Looking for your next great Middle Eastern meal in Washington? From fast casual to high end, check out these new restaurants the next time you are craving Middle Eastern fare.
Super Pollo
1327 Connecticut Ave. NW, Dupont Circle
Yes, Super Pollo is a Peruvian chicken shop, but it also serves kebabs. The small Virginia-based chain offers lamb, beef and chicken kebabs, as well as chapli kebab (minced meat), lamb chop and gyro sandwiches. The Peruvian-oriented menu also includes grilled corn, plantains, yucca and other sides, in addition to the famous chicken.
Super Pollo has received one five-star rating on Yelp.
Yelper Magma M., who reviewed the eatery on June 29, wrote, "We ordered from two different menus: Peruvian chicken and chicken seekh kebabs, with a few sides such as super-creamy mashed potatoes, savory red beans and tasty spinach mixed with potatoes as well as delightful curried chickpeas. The Peruvian cumin-laced chicken was moist and tender. A great success."
Shouk
395 Morse St. NE, Union Market, Brentwood
Shouk serves vegetarian Israeli street food in Union Market. (There's also one in Mt. Vernon Triangle.) At the fast-casual spot, diners choose between whole-wheat pita, rice and lentils, or greens as the base. Combinations on offer include cauliflower with tomato, scallion, tahini and parsley, or black bean with sweet potato, red pepper, tomato, arugula and spicy harissa.
Available snacks include hummus, polenta fries and lemon date balls. Wash it down with juice, soda or craft beer.
Yelpers are excited about Shouk, which currently holds five stars out of 22 reviews on the site.
Liz P. wrote, "The service here is outstanding, and I love how quickly the food is made after ordering. Once I opened the Shouk box, I could instantly smell the delicious vegan burger ingredients and flavors. Not to mention, the serving size is huge. Bite after bite was filled with incredible (and well-balanced) flavors."
Jessica B. noted, "Gorgeous space, delicious food and friendly people. Oh, and it's plant-based! Loved their first location and this one might be even better. More seating and in such an up-and-coming neighborhood."
Shouk is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Sababa
3311 Connecticut Ave. NW, Cleveland Park
Offering a more upscale take on Israeli cuisine, Sababa is located in Cleveland Park. It's from the Knightsbridge Restaurant Group that brought you Indian food stalwarts Rasika, the Bombay Club and Bindaas, which is next door to this new outlet.
Diners begin with snacks from a rotating selection of seasonal produce (salatim), then move on to small plates of grilled sardines and roasted halumi. Kebabs are done on a wood grill, and entrees include roasted chicken or fish and a vegetable tagine.
Yelpers are generally positive about Sababa, which currently holds four stars out of 58 reviews on the site.
Joanna V. wrote, "This is a great addition to the area. So unbelievably delicious."
Yelper Max C. noted, "The interior is beautiful, I felt like I was in Israel or a similar place, especially because of the tiles and some of the seating. The ambiance is perfect for a night out. The plates are mostly made to share I believe, but you can totally head over on your own!"
Sababa is open from 5–10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 5–11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5–11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5–10 p.m. on Sunday.
