Interested in trying some new Mediterranean spots in Washington? You're in luck: we've found the freshest businesses to fill the bill. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Mediterranean food.
Barrafina Bar & Grill
1714 Connecticut Ave. NW, Dupont Circle
First up is Barrafina Bar & Grill. This pan-Mediterranean spot takes inspiration from Spanish, French, Italian and Greek cuisines.
Starters include grilled shrimp on toasted bread, seared scallops in garlic lemon butter sauce, and falafel with aioli sauce. More substantial options include a sandwich of spiced ground beef with olives, onions and spicy harissa sauce, and black ink linguini tossed with seafood, cherry tomatoes, garlic and olive oil.
The drinks menu is extensive with wines, draft and bottled beer, and signature cocktails. Stop by for happy hour from 4–7 p.m.
Yelpers are excited about Barrafina Bar & Grill, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of 16 reviews on the site.
Priscilla V., who visited the newcomer on June 1, wrote, "The service was spectacular and spot on! They refilled us with water and sodas when needed and the food was delicious! Highly recommend this place."
Barrafina Bar & Grill is open from 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. on Friday, 10:30 a.m.–2 a.m. on Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.–1 a.m. on Sunday.
GRK FRESH
1000 F St. NW, Downtown
GRK FRESH is a New York-based chain serving fast-casual Greek food in Washington and internationally.
The eatery uses imported ingredients and roasting spits to create authentic Greek flavors in its "yeeros" (gyros), grilled beef and chicken kebabs and orzo bowls. Each dish is customizable, per the fast-casual mantra, including choosing from three tzatziki sauces: the scallion, the basil or the fire-roasted habanero. (You can check out the full menu here.)
With a four-star rating out of 37 reviews on Yelp, GRK FRESH has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Gregory B., who reviewed it on July 23, wrote, "The salad is fresh. The pita bread is warm and well textured. The giant beans are great. GRK offers some really distinct and refreshing flavors and options."
GRK FRESH is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday.
Alhambra
923 16th St. NW, Downtown
Finally, there's Alhambra, located in the St. Regis hotel. The upscale design includes private curved booths and sleek white seating. Lunch and dinner both feature grilled seafood or meat, Niçoise salad and burrata.
The Sunday brunch includes a chilled seafood station, Champagne cart and a bloody mary station, with a live jazz accompaniment.
There's just one review for Alhambra on Yelp so far.
Yelper Michael M., who visited on July 29, wrote, "This isn't a scrappy buffet with overheated scrambled eggs and undercooked bacon. It's a cornucopia of delicious seafood options, bite-size quiche treats, an exquisite dessert bar, and extravagant a la carte plates."
Alhambra is open from 7–11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. on Monday, 7–11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., and 5:30–10 p.m. on Tuesday-Friday, 7–11 a.m. and 5:30–10 p.m. on Saturday, and 7–11 a.m. on Sunday.
