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    Xiquet by Danny Lledó

    3.6 (108 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSpanish, Seafood, Mediterranean
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    Taylor A.

    I had to sleep on this before writing a review. I'm somewhere between a 3 and 4. It's an expensive meal so I can understand the frustration many other reviewers have. That being said, it's about the experience, flavors, and passion for the craft -- not the price. I really enjoyed the 1:1 time with Danny plus the personal touch with each of the playing/menu cards; the notes and the interactions made the experience warm and inviting (although, FWIW being followed/escorted to the bathroom is a bit peculiar). We had the tasting menu + wine pairings (didn't upgrade for wagyu or lobster). When we were escorted to the second floor / lounge, we ordered an additional glass each. All in, our bill was about $1,200 for two and we tipped $300, which is optional given the included service charge. Massive highlights: - BBQ frog leg: moist, flavorful, and fun - scallops: a multitude of complex flavors + fun preso | uni, caviar, lime pearls, yuzu vinaigrette... amazing - ham: ok the empanada was lackluster but the heavy handed serving of iberico ham? yes please - wines: many wines I haven't tried / wouldn't have tried. And isn't that what experiences like this are all about? A wee bit of adventure. I'm not usually interested in whites but they were fun most complimented the food quite well - sea bass: the pea puree was delish and the skin was perfectly crispy. I would happily consume a super sized version of this (!!!) - dessert: every single sorbet/cake/delicate bite sized sugar bomb was creative and exploding with unique flavors Lowlights / things that didn't do it for me: - the duck breast + grab Marnier foie cake - it was an odd paring and maybe I don't have a refined palette to appreciate! - pork tenderloin - hard to cut and lackluster, however the parsnip puree and pumpkin sourdough bread were amazing - paella - simply because I've had better, although I deeply appreciated the additional spoon of socarrat (plus it was fun to watch). It's a fun presentation too! All things considered, it was a delicious adventure and I'm glad I experienced it. I was celebrating my birthday and they brought a special birthday dessert out and gave me a card, which I loved. They have a few events / collabs coming up and I'd be keen to try the ala carte experience on the first floor. It's a little hole in the wall with lots of heart poured into it, so I'd recommend a visit.

    Large single person bathrooms on the second floor
    Danielle F.

    Solo diner review (12/11/24): I'd read mixed reviews of Xiquet before making a reservation, but their interesting spin on Spanish cuisine won me over for a fresh off their 2024 Michelin award. I will say that my reservation on a Wednesday night was made and then rescheduled due to a special event they were hosting with a guest chef. Be aware, there is a premium charged on the weekend for the same menu as weeknights. If you can get an early reservation (mine was at 6pm) for a Wednesday night, it's worth it to say almost $80. Highlights of the evening were the Lloborado (Spanish sea bass), Partridge (complete with pear cut into the shape of a tree), Pork Wellington (take a beef Wellington and make it Spanish!), and the Traonja del segle with orange sorbet for dessert. For much of the evening I was alone in the third floor dining room. There was another single diner when I arrived, but he departed shortly and a table of two was seated while I ate dessert. Service was incredibly attentive -- and from light chit chat it seems like they may have been doing some training/shadowing of new staff. Chef Danny came by to great me in the dining room AND again in the lounge as I enjoyed dessert bites and coffee. The open kitchen on the top floor was nice, but I couldn't see much action as they were only cooking for me. Wine pairings were fine, but nothing earth shattering. I did love the menu cards instead of a traditional menu sheet there were playing cards for each course. If you come back seasonally you can complete an entire deck (one suit for each season). Overall, I thought the food was very good and service was lovely. They made me feel at home, but it's not a place I'm longing to go back to.

    Dessert
    ida s.

    Xiquet was a great experience! Booked this restaurant for my husband's birthday and came on a Tuesday evening. It felt like private dining because for half the time we were the only people in the restaurant. The whole time we were there only one other party came, another party of two. This is a restaurant that deserves its michelin star for the food and service. It's not a hyped up trendy place that gets by on liquid nitrogen and lots of cream. They have a great wine selection, we had a really good krug and all the courses were delicious. Would highly recommend this place for a special occasion. I'm pregnant and they also went ahead and adapted the menu which was thoughtful. Desserts were just right and not too heavy. The second area you go to is nice also. I didn't have room for the desserts at the next stop but we took them back and ate them the next day.

    Vera - Scallop, Caviar, Blood Orange, Nyora Pepper
    Ken S.

    KenScale: 8.25/10 Visit: January 2023 DC has no shortage of the growing list of fine dining restaurants and one of the places that had been on my radar for a while since my wife Jun and I moved from NYC to the DC area was Xiquet. Opened in 2020 right before the pandemic outbreak, the restaurant by chef Danny Lledó has been getting accolades here and there for his innovative and modern take on traditional Valencian cuisine. While Jun and I had been to casual Spanish restaurants in the area, it was our first time exploring a fine dining format from this wonderful country of rich culinary tradition. When we walked up the stairs to reach the second-floor dining space with kitchen next to it, chef Danny kindly greeted us with a few bits before we were seated. The aroma coming from the kitchen was quite pleasant and our expectations for the dinner began to elevate. Overall, our meal at Xiquet was quite delicious with a few really outstanding dishes and without notable misses. When we got the welcoming snacks at Xiquet, my wife Jun was pleasantly surprised to see goose barnacles in the aperitivos. It's not often you see these crustaceans at a restaurant. Another surprise was the assortment of flash cards for each dish, similar to how Atomix had been dazzling diners for years. Each flash card thoughtfully described chef Danny's inspirations behind the corresponding dish, oftentimes sharing his memory in Valencia. The first dish that came after the aperitivos was fresh scallop from Hokkaido, Japan, accompanied by Ossetra caviar and blood orange that gave refreshing flavor. Even if you are not a vegetarian, you would be won over by a vegetable dish like the wonderfully fire-roasted heirloom squash with romesco. Called rèmol in Valencia, the turbot also beautifully displayed its rich flavor with the help of classic beurre blanc sauce. While Valencia is known for the famous paella, Xiquet's rice dish was more grounded in the method of Alicante nearby, accompanied by herb-braised rabbit. It was not surprisingly one of my favorite dishes of the night. According to chef Danny's flash card, partridge is a fowl widely used in Spanish cuisine, and Xiquet's version of the dish that came with foie gras and pear was certainly a winner. The savory part of the course ended with a rib-eye and Iberico pork tenderloin; both were delicious but fell slightly short of the bar set by the preceding dishes. The rib-eye inspired by vaca vieja ("old cow") raised in sustainable manner in Spain was unfortunately sourced from beef nearby in Maryland, and the slightly tough texture made us wonder what the real Spanish version would've tasted like. Iberico pork tenderloin and ham would've been fine on their own, and Jun questioned whether putting it in the puff pastry to create a Spanish version of Wellington was the smart choice. After all the rich savory dishes, an all-orange roster of desserts (from siphon cake to sorbet) provided a nice break to our palate. We wrapped up our meal with some treats at the bar area below the dining floor. Getting a reservation at Xiquet through Tock is not too challenging as long as you plan a couple of weeks in advance. The restaurant also offers wine pairings and has a fairly pricey wine list that skews toward tempranillo-based Spanish wines (although we were lucky to find one of my favorite California producers on the list and ordered a bottle of pinot noir to complement our meal). The small but cozy dining space with minimal décor gives the vibe of a fine dining restaurant without much stuffy atmosphere, making the restaurant a great choice for a date night. At the end of our meal, we were told that chef Danny is working on a new counter-style format that supposedly gives an upgrade from the dining room dishes in a more intimate setting. Jun and I will certainly check out that new format once it materializes; until then, our assessment of Xiquet is a very good restaurant but not quite top echelon yet.

    Kenneth B.

    I have been meaning to go to Xiquet for some time now, but living in California now makes that difficult. Finally made it in DURING A HURRICANE , yes not even a hurricane will stop me from consuming delicious food. Was welcomed with a nice glass of wine and saw the beautiful awards on the wall. Was taken upstairs where the main dining area is and was able to have a few words with the staff. Everyone was extremely welcoming and friendly. I'm not going to go into detail about the food, all I will say is BOOK YOUR RESERVATION NOW!!! This meal will be remembered for a very long time! I don't have a favorite dish but the Paella really stood out. I loved everything, especially the cards that come before every dish explaining exactly what you're about to consume and the history of it. Thank you for having me Xiquet, I'll be back and I'll be telling all of my friends about my incredible meal!

    Jimmy L.

    Decided to come here for restaurant week. I read somewhere that their regular tasting menu at $265 was discounted by $100, but was dismayed to find out that it was different in that two items aren't included (Iberic Wellington and something else). The Wellington was an optional add on at $40, which I did not opt for. Reservation was a breeze online, and there was a $50 per person non refundable deposit, which gets deducted from the final bill. There was ample street parking. The dining experience was very intimate, with just 7 tables. Service was awesome, and even Chef Danny brought out a few plates and described the dishes! My favorite dishes were probably the red prawn, turbot, and the partridge. The orange dessert also really stood out. The final two dessert servings is served at the mezzanine level, where there is also a bar. There you settle the bill and get a parting gift bag with some sweets. A mandatory 22% service fee is added, which also gets taxed, and this is not a tip. Overall, a very nice dining experience. I was hesitant at first, having read the reviews, which were either hit or miss. I personally enjoyed the food, but wasn't completely blown away at the price point. Luckily, I tried it during RW at a discount. Still, a very nice experience overall.

    David C.

    This is a fine dining Michelin Star restaurant. I will attempt to segment my review accordingly, as the nuance of such an experience and expounding thereupon is highly divergent in appreciation and applicability. Needless to say, this restaurant is not for every and all tastes. -- 1. Truncated scores for oversimplification, respectively: (1) Compared to other Michelin Star venues: 2.75 to 3 out of 5 stars; (2) Compared to other Michelin (Star or otherwise) venues: 4 stars; (3) Compared to other fine dining restaurants in surrounding area: 4 stars; (4) Compared to all restaurants, regardless of type or class: 4.25 stars; (5) Compared to options in DMV area for a special occasion: 5 stars; (6) Subjective enjoyment as a food enthusiast: 3 stars; (7) Subjective enjoyment as a fine dining enthusiast: 3.5 to 4 stars; (8) Value of experience from a dining enthusiast's perspective: 4.25 stars; (9) Objective value: 1.5 to 2 stars; (10) Aggregate true rating: 2.75 to 3.25 stars, depending on the day. -- 2. Exposition: Xiquet offers an expensive, premium, and highly specific experience that may seem foreign, especially to those who aren't accustomed to fine diving; and even, at some points, to those who have dabbled here and there. Upon entering the unassuming multi-level restaurant, you are greeted by a host who takes a variable amount of time to prepare a table for you. You sit on a couch in the lobby which also has a bar. Upon my visit, the bar was unattended, making for a peculiar dynamic. After being checked in, you walk up two floors to the top floor. You are greeted by the head chef, and partake in a drink and small bite as he and one of his chefs welcome you. You are then seated at your table, one of only a few in the dining room. The big windows on the end of the room make for a good view, especially if you are seated toward them. After being seated, you will be acquainted with 2 to 3 main servers; a sommelier; and a manager. Prior to being served each course in the tasting menu, a card will be presented to you which describes the dish as well as its origins, concept, and personal relevance to the head chef, Danny Lledo. As the dish is being served, the main server attending you will further expound upon the nuances of each dish. Toward the end of your meal, Danny comes to speak with you once more. Upon finishing all the courses (and there are many if you go for the tasting menu), you will be escorted down one level to a bar and lounge area. This floor happens to also be where the restrooms are located. As you conclude your meal, you sit on a couch which is surrounded by another bar area. You are served tea, chocolates, and desserts. Upon preparing to check out, the manager comes by to ask you about your experience. The menu changes several times per year with a certain few items remaining. If this place is your cup of tea, consider revisiting to try different items; as well as different occasions in which the setup may be quite distinguished. -- 3. Critique: Each of the staff are highly trained and very knowledgeable. The experience is very unique and different, and highly worthwhile for a food enthusiast who wishes to experience something new and premium; especially for a special occasion. Many of the items, like with art, are made better by the explanations; as is the whole experience bespoke accordingly. However, some items are better than others; and some are highly memorable while others are perhaps bland. All items, however, do push the envelope; and craft a cohesive story as well as are likely unique. In that sense, I cannot offer any misgivings about the experience. To say I would recommend it, however, is a threshold I cannot truly pass; as much as because of the competition and the price point, as well as the relative expectations and preferences of all people, which are not necessarily in tune with a clientele who would visit this place. Of those who would contemplate visiting such a place, I cannot say with guarantee nor sterling conviction that the experience will be enjoyed, either. Some items did little for me, palette-wise, as well as in invoking any thought, inspiration, or satisfaction. Others, yet, induced a comprehensive resolution of resplendence which reaffirmed why I continue to exist; of why I endure; and of why I strive. My lukewarm score is a function of these two states at conflict; as well as that the exact distribution is not favorable, given the price. But I am at a limbo, in that, in grading a Michelin Star, I ask myself whether I am grading the food or the restaurant; and to what degree I am offering too much or little to either front. In the case of Xiquet, I opine the experience superior to food. Definitely a good restaurant and experience. But is it fitting of its weight? That is the query. -- 4. Recommendations: Try at least once, if you have a lot of disposable funds. Definitely keep an open mind.

    David T.

    I was very much looking forward to trying out Xiquet for restaurant week. The service and outreach beforehand to confirm menu preferences was great. However, the service all changed upon our arrival. We had expressed dietary preferences, which the host confirmed, but the waiter seemed completely befuddled at the start asking us what we would be having, when we already confirmed the meals. It was a shock to see how expensive the wine options were for a restaurant. I've been to numerous Michelin Star restaurants where you don't have to pay $25 for a half glass pour. It's surprising they don't offer more affordable alternatives as Spain has lovely wines at a more cost effective price point. They also didn't even offer tap water unless you requested it, so going for the up sells right away. The service started off bad with a wrong plating providing a gluten dish to a gluten free diner. That diner was also advised they would receive a normal paella with meat, but the waiter delivered the Vegetarian paella saying that's what they would receive. No explanation was provided on why until we asked the chef when he walked by the table. I did appreciate the chef's explanation and even his return to the table with the meat to explain how it used bread crumbs as binding. However, this should've been communicated by the wait staff. At a Michelin Star restaurant, servers should know the menu well enough, especially when dietary preferences are communicated weeks in advance. A minor note I was also surprised by was the scuffed matte flatware served with the meal. It seemed like it was beyond time for replacement. The overall dining room was very minimalist and narrow making it awkward for waiters to pour water for diners seated against the wall. It was nice to see the kitchen going as you walked up the steps. As for the food, the dessert was phenomenal and my favorite dish of the evening. The vegetarian paella was great, but light on portions for the price point. I think they could've spared adding more than a handful of artichoke hearts. The crudo appetizer was okay, but seemed overall salty. The tostada with asparagus was great. Overall, I can imagine myself being quite disappointed to pay for this restaurant at full price given even for restaurant week it seemed a high cost. I do appreciate the chef's attention to the table after expressing our concerns and they comped a wellington upgrade for the birthday diner, which was a very nice gesture. I don't know if I'd recommend to return here given so many other great Michelin Star restaurants in DC with more attentive service and value for the food provided.

    Red prawns, tuna belly, cuttlefish, caviar
    Louis A.

    I'm headed to Valencia next month so I wanted to give Xiquet a try. It's not the best Michelin star restaurant I've been to, but it's not the worst either. I went on a night when they were still tinkering with their seasonal menu. My dishes were very meat heavy - there was lamb, partridge, and pork. That's on top of the hake and two paella dishes. I was definitely full and had to bring some of the food home. Other diners complained about their meals being too salty - I actually thought some of the dishes weren't salty enough. They could've also added a little more heat to them. I found some of them to be a little bland. The main course (Wellington Iberic pork) and dessert (rhubarb/avocado cake) were by far the best parts of the meal. I was charged $12 at the end of the night for "water service" which was a bit of a surprise. I opted for sparkling water. I don't know if it would've been the same price for still water, but a heads up would've been nice. Honestly, I would've been fine with tap water had I known I was going to be charged for it. They also don't have any soft drinks and no cocktail menu. They have what appeared to be a full service bar on the middle floor, but I was only given a wine menu. It's cheaper to get the wine pairing, unless you want to pay hundreds of dollars (or thousands) for a single bottle. Even a single glass was upwards of $50 so I opted to just stick with my $12 water. They charge you a 20% service fee which they say goes to all of the staff, but on top of that, when you receive your bill, there's also a line that prompts you to tip. It's very confusing. Furthermore, they charge you $50 when you make a reservation (which is eventually deducted from the bill), but I was actually charged $51.75. Apparently there's a $1.75 fee as well which wasn't made abundantly clear. I ended up spending close to $300 with no alcohol. I went on a Wednesday night around 7 PM and I was a little surprised by how vacant the restaurant was. There was just me and one other couple. Their dining room appeared to sit about 20-30 people, though I do have to give them credit for allowing single diners. Many Michelin star restaurants won't even give you that option. Service was great and staff were very friendly. What I found unique was they give you little cards with descriptions of each of the dishes. I'm not sure I'd come back, but worth a visit I suppose, especially if you like paella.

    Ryan S.

    Our latest experience at Xiquet was less then amazing. We have been to Xiquet before and it was perfect, so I am not sure what happened this time. The service is absolutely perfect, the team at Xiquet is top notch; Honestly it would be hard to find a better service team in DC. The cocktail program is always on point. They serve up some seriously amazing cocktails that's really represent the Spanish influence that the restaurant has. So the food......... Well.... Chef Danny Lledo was not their that night. I am not sure if that was the problem, but I kinda assume it was. Everything seemed a little off,It was good but slightly off. Even the famous Paella was just a few degrees off..... Trust me I hate writing this review but honesty is the best policy. This is a great restaurant, and I still encourage you to visit. Worthy of a Michelin star; no doubt This is my experience, and hopefully not yours.

    menu
    Landres B.

    I had a decent dining experience and I'm unsure what so many are griping about concerning price, service, or quality. 1) Look at the menu: you're paying for rare and treasured ingredients literally cooked in front of you. Yes, you can get supermarket chicken at other Michelins gussied up fantastically. But idk maybe read ahead before you reserve at someplace that's not doing that 2) They're human and mistakes happen. A course can be flawed and things can spill. In the live arts, even the best trip. The food wasn't underseasoned. They quite deftly paced the intensity of seasoning to peak on the meat dishes and be minimal on the earlier dishes. The service was nice but in general overwrought considering they were mostly just repeating what you could read on the card. The cards were a really nice touch in that regard: you got all the info and are able to reference whenever. They should let servers offer personal anecdotes vs recitation of the card. The Chef was in-house and I enjoyed the introduction and ensuing interaction with him. Again, I'm not sure what people are expecting here. Is he supposed to turn around while you eat? Eat with you? Take your wife home??? All of that is said, there were some honest and unnecessary disappointments. -The paella (both times!) tasted scorched and I couldn't finish. This could be a quirk I'm not privy to, but I would have at least appreciated a warning. TBH, I think it was just scorched. Too many restaurants are clamoring for open-fire "live" cooking as an ambiance gimmick. I don't get it - The cake paired with the hauntingly delicious strawberry semi-frio was a miss. I would have LOVED that semi-frio with a crouton of the stale, bland, cake instead. -The final dessert summed up my quibbles: too many courses felt like they put checking requisite boxes (pun intended) ahead of other things. -The Wine selection seemed designed for Rober Parker/publication point hunters and was quite unimpressive given you're kinda limited/forced into wine. Overwrought and heavy wines from recent vintages with inflated market prices due to high scores. That's one definition of rare, but not necessarily the one I prefer. The half-glass options were a nice touch, though -Overall dining experience left only a few memorable impressions. Perhaps too few given the hard work and mentoring on display from the Chef/team throughout the meal.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Xiquet by Danny Lledó

    Agora DC - Cauliflower**

    Agora DC

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

    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.

    Was able to do a walk-in on a recent Thursday evening…read more I had been many times before, but it had been a while, so it was great to dine at Agora again. Everyone in my group loved the assortment of small plates that we had. We considered getting the lamb chops, but it only comes with 2, and there were three of us, so we opted against it. The dishes we got instead (an assortment of vegetables, meat, and seafood) were all delicious, and we would all be happy to get them again.

    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

    ala - GOLDEN CAULIFLOWER

    ala

    4.2(1.2k reviews)
    1.8 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.

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    ala
    ala - Adana Kebab

    Adana Kebab

    ala

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    Zaytinya

    Zaytinya

    4.2(6.3k reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$$

    This place is in a great corner location, the food was delicious, and the staff were friendly…read moreoverall. We had a reservation to make sure we got a table, and the restaurant was completely full when we arrived. The only downside was that after being seated outside, we felt a little forgotten for the first 30 minutes or so. No one came by with water or to check in, and it seemed like the staff may not have realized a new table had been seated until we flagged down the outside host. There were also swarm of flies hovering around the outdoor tables, which another table pointed out and then we started noticing too. Aside from that, the experience was good overall. The inside dining area definitely had a dressier vibe compared to the patio seating, and once we were helped, the food made up for the slow start.

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

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    Zaytinya
    Zaytinya
    Zaytinya - Spreads & Bread

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    Spreads & Bread

    Barbouzard - Onion Soup Gratinée

    Barbouzard

    4.3(72 reviews)
    2.2 miDowntown

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

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

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    Barbouzard - Bread

    Bread

    Barbouzard - Katama Bay Oysters

    Katama Bay Oysters

    Barbouzard - Bread service

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    Bread service

    Maydan - Roasted carrots

    Maydan

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

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

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

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    Maydan - Wood oven front and center

    Wood oven front and center

    Maydan - Shrimp

    Shrimp

    Maydan - Spiced chocolate mousse

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    Spiced chocolate mousse

    Iron Gate

    Iron Gate

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

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

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

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    Iron Gate - The "Tunnel of Love"

    The "Tunnel of Love"

    Iron Gate
    Iron Gate - Courtyard

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    Courtyard

    Xiquet by Danny Lledó - spanish - Updated July 2026

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