Lebanese food?

Submitted by warda8825 t3_zv43k2 in washingtondc

Are the Lebanese Taverna restaurants in/around the city any good? Open to other suggestions in or around the city. Budget isn't a huge concern, willing to drop up to $100-$200 for solid food. This is for dinner with my FIL, whose very much the hoity-toity "I work in IT for an elite DoD contractor" type, and enjoys nice restaurants.

I'm originally from Lebanon, born and raised in Europe, now married to an American and living in the DMV. I'm picky about authenticity. I've tried a few different options in the city, and on the MD/VA side, and have had trouble finding something authentic. I used to frequent Al Nakheel in Vienna, but rumor has it they sadly shuttered their doors for good. I know I know, I sound like an elitist, classist prick.

Thanks in advance. 🙃

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Cool_Story_Bra t1_j1n38i1 wrote

Idk about authenticity because I’m just a white guy from the Midwest and it’s not fancy because of the food hall environment, but Yasmine is a new place in Union Market and it’s as good as anything I had in metro Detroit. Not perfect but a decent bar to measure against.

More to the point, I’ve heard good things about Lebanese Taverna. The family that owns it is Lebanese immigrants. Not sure how helpful that is but it’s what I can say.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1n3ifp wrote

Thanks for the input! Much appreciated. I did some digging, found a seemingly genuine/authentic eatery in Arlington. I'll update later with feedback.

I'll definitely be trying Lebanese Taverna another time though!

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DidgeriDiddler t1_j1n80fq wrote

If you are talking about Mejana, I've heard wonderful things!

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warda8825 OP t1_j1njebs wrote

That's on my 'next to try' list! Trying Layalina tonight.

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sithanas t1_j1njx49 wrote

Layalina and Mejana are both good and I’d call them more “authentic” than Lebanese Taverna, at least for the region. Still haven’t found anything to measure up to the places I used to frequent in Dearborn but that’s a tough bar to meet.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1nk9ov wrote

That seems to be what I can gather, I'm definitely trying Mejana next/later this coming week, once my pretentious FIL is no longer demanding our time. Finding something authentic in any city can definitely be a tough bar to meet.

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sithanas t1_j1nkqsl wrote

If you haven’t had a chance to visit some of the places in Michigan you should—one of the largest Lebanese-American populations lives there.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1nkwes wrote

I've been to Michigan before, but unfortunately not Detroit or Dearborn, I know there's a huge Lebanese-American population there.

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RangiChangi t1_j1nmyst wrote

Was just about to recommend Layalina. My Syrian friend really liked it.

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Responsible-Ebb-9775 t1_j1nw45g wrote

I’m Palestinian- I would say Ilili first, then Albi and then Mama Ayesha (which is Palestinian). The Chef at Albi is also Palestinian and has his cafes that are fast casual but also excellent called “Yellow.” Ilili is traditional Lebanese and they also have one in NYC that is very well known, so I would pick that hands down if you can go there.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1nxsbb wrote

Thanks for the recommendation! I appreciate it.

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thedonut1 t1_j1ojiez wrote

Ilili is probably my favorite restaurant in DC, can’t talk about the authenticity but it is definitely worth trying

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warda8825 OP t1_j1ol9k1 wrote

Good to know! I'll definitely give it a try.

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Crisp13 t1_j1q84qj wrote

Yellow the Cafe has an amazing urfa- thing bagel (actual name) and albi lives up to the hype.

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sithanas t1_j1nlj2l wrote

This place opened in the Wharf area recently and is supposed to be good (and fancy): https://www.ililirestaurants.com

Haven’t been there personally but people are saying good things about it.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1nlmdm wrote

Heard about that spot! It's been on my list for a hot minute.

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a_h_0 t1_j1owxvs wrote

Second ilili!! I love the kibbeh there!

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Huracan20010 t1_j1o0bnn wrote

If you’re looking for pretty authentic Lebanese but also a high end dining experience I’d say this is your best bet. The service and ambience are great. My family is Lebanese and we feel the food is pretty close to how grandma used to make things (though it’s frustrating to pay $12 for hummus I could make at home for a fraction of that)

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SuitableRow7431 t1_j1ntzhf wrote

Mejana in Arlington; Ilili is pretty good (saw someone mentioned it above already); Albi in Navy Yard; compass rose had Lebanese dishes on their menu last time I was there (they change their menu so would be good to check before); Maydan (isn’t only Lebanese food; has a mix of middle eastern/North African dishes)

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warda8825 OP t1_j1nudzo wrote

Thank you for each of these recommendations! I really appreciate it.

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SuitableRow7431 t1_j1nv6rh wrote

No problem! Also if you’re looking for something a little more casual, muncheez is good (chicken & cheese sandwich is my fav)

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msmith1994 t1_j1nrtdu wrote

If you’re okay with Israeli/general Middle Eastern instead of Lebanese, my husband is Iranian/Armenian and prefers Mama Ayesha’s to Lebanese Taverna.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1ns0fh wrote

Yes, definitely welcome of other recommendations! I'll put Mama Ayesha's on my list.

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msmith1994 t1_j1nsbjp wrote

I’ve only ever had their takeout, but Sababa is also fantastic. It’s on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list.

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tabbcat t1_j1nyisw wrote

Or Persian...Rumi's Kitchen is amazing :)

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mkg4169 t1_j1nvx5m wrote

Have you tried Albi in Navy Yard? I can’t speak to its authenticity but it’s super nice and has a Michelin star. It will definitely impress (if you can drop that kind of $$)

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kindergartenchampion t1_j1njbiy wrote

Not gonna cut it on the fancy aspect but for authenticity I’d give DC Shawarma in Shaw a try. A hole in the wall that is easy to miss but I’m glad I didn’t

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warda8825 OP t1_j1njprk wrote

Thanks for the tip! Putting that on my list for when I'm not trying to entertain my pretentious/uppity FIL. 🙂

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thechauncellor t1_j1npi38 wrote

Not fancy, but I'm a fan of Raouche in Merrifield.

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SSSS_car_go t1_j1noqvm wrote

Agora used to call itself Lebanese—Turkish, but now I see they just say “Mediterranean.” Check out their menu, though—they might have something that says “home” to you.

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silve93 t1_j1o8dy6 wrote

Check out Bacchus of Lebanon in Bethesda, MD! I've also heard great things about Ilili at the Wharf.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1o96kh wrote

Tried Bacchus last year. Meh, so-so. I'll definitely have to give Ilili a try.

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88leo t1_j1ow7jc wrote

I concur, its kinda unremarkable

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warda8825 OP t1_j1ozd3b wrote

Yep, exactly. I wasn't necessarily impressed.

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osya77 t1_j1ouud8 wrote

I was going to say Layalina but you beat me to it

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warda8825 OP t1_j1ozb91 wrote

Ended up eating there. Fabulous choice! Excellent food and ambiance.

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LegitimateFail3 t1_j1permc wrote

Hands down Ilili. Owner is originally from Lebanon as well and goes above and beyond in detail - architecture, ambience, service, food.

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throwaway832222222 t1_j1pwfu7 wrote

Ottoman taverna is incredible. Went there for my grad lunch. Will impress your FIL

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barflydc t1_j1nygdb wrote

I suppose it’s going to come down to the style of cooking. Lebanese Taverna is great food and a great experience. I like Mama Ayesha’s better because they s season the way my grandmother did. (E.g. meat stuffed grape leaves, no mint in tabouleh, kibbeh is baked. Etc. ) unfortunately I don’t know what part of Lebanon my family was from but check mama’s out.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1o6a4g wrote

That's fair. And yes, that makes sense -- I tend to prefer the style that my teta (grandmother) makes food.

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barflydc t1_j1onkmt wrote

Which means you may just have to try all of them. A fate that is enviable. Follow up when you find the one you like the most.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1onsdg wrote

Yeah, it's a good problem to have. 😄 I went to Layalina in Arlington this evening. It was FABULOUS! With every bite, I felt like I was back in Lebanon. 10/10 would absolutely recommend. It has my stamp of authenticity.

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crimsonCapo t1_j1o9tft wrote

Can confirm that Al Nakheel closed down at least six months prior. It was a shame--they had excellent prices and even carried Greek olive oil in their store.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1ol13g wrote

Yes, it was my go-to place. It's so sad they closed.

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mentel42 t1_j1ogobs wrote

Years ago I went to a friend's birthday dinner at Laylina in Falls Church.

That would have been when Dubya was still President so between that and my not knowing what would be authentic take the above with a grain of salt. but I recall a delicious meal and comfortable atmosphere. Fwiw, I've always had good meals at Lebanese Taverna, eaten at multiple restos plus the more fast casual cafe locations

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warda8825 OP t1_j1ol6f6 wrote

Just got home from Layalina in Arlington. It was FABULOUS! Truly authentic food, I genuinely felt like I was back home in Lebanon.

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rbrduk t1_j1opkqk wrote

Lebanese Taverna is great but more like a cafe. For an upscale option, I high recommend bacchus of Lebanon in Bethesda.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1opq9x wrote

Thanks for the insight. I tried Bacchus some time back, my perspective of the food was so-so. I ended up going to Layalina in Arlington this evening, and it was EXCELLENT! Food was incredibly authentic, and the atmosphere, decor, and music were all great too.

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rbrduk t1_j1opy7m wrote

Glad you enjoyed. Leb Tav was always my go to when I was in the area.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1oq3ly wrote

I'll definitely keep Leb Tav in mind for the future.

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88leo t1_j1ovwv1 wrote

I really like Lebanese Taverna but not all locations are equal.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1ozc4s wrote

That seems to be the consensus I'm getting.

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88leo t1_j1q6z53 wrote

They make their bread fresh, most things taste very similar close at each location what differs is the actual menu and the format. I would choose LT over most other restaurants if it was near me.

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jdnn81 t1_j1vycsc wrote

A bunch of Lebanese people I know recently went to Zikrayet in Alexandria but I’m also a fan of Layla’s near Woodbridge. I also have my eyes on the following places: Byblos in Gainesville, Zenola in Vienna (high-end), The Block Oven in Tyson’s (for breakfast).

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warda8825 OP t1_j1w0z68 wrote

I've heard about Zikrayet, it's on my list of places to try. I just went to Layalina's in Arlington the other day, and it was EXCELLENT.

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Outrageous-Cap8713 t1_j24euf1 wrote

ilili at the Wharf is good but you can go broke eating there.

Zenola in Vienna is also very good. https://zenolavienna.com

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Outrageous-Cap8713 t1_j24f4wk wrote

Also check out Zaytinya. It has a wide ranging menu but has kibbeh and kibbeh naya (or at least they did pre covid)

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ninasymone44 t1_j1oq17t wrote

So perhaps it’s not totally “authentic” Lebanese but it is one of my favorite restaurants in DC and that’s Zaytiniyas. You’re always guaranteed a great experience and vibe. I didn’t see it mentioned, perhaps because it’s more Lebanese inspired.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1oq69d wrote

I saw that on the list of spots too, it sounds like a great spot! I'll definitely be trying Zaytiniyas in the near future.

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Pipes_of_Pan t1_j1nj40k wrote

Ha it’s little odd for someone with far more pickiness about a very specific authenticity to ask for opinions from this crowd who no doubt know much less than you, but I have always had good meals at the Lebanese Taverna in Woodley Park and I believe the owners are Lebanese. I would have no problem recommending it to any IT snob.

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warda8825 OP t1_j1njkx6 wrote

I'm asking because I'm relatively new to the area, and I know the city is fairly diverse, which means there's gotta be at least a handful of other Arabs lurking this sub. Just my thought-process.

Thanks for the tip for Lebanese Taverna.

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