Washington, D.C./ Food & Drinks
Published on March 05, 2020
Indulge in Mediterranean fare at these top Washington eateriesZaytinya | Photo: Ash C./Yelp

Craving Mediterranean food?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end Mediterranean restaurants around Washington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fulfill your urges.

1. Zaytinya

photo: vy h./yelp

Topping the list is chef Jose Andres' Zaytinya. Located at 701 Ninth St. NW in Chinatown, it is the most popular high-end Mediterranean restaurant in Washington, boasting four stars out of 4,605 reviews on Yelp. 

As to what the business is known for, "Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting," it notes on its Yelp profile.

"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."

2. Komi

photo: michael u./yelp

Next up is Dupont Circle's Komi, situated at 1509 17th St. NW. With 4.5 stars out of 742 reviews on Yelp, it has proved to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge. 

Yelper Laura H., who reviewed Komi on Feb. 1, wrote, "This was hands-down the best meal I've ever had. Get the wine pairing. Delicious wine with fun descriptions and tasting notes from the wonderful sommelier. On to the food. Every bite was just perfect, so flavorful and interesting and left you wanting more." 

Yelper Chris B. wrote, "Wow, probably the best place I've eaten in the last year. Service was incredible too. We had 12 courses with all kinds of ingredients I had never tried before."

3. Cava Mezze

Photo: cava mezze/Yelp

Capitol Hill's Cava Mezze, located at 527 Eighth St. SE, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the fancy restaurant four stars out of 1,373 reviews. 

The site has lots more information about Cava Mezze.

"Since 2006 childhood friends Dimitri, Ted and Ike have been serving their families Greek mezze in a fun, casual setting," per the business's Yelp profile. "Grilled meats, vegetables and salads are just a few highlights from the seasonal menu. Of course, there is always baklava."

As to what the business is known for, "Cava Mezze serves a modern take on traditional Greek recipes in a comfortable, neighborhood setting," it states on Yelp. "With five locations in the DMV, Cava Mezze offers shared plates, an expansive wine and beer list, and handcrafted cocktails. Dinner staples include grilled lamb chops, spanakopita, tableside flambéed saganaki, and scallops mushroom risotto."

4. Iron Gate

Photo: sydney g./Yelp

Iron Gate in Dupont Circle is another pricey go-to, with four stars out of 613 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1734 N St. NW to see for yourself. 

If you're curious for more, we found these details about Iron Gate.

"In November 2013, the historic Iron Gate reopened under the direction of executive chef Anthony Chittum," according to the business's Yelp profile. 

As to what the business is known for, "A native of Maryland's Eastern Shore, chef Anthony Chittum has earned a reputation not only for his cooking, but also for his commitment to sourcing from a network of local farmers, watermen and food artisans," it notes on its Yelp page. "Chittum and his team draw inspiration from the cuisines of Greece, Sicily, Sardinia and southern Italy, interpreting traditions and techniques through the use of the finest products of the Mid-Atlantic foodshed. Our tasting menu is offered nightly in our dining room."

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.