How is Mama Ayesha's restaurant rated?

Name: Mama Ayesha's
Address: 1967 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20009
Telephone: (202) 232-5431
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

Mama Ayesha's

4.3

627 Reviews

$30 and under

Middle Eastern

Top Tags:

Founded by Ayesha Abraham, Mama Ayesha's opened for business in 1960. We are a family owned and operated restaurant serving authentic Arabic cuisine. Enjoy a fresh fattoush salad, some hummus, or some falafel to open you appetite. Main dishes include lamb, chicken, and beef dishes cooked over our charcoal grill. Or try one of our stuffed specialties such as our stuffed yellow squash or grape leaves. Plenty of vegetarian as well as vegan options also available.

With dishes prepared daily from scratch you can be sure you're getting the closest thing to home cooking. We are glad to be moving forward into our 5th decade of serving the Washington, DC area. Many of our guests can tell you that when you’re here at Mama Ayesha’s, you’re family!

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Middle Eastern
Hours of operation
Monday: 5 - 9:30PM Tuesday: 12 - 9:30PM Wednesday: 12 - 9:30PM Thursday: 12 - 9:30PM Friday: 12 - 10:30PM Saturday: 12 - 10:30PM Sunday: 12 - 9:30PM
Phone number
(202) 232-5431
Website
http://www.mamaayeshas.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Samir Abu-El-Hawa
Private party contact
Mohammed Abu-El-Hawa: (202) 232-5431

Location
1967 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Neighborhood
Adams Morgan
Cross street
Biltmore St
Parking details
If you cannot find street parking you can use the metro lot which is next door.
Public transit
A few minutes walking distance from the Woodley Park/Adams Morgan/ Zoo Metro Station
Entertainment
Background Arabic music played during lunch and dinner.
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Hummus$7.00
Chick Peas, Tahini, Lemon, Garlic
Hummus bil Lahmeh$10.00
Hummus, Ground Lamb, Almonds, Pine Nuts
Baba Ghanouj$8.00
Baked Eggplant, Tahini, Lemon, Garlic
Labneh$7.00
Strained Yogurt, Olive Oil
Khyar Bil Laban$6.00
Cucumbers, Yogurt, Garlic, Mint
Harateen (Helen's Salad)$8.00
Tomatoes, Red Onions, Feta, Lemon, Kabis, Cilantro, Olive Oil
Jibna & Zaytoon$8.00
Haloumi Cheese, Green & Black Olives, Kabis
Kabis$4.00
Pickled Vegetables

Hot Mezza

Sujok$8.00
Spicy Beef Sausages, Garlic Potatoes
Foole$7.00
Fava Bean, Cumin, Lemon, Garlic
Kalaya$9.00
Sautéed Lamb, Tomatoes, Onions, Jalapeño
Haloumi$8.00
Haloumi Cheese, Zaatar, Olive Oil

Salad Mezza

Jar Jeer$8.00
Baby Arugula, Mushrooms, Parmesan, Almonds, Pine Nuts
Sabanic$8.00
Fresh Spinach, Feta, Walnuts, Raisins, Balsamic Vinega
Lubia$7.00
Chick Peas, Fava Beans, Tomato, Parsley, Cumin
Taboullah$8.00
Parsley, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Cracked Whea
Fattoush$8.00
Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Green Peppers, Radish, Fried Pita, Pomegranate Dressing
Toor$10.00
Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber, Chick Peas, Olives, Feta, House Dressing

Fried Mezza

Falafel$7.00
Chick Peas, Cilantro, Garlic, Tahini Dressing
Kibbeh$7.00
Bulgar Wheat, Ground Beef, Sautéed Onions, Pine Nuts
Samaak$8.00
Pan-fried Sardines, Cumin, Lemon
Cheese Rolls$7.00
Mozzarella, Feta, Vegetables
Zahir$7.00
Cauliflower, Cumin
Betin' jan$7.00
Eggplant, Lemon, Garlic

Vegetarian Specialties

Warak Inib$15.00
Stuffed Grape Leaves, Rice, Chick Peas, Tomatoes, Mint
Koosa$15.00
Stuffed Yellow Squash, Rice, Chick Peas, Tomatoes, Mint
Mujadarah$15.00
Lentils, Rice, Caramelized Onions, Yogurt
Rishtaya$15.00
Lentils, Egg Noodles
Makloobah$15.00
Spiced Rice, Cauliflower, Carrots

Traditional Specialties

Mouzat$20.00
Lamb Shank, Green Beans, Vermicelli Rice
Menzalah$17.00
Eggplant, Ground Beef, Onions, Pine Nuts, Almonds, Vermicelli Rice
Jab Bil Toma$17.00
Half Chicken, Garlic Stew, Lemon, Vermicelli Rice
Musakan$18.00
Half Chicken, Baked Bread, Sumac, Sautéed Onions
Molokhia$17.00
Mallow Stew, Chicken, Garlic
Bamya$18.00
Okra, Lamb, Tomato Stew, Garlic
Makloobah$18.00
Spiced Rice, Chicken, Cauliflower, Carrots

Charcoal Grill

Shish Kabob$21.00
Marinated Leg of Lamb, Mixed Vegetables, Vermicelli Rice
Kifta$17.00
Ground Beef, Onions, Parsley, Vermicelli Rice
Shish Taouk$17.00
Marinated Chicken Breat, Mixed Vegetable, Vermicelli Rice
Mushakal Mashawi$21.00
Shish Kabob, Kifta, Shish Taouk, Vermicelli Rice
Reeash$23.00
Loin Lamb Chops, Garlic Potatoes
Jaj al Fahim$17.00
Marinated Bone-in Chicken, Vermicelli Rice
Salmon Meshwi$21.00
Atlantic Salmon, Taboullah, Vegetables
Veggie Kabob$14.00
Seasonal Vegetables, Vermicelli rice

House Made Stuffed Specialties

Warak Inib$17.00
Stuffed Grape Leaves, Ground Lamb, Lemon, Rice
Malfoof$17.00
Stuffed Cabbage, Ground Lamb, Lemon, Rice
Koosa$17.00
Stuffed Yellow Squash, Ground Lamb, Rice, Tomato Stew
Mushakal Mahashi$20.00
Warak Inib, Malfoof, Koosa

What 627 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.2Food
4.2Service
4.3Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

627 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing waiter. Made the experience. And the food was pretty great, too.
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DW
DeeW
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fantastic food and wonderful service. The staff was very attentive and patient with our ordering. Food was brought to the table quickly and was delightful.
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b
boricuadc
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as usual!
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EL
EllenL
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious and wonderful service! The decor is also stunning.
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F
123Food
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went there with family a few days ago and everyone loved the food. The restaurant was empty at the time because we were there on a Friday at 2:30 pm. I've been here several times before and the food and service is always good. Definitely recommend.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2019
overall2food2service2ambience2
Service was slow even though they were not particularly busy. Food was mediocre at best. Based on reputation I expected much more.
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AA
AeshahA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
excellent experience very good food and excellent service
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We brought our one and three yr old kids with us on a family date night. The staff was very friendly and they have awesome round booths to keep kids in the seat. Or you could get hi chair but the booth was awesome! Loud enough in restaurant so we didn’t feel like we were bothering anyone. Kids loved the food and so did we!
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DC
DCFoodie
Washington DC
22 reviews
2.0
22 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2019
overall2food3service1ambience3
The service was pretty awful. I would actually rank it terrible but the waiter told us it was first two weeks on the job. When I got to the restaurant, I was waiting for the rest of my party to join so I sat the bar. No one came to give me a drink menu, asked if I wanted a drink until I requested it. The family at the front of the hostess stand seemed too busy talking to each other. Once we got seated, the waiter did not know half the menu. The menu lists "fresh orange juice" and when we asked to confirm it was fresh, he came back and said no. Uhmm okay? Then when we went to order our meals, we all wanted to substitute our rice for yogurt or veggies and the waiter said that was no possible since the rice was mixed it. When we received our meals, the rice was on the side. It was such a complicated meal and unfortunately a very confusing experience. Will not be returning.
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B
Bibliophile
Hawaii
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was delicious. My husband had the lamb shank, our 2 daughters and I enjoyed a series of small plates. For dessert the four of us ordered 2 baklava samplers. They were beautifully presented, delicate and perfectly sweetened. The service was attentive with being obsequious. My husband said it was the best Father’s Day dinner ever. We could hear ourselves talk!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, although it is a bit a hidden, the food is well worth it. I went for lunch (Friday) and the restaurant was quite lively, I’d recommend Helen’s salad and make sure to ask the waiter for the back story . The service (Othman) was so professional and fast . It was a nice experience .
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DS
DanS
Washington DC
10 reviews
2.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2019
overall2food4service1ambience1
It was my responsibility to arrange for 12 colleagues to have an informal business dinner. Having never been to the restaurant, I visited it before making a final decision. I asked if it would be quiet and was told that the noise level would be tolerable. I looked at a configuration of several tables pushed together and asked that we be given the same and was assured that the tables would be arranged that way. They forgot to mention that a cocktail reception for 50 people would be going on at the same time in this small restaurant, which raised the noise level to the point at which none of our group could hear each other. They also changed the tables to one long table tucked into a long booth, which meant that half the party was captured on the back side and everyone else was sandwiched in on the front and sides. Every time someone had to go to the bathroom, three or four people had to get up and then get up again when they came back. I asked for the original configuration and was told we could not have it. The service was extraordinarily slow from the minute we sat down. It took so long for the dinners to arrive that one person had to leave without eating and another one practically handcuffed the waiter until he tallied the fellow's tab so he could make a long drive home. Ultimately, since the waiter was unable to integrate the drink orders with each person's dinner order, I paid $100 for everyone's drinks just so we could get out of the place. The noise level was unacceptable. No one could hear anyone talk. The food was excellent.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
This restaurant is one of my favorites for Middle Eastern cuisine. The food is very good. I ordered vegetarian koosa, which was excellent. More importantly, the service is excellent. My friend mistakenly ordered chicken kebab instead of lamb, and the owner/manager was gracious enough to bring her what she wanted. The atmosphere is very welcoming and homey.
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C
Carm
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 1, 2019
overall5food4service4ambience5
Nice to come back to a location tried over ten years ago. I was not disappointed!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This has been my go to restaurant for the past three decades in DC. I love this place. The service is great. The food is outstanding and the ambiance is great. I highly recommend it. Two years ago my sister visited with her three teenage granddaughters. She asked for me to find a special occasion that would be a real new experience for them. They are still talking about that dinner.
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PF
PaleoFoodie
Seattle
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We picked this restaurant based on the history of the place. (Look into it!) The food was fast and delicious! We had a variety of appetizers (hummus, kibbeh, meat rolls), mujadarah, musakan, kifta. Every dish was well seasoned and perfectly cooked. Such a treat! Best of all, however, was the service. Othman was attentive and personable. He made the evening memorable. I can’t wait to go back!
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b
bmw1138
Washington DC
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was excellent. We shared hummus, foole, and the Warak Inib, which was the perfect amount of food for the evening. All were delicious and we would go back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2019
overall4food5service3ambience4
We had to wait a while after being seated for a server to attend us. But once they did, everything went well for the evening.
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BJ
BenJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Service started off a tad slow as it was quite busy, but all our food came out quickly after ordering and it was absolutely delicious. One of my favorite restaurants in DC!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 5, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food with both vegetarian and glutton free options. Lovely and welcoming service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
16 reviews
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2019
overall3food3service2ambience4
Food was good, service was really bad. We won't comeback
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Authentic Palestinian cooking like my tatah and mother cook it. A breathe of fresh air.
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DP
DavidP
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a delightful choice for Middle-Eastern cuisine. A "cut-above" every time. You really must.
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p
pexo
Washington DC
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience3
the food is amazing .... everything from salads to lamb dishes. I strongly recommend it. We went for Ester lunch so there were not many people but the food was amazing
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F
Food4me
Indiana
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one restaurant that I will frequently be returning to when I visit DC. The food was excellent as was the ambiance. The food had great flavor and was seasoned to perfection. You could tell that people really enjoyed eating there and the staff was very accommodating and helpful.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 12, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food. Wide variety of dishes to order. Great service. Great atmosphere.
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SA
SophiaA
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 12, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience4
Ambiance was lovely, especially the lamps hung from the ceilings. The “waterfall” feature could use an update from the rudimentary pvc pipe. Food was alright overall- there were only two notable dishes my group enjoyed: the eggplant dish and the grape leaves. Lamb chops were cut strangely so it was hard to eat. Expected better from the tabbouleh salad- more flavor! Wouldn’t go again unless someone insisted.
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y
yumcha
Washington DC
136 reviews
vip
4.0
136 reviews
Dined on April 12, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
The best Lamb Kabob I ever had in DMV! Middle Eastern version of moussaka was very good...falafels were small but good. Tabouli and Kunafa was nothing special but wasn’t bad. Bread is not freshly baked here. Highly recommend Lamb Kabob and Egg plant / ground beef from specialty menu
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BS
BSBS
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service is great. The style is middle eastern, it’s been there for sixty nine years and still owned the by the same family.
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YU
YUMMY
Washington DC
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mama Ayesha's is my favorite restaurant in DC. It never disappoints.
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F
Foodie
Washington DC
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brilliant and beautiful food, space, service. A fantastic experience all around. Such a gorgeous setting too!
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KM
KeithM
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food is fresh and delicious. Service is friendly and attentive
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C
suzanneC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 5, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice atmosphere and the food was delicious. I like supporting family run restaurants.
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m
madds
Washington DC
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2019
overall4food5service3ambience3
The Koosa, Stuffed Yellow Squash, Ground Lamb, Rice, Tomato Stew is delicious, very tender and just hit the spot perfectly. The baba ganoush is excellent, goes really well with the warm pita bread. The Makloobah, Spiced Rice, Chicken, Cauliflower, Carrots was underwhelming, unfortunately. Couldn't taste the cauliflower and a bit bland to my taste. $17-18 for main dishes is pretty pricey for me. The waiter is polite and nice but the service is a little slow on a Saturday's afternoon. Overall, it was a great lunch but not very filling.
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L
Lindsay
Washington DC
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on March 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hidden gem! Great food, great service, we’ll definitely be back!
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S
Sharon
Washington DC
76 reviews
vip
5.0
76 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always delightful...food, service, ambiance. Diners can actually have a conversation without shouting.
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HS
HowardS
Washington DC
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience4
I haven't been to Mama Ayesha's in a long time, and this visit will bring me back. We loved the baba ganoush and the haloumi cheese so much that we ordered two more of both. The falafel, the couscous with vegetables and the fatoosh were also very good. The only downside to Mama Ayesha's is that they have no parking and it is very difficult to find a parking space in the neighborhood, especially on a Saturday night.
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P
Paula
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2019
overall5food4service4ambience5
Appetizers are fresh and delicious. I wished I had ordered more of them! Main courses were not so inspiring. Lotsa rice. Service was attentive and friendly. The atmosphere is great.
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FP
FreddyPIII
Washington DC
96 reviews
vip
5.0
96 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing. We love our neighborhood restaurant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great authentic food,and lovely staff (OTMAN)
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FAQs

Mama Ayesha's is rated 4.3 stars by 627 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

1967 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Additional information

Cross street
Biltmore St
Neighborhood
Adams Morgan
Hours of operation
Monday: 5 - 9:30PM Tuesday: 12 - 9:30PM Wednesday: 12 - 9:30PM Thursday: 12 - 9:30PM Friday: 12 - 10:30PM Saturday: 12 - 10:30PM Sunday: 12 - 9:30PM
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Middle Eastern
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
If you cannot find street parking you can use the metro lot which is next door.
Public transit
A few minutes walking distance from the Woodley Park/Adams Morgan/ Zoo Metro Station
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Samir Abu-El-Hawa
Entertainment
Background Arabic music played during lunch and dinner.
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.mamaayeshas.com/
Phone number
(202) 232-5431
Private party contact
Mohammed Abu-El-Hawa: (202) 232-5431

Mama Ayesha's

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Appetizers

Cold Mezza

Hummus$7.00

Hummus bil Lahmeh$10.00

Baba Ghanouj$8.00

Labneh$7.00

Khyar Bil Laban$6.00

Harateen (Helen's Salad)$8.00

Jibna & Zaytoon$8.00

Kabis$4.00

Hot Mezza

Sujok$8.00

Foole$7.00

Kalaya$9.00

Haloumi$8.00

Salad Mezza

Jar Jeer$8.00

Sabanic$8.00

Lubia$7.00

Taboullah$8.00

Fattoush$8.00

Toor$10.00

Fried Mezza

Falafel$7.00

Kibbeh$7.00

Samaak$8.00

Cheese Rolls$7.00

Zahir$7.00

Betin' jan$7.00

Vegetarian Specialties

Warak Inib$15.00

Koosa$15.00

Mujadarah$15.00

Rishtaya$15.00

Makloobah$15.00

Traditional Specialties

Mouzat$20.00

Menzalah$17.00

Jab Bil Toma$17.00

Musakan$18.00

Molokhia$17.00

Bamya$18.00

Makloobah$18.00

Charcoal Grill

Shish Kabob$21.00

Kifta$17.00

Shish Taouk$17.00

Mushakal Mashawi$21.00

Reeash$23.00

Jaj al Fahim$17.00

Salmon Meshwi$21.00

Veggie Kabob$14.00

House Made Stuffed Specialties

Warak Inib$17.00

Malfoof$17.00

Koosa$17.00

Mushakal Mahashi$20.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Mama Ayesha's restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information