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10 Mouthwatering Mediterranean Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Zaytinya
Zorba's Cafe
Agora
Kellari Taverna
Taberna Del Alabardero
Gypsy Kitchen
Maydan
Ottoman Taverna 
Fig & Olive
Zaytinya
Zorba's Cafe
Agora
Kellari Taverna
Taberna Del Alabardero
Gypsy Kitchen
Maydan
Ottoman Taverna
Ottoman Taverna 
Fig & Olive
Fig & Olive

Food from the Mediterranean area has long been a favorite with many people. That’s because it is hearty, light and incredibly varied. It’s a great way to eat delicious and eat healthy! In the last few decades, diners in Washington, D.C. have increasingly embraced this incredible cuisine. If you’re looking for the best Mediterranean restaurants in Washington DC, you’ll find plenty of marvelous choices. There are places that you can dine alone for a quick lunch, and you can also find places that let you have fun with a great crowd. So without further ado, keep reading for our list of Mediterranean restaurants in D.C.! 


Photo credit: zaytinya.com

1. Zaytinya

701 9th St NW Corner G Streets, Washington DC, 20001-4572
(202) 638-0800

World renowned chef José Andrés is the force behind one of the most admired restaurants in the entire city. He has earned many stars over the course of his career and it shows. Zatinya takes inspiration from many cuisines includes the Middle East and Italy If that sounds like something you’re going to like, you’re in luck. Start with one of their many luscious spreads like hummus or labnah. Add a flatbread. Try the roasted beet salad or the Greek chicken soup. This is one place that’s really meant for sharing with large platters that everyone at the table can sample at the same time.

 


Photo credit: tripadvisor.com

2. Zorba’s Cafe

1612 20th St NW, Washington DC, 20009-1290
(202) 387-8555

Authentic Greek home cook is the order of the day right here. The extensive and well thought out menu makes it easy to find exactly what you want. They have varied types of dips including white bean dip, hummus and spinach with feta. If you can’t decide on the kind you like best, try a sampler platter. Multiple soup options including lentil are luscious and filled with the flavors you crave. There’s also pizzas and lots of large sandwiches on the menu. End the meal on a delightful note. Pick a cup of one of their strong coffees. Pair with a nice slice of a Greek dessert dripping with honey.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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3. Agora

1527 17th St NW, Washington DC, 20036-6233
(202) 332-6767

Lunch, brunch and dinner are all available at this Washington favorite. Like many other options, they offer a large and highly worthy sampler of varied types of dips. That makes it an easy place to sit down and begin your meal on the right note. They have lots of hot options as well as many cold possibilities for your meal. You might like the homemade pickles or the filled grape leaves. Lentil soup is bright with lots of potatoes and a bit of lemon to bring in contrast. Try a filled borek. It has spinach, dill and a topping of tomato marmalade. Multiple seafood selections tempt the taste buds. The grilled octopus is a favorite with many locals as well as the carefully roasted and grilled branzino. If you like meat, try the lamb chops or the filled meat dumplings known as manti. And if you’re ready to do a lot of eating and drinking, they offer bottomless brunch on the weekends.

 


Photo credit: tripadvisor.com

4. Kellari Taverna

1700 K St NW Frnt 7, Washington DC, 20006-3817
(202) 535-5274

Simply fresh is the very motto of this D.C. hotspot. That’s exactly what they bring to diners and it shows. Begin with a cup of their soup of the day. Varied types of salads are also on hand including the Greek salad. Top them with a protein for a full meal. Main courses include gilled chicken and the lamb souvlaki. Whole grilled fish of all kinds are right here for those who like things right from the sea and fresh on their plate. Add one of their sides like steamed greens with olive oil. This is one place you’ll want to go again and again when you’re in the area. Many people love finishing their meal with Greek yogurt with lots of honey and plenty of fresh berries.

 


Photo credit: Yelp

5. Taberna Del Alabardero

1776 I St NW Entrance on 18th St, Between H & I, Washington DC, 20006-3700
(202) 429-2200

Spanish cuisine is one of the most important types of cuisine in the Mediterranean area. If you’re in the mood for this very special food, you’ll want to drop by this space and have fun. Founded in 1974, they’ve been serving the DC area for decades. The lively and elegant setting is one that offers a sense of marvelous luxury. Your meal can begin with the Anchovies In Vinegar With Olives or the Tuna And Potato Salad. Other options that you’ll like include the Cantabric Anchovies with toasted bread and salmorejo and the Fried Calamari with green onion aioli. Order shrimp in a fabulous garlic sauce that speaks of the wonders of Spain. Go for one of their varied types of paella and enjoy your meal here.

 


Photo credit: Yelp

6. Mazi

1518 K St NW, Washington DC, 20005-1214
(202) 969-2858

New American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist is where this restaurant stands out. They like to play around with existing concepts and bring them in an entirely new direction. That’s reflected on their menu in every way. That is why so many diners look to this space to show them why a meal here is worth their time. It’s also why you’ll want to come by if upscale dining is something you’d like to do. Bring your best client for a dinner you’ll both remember. Saganaki is cheese carefully fried and set with herbs. The Greek Authentica salad is lots of layers. Pick from one of many dressing options. The lamb burger is a favorite. It comes with Feta cream cheese along with a nice serving of romaine lettuce lots of caramelized mint and a well prepared shallot relish.

 

Gypsy Kitchen
PhotoCredit: Yelp.com

7. Gypsy Kitchen 

1825 14th St NW Washington, DC 20009
(202) 894-6015

Gypsy Kitchen has a variety of options for both small plates and a few large plates. They know you’re going to enjoy them here. To start the meal course try one of their cured meat & cheeses like the smoked duck prosciutto. For the main course, many people enjoy the crispy chicken briouat and the mushroom toast. They also have a lot of types of vegetable and gluten-free preparations that make it so easy to enjoy a meal if you’re very much a vegetarian or dining with one. This place is perfect for a group lunch or a late dinner. Enjoy the night seating under the stars on their rooftop seating with some delicious food. They have a wide variety of drinks in the bar, making it perfect for a night out.


Photo credit: tripadvisor.com

8. Maydan

1346 Florida Ave NW, Washington DC, 20009-4838
(202) 370-3696

Indoor and outdoor dining makes this one special place. They’re all about pleasing guests. That’s the secret behind their service and the entire foundation of their menu. You’ll meals here that intended to be shared with everyone else. Begin with herb plate or a beet borani with lots of dill. This is a great place to eat if you like to have things right from the grill. Beef and chicken kabobs are thick and filled with lots of layers of flavors. Hearth roasted carrots come with fresh onions and red pepper harissa. They also like to roast cauliflower with plenty of varied spices that make it even better. There’s a full range of condiments at every table including toum with garlic and oil and tahina with rich sesame. That’s a great way to enjoy this space.

Ottoman Taverna
PhotoCredit: opentable.com

9. Ottoman Taverna 

425 I Street Northwest, Washington DC, 20001 
(202) 847-0389

Ottoman Taverna is a Turkish cuisine with a Mediterranean mixture. This a perfect place for brunch and dinner. The red lentil soup is so comforting with its creamy texture. Try one of their hot mezze plates such as the falafel and patates kofte accompanied by their complimentary tea . Ottoman Taverna also offers a four-course menu which is like a trip to Turkey at an affordable price–great for dinner dates! They are located minutes away from the White House, which makes it a great place for walking. Do not forget dessert! Try their dondurma which provides four types of ice cream and the katmer if you enjoy pistachio flavor!

Fig & Olive
PhotoCredit: yelp.com

10. Fig & Olive

934 Palmer Aly NW, Washington DC 20001   
(202) 559-5004

Nearby the Smithsonian American Art Museum, try Fig & Olive. Their goal is to provide fresh and simple ingredients to feed both the body and the mind. They provide a variety of options from appetizers to desserts. The heirloom tomato caprese and mushroom croquettes are delicious appetizers. Try the grass-fed hanger steak topped with roasted hen-of-the-wood mushrooms, wilted swiss with raisins, pine nuts, and pickled stems. While Fig & Olive serves both lunch and dinner, stop by when they are serving brunch to try their french toast topped with almonds and berries.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on December 22, 2021 and last updated on October 24, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.