Diners' Choice: Mediterranean restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Mediterranean cuisine in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Maya Bistro

4.8

4.8 (272)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Arlington

About the restaurant

Welcome to Maya Bistro!

Maya Bistro is a family-owned restaurant in Arlington, VA. in Maya Bistro our delicious meals can be anything from a simple snack to an elaborate multi-course meal celebrates good food, hospitality and the heart of Turkey.

It is an upscale-casual dining experience that celebrates the rich diversity of Turkish & Mediterranean food and culture through a blend of classic and contemporary menu offerings and superb hospitality.

With the 35 years of experience in a variety of cuisines, our family draws on a deep knowledge of classic and contemporary Turkish & Mediterranean cooking as well as the many regional influences on Turkish & Mediterranean cuisine.

Top review

G. Denisevip

Dined 6 days ago

Another great experience at this restaurant. Phenomenal food. A neighborhood gem, so very seldom crowded, which I love. But the food is the star of the show, and next in line is the service!! Will definitely dine here again!

Carmello's Of Old Town Manassas

4.9

4.9 (1022)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Manassas

About the restaurant

Carmello's Of Old Town Manassas is a family owned and operated restaurant in Historic Manassas, which specializes in Contemporary Cuisine with Italian and Portuguese Fusion. The restaurant features a seasonal menus with locally sourced items from local farms. We are proud to be featured as one of the 50 best restaurants in Northern Virginia By Northern Virginia Magazine.

To accompany your dinner, select from our 2010-2023 Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine List. Come try our extensive Portuguese wine list and taste for yourself what everyone will be talking about. We currently carry over 75 Portuguese wines from such regions as Alentejo, Douro, Doa, Estremadura, and Vinho Verde. Our list of Portuguese wines is one of the finest in the DC Metropolitan area and is comparable to many of the top Portuguese wine lists in the America.

Top review

Joesph

Dined 6 days ago

Always outstanding- amazing food and service - love it!

Yayla Bistro

4.9

4.9 (772)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Arlington

About the restaurant

Yes, we are open! Dine in & Outdoor Seating.
Online Ordering for pick up & delivery : http://www.yaylabistro.com

Top review

Craig

Dined on Sep 15, 2024

We had a terrific birthday dinner for six. Sat outside on a beautiful evening and received great service, as usual. Our tasty platters were predictably excellent and well prepared, and a great match with our Lebanese wine. Yayla is one of our favorite restaurants-for dinner, brunch, whenever. A delightful gem in our corner of Arlington.

Zaytinya - DC

4.7

4.7 (19045)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Penn Quarter

About the restaurant

Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.

Top review

MaryB

Dined 1 day ago

I am recently diagnosed with celiac sensitivity and our server was so helpful with the separate menu and then explaining dishes too. He also brought my daughter out a candle for her dessert and we didn’t even tell him we were celebrating an early birthday. We think he saw her license when she was ordering a drink. Not sure but it was wonderful. The food was delicious too!

Julii

4.7

4.7 (2339)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

North Bethesda

About the restaurant

Julii, French Mediterranean Cuisine; by the founders of Cava Mezze, and Cava.

Come enjoy an elevated dining experience, bringing you delicious yet beautiful cocktails and dishes and top-notch service.

Currently offering indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery service.

Top review

Giannavip

Dined 5 days ago

Great meal! Had the Cauliflower for the first time. It was excellent, as was the cod and trout, and mussels. We all shared and loved everything (which is rare). Luka our server was the highlight!

ala

4.5

4.5 (1165)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

Welcome to a gastronomic gem that transports you to the sun-kissed shores and rich culinary traditions of the Levantine region. Nestled discreetly within a charming corner of the city, Michelin-rated restaurant ala invites you on an unforgettable journey through the flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean.

Step into a world where heritage and innovation harmoniously intertwine, a place where passion for authenticity meets avant-garde culinary techniques. As you enter, you'll be captivated by the warm and elegant ambiance, adorned with tasteful hints of Middle Eastern motifs that effortlessly blend with modern chic.

The thoughtfully curated wine list complements the menu perfectly, offering a carefully selected range of regional wines, arak, and innovative pairings that elevate the dining experience further.
Prepare to be enchanted by the brilliance of the Levantine cuisine and the experience that has earned its well-deserved place in the revered Michelin guide.

Top review

Juliet

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

One of the best dining experiences we’ve had in long time! Food was superb, authentic,flavorful, freshly prepared, attention to detail.. loved every bite. We ordered one cold plate, one hot plate & one large plate which was plenty for 2 people. We appreciated peaceful music while we ate !! - Ala experience was unlike the typical “ have to shout to hear you” kind of place most restaurants serve up today. Server was lovely sweet & attentive. 100% recommend.

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Experience

$22 Mezze Lunch

Experience

All-Day Happy Hour at ala

Elaine's

4.5

4.5 (200)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Old Town Alexandria

About the restaurant

Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences.

Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away.

Top review

Margaretvip

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

I have been several times to this restaurant and I really enjoy it. The food is always excellent and they have wonderful craft cocktails and some different wine selections. For some reason on this particular occasion, the noise level was very loud. The service was pretty good and my friend and I enjoyed the evening. Perhaps the upstairs might be a bit quieter? Overall, a very nice restaurant with excellent Egyptian and Mediterranean selections.

Iron Gate

4.7

4.7 (2963)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

Iron Gate, located near Dupont Circle, stands as one of the district’s oldest continuously operating restaurants and is split between a sumptuous dining room, a wisteria covered patio and a handsomely enclosed carriageway that houses the bar.

Chef Anthony Chittum, a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and his team have revitalized the space with a menu that takes inspiration for the cuisines of Greece, Sicily, Sardinian and Southern Italy, interpreting those traditions and techniques using the finest products and seasonal ingredients of the Mid-Atlantic.

Iron Gate also serves as an idyllic oasis for fine private events both large and small, so please consider us when planning your next fête, we'd love to have you as our guests.

Top review

Jamesvip

Dined 2 days ago

Joined for anniversary dinner - we felt very welcome and cared for by Chris and the rest of the staff - it was an excellent experience to try the prix fixe menu.

Barca Wine Bar & Pier

4.7

4.7 (1748)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Old Town Alexandria

About the restaurant

BARCA is Old Town Alexandria's newest riverfront neighborhood restaurant. Located in Robinson, BARCA (Spanish for boat) styles shipyard chic and Catalonian coastal influence into a waterfront Pier and Wine Bar. Both indoor and outdoor locales serve up Spanish-Mediterranean small plates, wine, sangria, and cocktails plus weekend brunch.

Top review

ChristinaM

Dined 6 days ago

Great service. Delicious sauces on the food. Ambience was unbeatable. Go during good weather and dine Al fresco.

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