not particularly the most exciting drink. We coordinated our small plates to share, so we were each able to try 8 different ones. They were all delicious - with my favorites being the Muhammara (red pepper spread with walnuts), Mutabal (eggplant dip), Kaydari (yogurt with walnuts), Potato Pancakes, and the fresh Hummus. For my entree, I had the Adana Kebab, a well spiced ground beef link with a little spice, salad and bulgur on the side. The plate was delicious. It was a relatively simple presentation, but everything was prepared so well and the spices were able to elevate the quality of beef and make every bite savory. While I'd certainly order this again, I am eager to return to try all the other meats on the menu. Everyone at my table went with the baklava, so I went with the rice pudding. The pudding was fine (and significantly more food than the baklava), but it was a bit plain - it would have been better served paired with a nice, bold drink. The last points ties to the service. While our food came out promptly and on time, it was a bit difficult to get ahold of our waitress throughout the night. I had tried to grab their attention to order another drink or two, but failed. Disappointing, but they were very busy so I did not think much of it. Overall this was a good experience with amazing food. I am curious to not only come back for dinner outside of restaurant week, but also to visit for a weekend brunch. read more
Massive portions and delicious food. The cold mezze had plenty of options and we certainly couldn't finish them all. Both of our meat dishes were also delicious and more than enough food. Certainly on the expensive side, white table cloth dinner. Was also very empty for a Tuesday night. Would come back, but also curious to try other local spots with a lower price point. read more
The Trip to Turkey Pre-Fixe Menu gives you a good portion for an even better price of $44.95. While all the mezzes are flavorful, the haydari is especially tasty. If you have trouble deciding, don't fret. The Hot or Cold Meze Platters got you covered! read more
3 years ago
I highly recommend this place for brunch! Definitely make a reservation. All you can eat and drink! Our server was amazing and they bring out everything on the menu for everyone to try and then you can order more of what you really like or of anything. The tables were a little close, but it wasn't too loud. I wouldn't want to sit on the couch is because you are right next to the person next to you at a different table but the food was amazing. The evil eyes coming down the steps into the restaurant were so cute and everything inside was cute. read more
2 years ago
Beautiful restaurant which reminded us of Turkey with gorgeous rugs, and serveware. Started with lebneh and bread which were well paired with Turkish coffee. The salad was ok but the beyti kebabs were very juicy and flavorful. Our server was very helpful and provided us with good suggestions for our meal. read more
Came here for brunch with friends. They have a bottomless mimosa brunch for a fixed price and they have the regular menu where you can get a la cart. Unfortunately their policy is that everyone at the table get the bottomless option or no one can get it. We were a table of 6 and 4 wanted it and 2 did not. We were finally able to work that out with the manager but that stuck me as a bad policy. I was one of the two as I had already eaten and just got a Butter Shrimp appetizer which was very good. The 4 bottomless friends loved all the food and it seemed like a lot. The last person ordered an omelet that came out looking like pizza as they did not fold over the eggs in the pan. Still good. The service was great and the place was very nice and had a large bar that I am sure does well in the evening. Great place to check out especially if you like Turkish food. Next time I will come with an appetite so I can try more dishes. read more
2 years ago
Went for lunch during DC's summer restaurant week. Both the food and ambiance were on point. This was my first time having Turkish food and it was flavorful and filling. I will be back! read more
2 years ago
What an amazing experience! True Turkish heritage with flavors and taste that are just the right balance . Bonus for halal meat! Excellent food and well worth the $$ . read more
I had the pleasure of a date being planned at Ottoman Taverna and I was beyond excited given that it was Michelin Starred and that it was Turkish Cuisine which I couldn't recall the last time I had. I'd never had Raki so I decided to go with a cocktail that had Raki as the star and the presentation was just beautiful! The cocktail itself was very flavor forward (which wasn't a bad thing) and was also quite pleasant at the same time. We decided to go with the hummus for an appetizer and it was absolutely silky, pretty divine and paired well with the freshly fried pita chips. They also provided fresh herbed bread and olive oil + balsamic which was a nice add. I'd always heard of Moussaka yet never had the opportunity to try it so when I saw it on the menu I immediately knew that's what I was having. This version had eggplant, potatoes, ground beef, a beschemel sauce and others cheeses (sort of like a Turkish lasagna). I was so excited to dig in once it came out but had to wait a few minutes as it was piping hot and needed to settle a bit before eating. Once the wait was over I was slightly disappointed as it was oddly sort of flat flavor wise and the layers of ingredients seemed to be scattered. It wasn't bad by far, however, I had such high hopes and they weren't met. We ended our meal with the semi-sweet Turkish Coffee which was PHENOMENAL and I had a nice bit of energy for the rest of the evening which was much needed, lol. Lastly, the service was great and the restaurant itself was BEAUTIFUL! Overall a good experience and I'd absolutely visit again and try a totally different meal. read more
2 years ago
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Ask the Community - Ottoman Taverna
Is this restaurant wheelchair accessible? It looks like there are stairs at the entrance. Is there another entrance that will work for wheelchair users? Thank you!
Yes it is accessible, we have a lift for wheelchairs.
Bottomless Brunch for $39.50 but no Turkish dessert included?
There is, is actually the yogurt strawberry parfait 😋 so tasty, I highly recommend.
Hi there! Last time I was there, I noticed a different time for happy hour on weekdays. What time does it end on Mondays?
There is happy hour every day from 3pm to 6pm.
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Ottoman Taverna - mediterranean - Updated June 2026
Best of Washington, DC
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