When it opened in 1990, the family-owned Lebanese Taverna was one of the capital’s few ethnic restaurants. Today, it's just one of many eateries catering to international tastes, but it hasn’t lost its appeal. In an airy dining room with a bar and lounge, wood paneling and hand-laid fieldstone walls, diners enjoy traditional Middle Eastern dishes presented in up-to-date ways. For instance, the hummus bar offers several flavors (traditional, spicy, and garlic), assorted toppings, and four dippers (crackers, vegetables, fries, and pita toasts). Entrees, such as the lamb sharhat (sliced lamb loin with three-herb sauce), and mezze items, from chicken samosa to kibbeh nayeh (made-to-order lamb tartare), continue to draw the locals. All meals begin with fresh-from-the-oven puffs of pita with olive oil. The proper ending is an order of Lebanese doughnuts, honey-drizzled creamy pudding on the side for dipping.
Washington, D.C.› Restaurant
Lebanese Taverna
2641 Connecticut Ave. NW (near Woodley Rd.)
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Woodley Park & Cleveland Park
Hours
Sun noon–9pm; Mon–Thurs 11:30am–9:30pm; Fri 11:30am–10pm; Sat noon–10pm
Transportation
Metro: Woodley Park–Zoo (Connecticut Ave. south exit)
Phone
202/265-8681
Prices
Main courses $12–$27; mezze items $7–$14
Cuisine Type
Middle Eastern
Web site
Lebanese Taverna
Other
Reservations recommended

Map
2641 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, D.C.Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.