Ottoman Taverna

Name: Ottoman Taverna
Address: 425 I St NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20001
Telephone: (202) 847-0389
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1143 Reviews

$30 and under

Turkish

Top Tags:

Ottoman Taverna provides flavors and dishes from the Turkish cuisine. Enjoy house made kebaps, dips, hot mezes, desserts and more at our Turkish restaurant. Ottoman Taverna has been awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand status since opening in 2017.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 22, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 69 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 847-0389

Delivery

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Turkish, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:45 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:45 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 847-0389
Website
https://ottomantaverna.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Mustafa Essizoglu
Catering
Catering menus are available upon request
Private party facilities
Ottoman Taverna features the Sultan’s Table (Chef’s table) with 12 seats. We have 3 private dining rooms, with the smallest accommodating 30 people and the two largest combined seating 90.
Private party contact
Felicia Ruffino: (855) 385-6856

Location
425 I St NW Washington, DC 20001
Neighborhood
Mt. Vernon Square
Cross street
4th and I Street NW
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
The restaurant is situated in between Judiciary Square and Chinatown metro stations in Mount Vernon Triangle along the red, green and yellow lines.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Washington D.C.

Popular dishes

Hummus$7.95
Chickpeas Spread with Tahini, Lemon Salt, Olive Oil, Pine Seeds
Haydari$7.95
Fresh Labneh Yogurt Flavored with Mint, Dill, Olive Oil & Walnut
Atom$7.95
Garlic-Yogurt, Celery, Sundried Chili & Tomato
Ezme$6.95
Sundried Tomato Paste with Onion, Green Pepper, Garlic, Parsley and Turkish Spices
Pembe Sultan$7.95
Beets, Labneh Yogurt, Garlic, Olive Oil
Muhammara$7.95
Red Pepper Spread with Walnuts & Olive Oil
Çiğ Köfte$7.95
Six Pieces of Bulgur-Wheat Kofta with Tomato Paste, Red Peppers, Turkish Spices
Moutabal$7.95
Charred-Eggplant, Yogurt, Tahini, Garlic, Olive Oil
Imam Bayildi$11.95
Roasted Eggplant Stuffed with Tomatoes, Onions, & Olive Oil

Hot Meze

Sigara Böreği$10.50
Feta Cheese, Onions & Parsley Wrapped in Homemade Dough
Falafel$9.50
Chickpea-Vegetable Fritters with Yogurt Sauce
Patates Köfte$10.50
Potato Cakes with Crumbled Feta & Yogurt Sauce
Anatolian Dolma$11.95
Grape Leaves Stuffed with Rice, Pine Nuts & Raisins, with Yogurt Sauce
Butter Shrimp$14.50
Sautéed Butter Shrimp with Sundried Chili & Turkish Spices
Mücver$9.50
Pan-Seared Zucchini-Carrot Cakes, Onions, Dill
Içli Köfte$11.95
Bulgur Wheat Stuffed with Ground Lamb & Beef, Onion, Garlic, Walnuts & Parsley
Brussels Sprouts$9.95
Caramelized Onions, Garlic, Pine Nuts, Orange, Red Cabbage, Cream, Red Peppers, Lemon Juice

Meze Platters

Chef's Selection of Cold or Hot Meze Platters

Cold Meze Platter$23.90
Hummus, Pembe Sultan, Muhammara, Atom, Haydari, Moutabal
Hot Meze Platter$13.95
Sigara Boregi, Falafel, Patates Köfte, Mucver

Chefs Mixed Grill

Chef's Selection of Kebaps for Two Guests $57.50. Served with White Rice, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) and Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw

Lamb Chops
Köfte
Chicken Şiş
Adana Kebap
Döner Kebap

Beef Kebaps

Döner Kebap$21.75
Thinly Sliced Beef Döner Kebap Served with White Rice, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) & Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw
İskender Kebap$23.50
Thinly Sliced Beef Döner Kebap Served Over Toasted Pita Bread with Tomato Sauce & Yogurt
Adana Kebap$23.95
Char-Grilled Spicy Ground Beef Kebap Seasoned with Red Peppers & Spices. Served with Bulgur Pilav, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) & Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw
Beyti Kebap$24.95
Char-Grilled Spicy Ground Beef Kebap Wrapped in Lavash Bread with Eggplant Salad. Served with Tomato Sauce & Yogurt
Inegol Köfte$23.95
Char-Grilled Ground Beef Kofta Seasoned with Turkish Spices & Served with White Rice, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) and Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw

Chicken Kebaps

Tavuk Adana Kebap$22.95
Chicken Kebap Seasoned with Red Peppers & Spices Served with Bulgur Pilav, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) & Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw
Tavuk Beyti Kebap$23.95
Chicken Kebap Wrapped in Lavash Bread with Eggplant Salad. Served with Tomato Sauce & Yogurt
Tavuk şiş$22.90
Char-Grilled ChickenCubes Seasoned with Turkish Spices & Served with Bulgur Pilav, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) & Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw
Tavuk Köfte$22.00
Char-Grilled Ground Chicken Kofta Seasoned with Turkish Spices & Served over PitaBread with Tomato & Yogurt Sauce

Ottoman Classics

Moussaka$19.95
Eggplant, Potato, Ground Beef, Bechamel Sauce & Kashkaval Cheese
Grilled Lamb Chops$28.95
Thyme & Pepper Marinated Lamb Chops Served with Sautéed Baby Vegetables & Smoked Eggplant Puree
Shrimp Casserole$19.00
Tomatoes, Green Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Mint in Tomato Sauce with Kashkaval Cheese
Grilled Salmon$25.50
Char-Grilled Salmon Served with Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Spinach
Kuru Fasulye & Pilav$18.90
White Beans Stew with Tomatoes, Onions & Green Peppers. Served with White Rice
Cauliflower Stew$19.00
Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Onions, Tomatoes, Carrots & Served with White Rice
Manti$18.95
Turkish Ravioli Stuffed with Ground Beef & Served with Garlic Yogurt and Anatolian Sauce

Sides

French Fries$5.00
Sautéed Vegetables$5.00
Plain Yogurt$5.00
Bulgur Pilav$5.00
White Rice$5.00
Brussels Sprouts$9.95

What 1,143 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.4Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

F
Foodfriend
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Lovely restaurant, great service, and delicious food. We were in the side room with a big party so it got very loud, but it was festive. Our server was very kind and made great recommendations. Definitely want to return!
l
luvfood
Washington DC
36 reviews
vip
4.0
36 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food3service4ambience3
Nice outdoor seating. Very nice staff. Fairly standard and good middle east cuisine. Nothing wrong, but nothing super exceptional.
SB
Settle4Better
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
2nd time this month!!! This place is amazing, from the staff, ambiance and of course, THE FOOD!!! Lamb chops are AMAZING!!!
EF
ErikF
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unbelievable food! Hands down the best Turkish restaurant in the city.
C
Chris
Atlanta
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience4
What a fun menu! This needs to be savored over a nice long meal.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food. Bottomless brunch is a steal for what you get. Staff was very nice and helpful. Highly recommend
WG
WadeG
New England
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food1service1ambience2
Very disorganized with seating and reservations. Several couples got up and left before ordering. We waited 20 minutes before the waitress came around. It took another 20 minutes before the appetizer, middle course, and main course all arrived at the same time. I like to eat family style but the table was too small to accommodate the dishes. I was really looking forward to having some foods I grew up with. I cook these dishes at home from my family recipes and we’ve travelled through Turkey a lot. This is not what the food is supposed to taste like. The hummus was bland, the falafel was burnt, and the kefte tasted like Jimmy Dean sausages cooked in very old oil. The baklava was fair.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
1.0
5 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall1food1service1ambience1
Overall very disappointing so we left before ordering anything. From the moment we entered it seemed the front desk staff were overwhelmed and it was palpable. The atmosphere was not calm. It was erratic and not in a good way with food trays swinging by our heads after being seated at these high tops. Reservation was for standard seating also. Sadly just really wanted to try the food and have a great experience but wasn’t meant to be. Hope to try again someday.
K
Kristin
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food2service1ambience1
Service was terrible the waiter came to us only twice. Once to get out order and second to give us the bill. The chicken was not cooked.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Terrific food, recommend the 4-course prix fixe for a “taste of Turkey.” Unique wine list. It’s a bit loud due to to the size of the restaurant. Definitely plan to return.
v
vicked
San Diego
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience4
Was quite unimpressed given the high rating. The food was only okay. One of the kabab plates we ordered came with the kababs hot on the outside and completely frozen on the inside. These are clearly not being made fresh… The entrees were decent and the desserts were great. Don’t plan to visit again.
R
Rhonda
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Ottoman Taverna was great! The food was delicious! Our server was friendly, personable and professional. My only complaint is that is was SO loud that it was hard to carry on a conversation at my large round table for two. I was there during brunch so maybe it’s not as loud during dinner hours. But I think the high ceilings are just bad for acoustics! Other than that my experience was wonderful. I will go back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely ambiance with amazing authentic Turkish food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cincinnati
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall2food4service2ambience2
The host was very unwelcoming and was not honest .. I would have left of my mom was not with me and she was a bit tired to go look for another restaurant
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to share food and company, awesome for bigger groups of 8+
MH
MarilynH
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
Our party of five chose to be seated outside, so we tolerated some street noise, but were able to converse easily. The service was very prompt and friendly. The servers explained the different dishes. Presentation was attractive. Recommend the mezze platters to share among the group. Wine choices represented the countries of the Ottoman Empire and were pleasant.
ZD
ZDemir
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My experience with Ottoman Taverna was amazing. The hostess was very friendly. The waiters and waitresses were nice and provided us with great service. 10/10. Can’t wait to go again!!
DS
DeepakS
Seattle
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
First of all - I ordered the Salmon. The salmon itself was grilled nicely but was colder. Perhaps it sat before it was delivered to me. The olive oil was great except the cold bread they serve with it. I wish they would give fresh bread. I also noticed the waiters not using gloves while making drinks and touching additions to the cocktails with dirty hands. I wouldn’t want to drink those drinks. On the other hand, they had a great selection of drinks. Service- I waited and waited to get water, which was room temperature the first time. The waiter didn’t bring water the second time I asked. Was not impressed.
CT
CandieT
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great choice for special occasions. Cold platter, appetizer, mix grill, chocolate baklava, and a mix of drinks rounded out my meal. Dessert options need one or two more choices. I would have liked my entree at a higher temperature. Otherwise, the atmosphere, service, and flavor profile were great.
S
Sarah
Chicago
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Went for Mother’s Day. The food and service were both wonderful as always. It was a packed house which was great to see, but it was very loud and hard to hear those at our table. Have yet to find better Turkish food in DC
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service great food great prices highly recommended it!
D
Djembefola
Washington DC
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great and interesting food. The grill platter and warm mezes was excellent
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service, meat was all fresh, well cooked and presented. Their Baklavas were too good to resist. Overall, had a wonderful birthday celebration with my family.
TS
TamelaS
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were excellent. Definitely going back again
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is our go to restaurant for good Turkish food in the area. Not cheap, so we save it for special occasions. Worth it!
RS
RonS
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful Turkish menu and excellent service. I plan too return for a second visit.
N
Niles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Dinner with a friend and we just had small starter dishes. Every dish was wonderful and a really good Lebanese white wine. Good service. Prompt, pleasant and though packed for Iftar we never felt rushed to give up the table.
JJ
JoJo
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
We had the Iftar dinner menu here over the weeken. The food portion was good. My friend had salmon, which was a bit dry, my Adana kebab was pretty good, and the potato kofta was good too. Had a bite of my friend’s bayti kebab, it was sooo yummy! My friends also loved the Turkish coffee and tea. Most of the food was good but the kunefe here was the worst kunefe I have ever had 😅😅😅
AT
AlexT7801
New Mexico
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Food was delicious. Not sure if most people ordering the special menu caused the delay but our dishes took and hour to arrive. Very disapppointed to see all of those around us who arrived much later getting served while we waited.
AH
AndrewH
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
The Lamb chops were delicious and perfectly cooked. The grilled salmon was dry too the point of being tough. They were kind enough to make the salmon again with less grill time and it was a bit better. We will definitely go back, just probably won't order the salmon. Everything else was perfect!
LD
LDCL
Atlanta
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place for a bottomless brunch on Saturday at a reasonable price (Two-hour limit & entire must participate). Highly recommend you make a reservation. The staff was really friendly and knowledgeable about the Menu. Cold Meze: Hummus & Ezme Hot Meze: I recommend SIGARA BÖREGI For eggs: SUCUKLU OMELETTE & Sunny Side Eggs For dessert Yogurt with strawberries and honey. You must try Turkish Tea. Overall, a wonderful experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Bottomless brunch was incredible! Wait staff did an excellent job, the food spread was awesome. Such a great value - try everything! 10/10 would recommend sitting outside on a nice day
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
İt was really great.
f
food
Washington DC
53 reviews
vip
4.0
53 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Very nice place. Food was excellent; very flavorful and plates are well served (you won't stay hungry). Definitely worth going if you like mediterranean food.
RL
RajaaL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was excellent and I rarely get impressed. I am going back again in 2 days to bring my family too.
AD
AliD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
The food is really delicious, the employees are very friendly, but maybe the service was very slow due to the intensity. I recommend you to eat Beyti, Mucver, Patates Kofte and Katmer.
I
Iman
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was amazing for my iftar. The man taking our order was so kind and hospitable. The food was incredible and fresh. Great value for the quality of the meal. I would highly recommend if you have a large party of people.
M
Myreview
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall1food1service3ambience3
Very disappointed. The food was old and tired and nothing was fresh. Tasted kind of like a stale buffet. If you go don’t select the last reservation of the evening.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fabulous in every way. We’ll be back! We started with happy hour drinks at the bar. What a bargain!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
The Resturant manager said that he doesn’t care about the bad reviews. Very bad attitude from the manager

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Ottoman Taverna does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Uber Eats. Ottoman Taverna also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 847-0389.

Ottoman Taverna is rated 4.6 stars by 1143 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.