Diners' Choice: Mediterranean restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Mediterranean cuisine in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Zaytinya - DC

4.7

4.7 (19888)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Penn Quarter

About the restaurant

Under the direction of celebrated Chef José Andrés and his ThinkFoodGroup team, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on José'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.

Top review

Donald

Dined 2 days ago

They had great lunch specials and service was attentive.

Imperfecto

4.8

4.8 (23)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Foggy Bottom

About the restaurant

Imperfecto is a restaurant by Enrique Limardo and the team behind Seven Reasons. The restaurant is inspired by the intersection between the Mediterranean & Latin American Cultures, and sustained in Enrique Limardo's bold culinary approach.

At Imperfecto we believe that human beings are not perfect. We are far from perfect. We are Imperfect. And it's imperfection that moves us forward and shows us how to improve.

The restaurant design is inspired by Greek culture. The oldest definition of "perfection", goes back to Aristotle, who defined the concept in three: which is complete; which is so good that nothing of the kind could be better; which has attained its purpose.

At Imperfecto, we know that a restaurant space is not complete if it’s not filled with people; that we will try our best to maintain the highest levels of creativity, flavors and service; and that we will always pursue our purpose of bringing magical culinary experiences to our guests.

Top review

StevenVIP

Dined 2 days ago

What fantastic, carefully prepared food coupled with exquisite service! Our server, Elver, is what every restaurant hopes for in their wait staff. He is highly knowledgeable about the food and wine, thoughtful in his recommendations, and ever present when needed, without hovering or interrupting. Imperfecto is a jewel, not to be missed when dining in DC!

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Experience

Imperfecto's Michelin Dégustation Experience

Julii

4.8

4.8 (2540)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

North Bethesda

About the restaurant

Julii, French Mediterranean Cuisine; by the founders of Cava Mezze, and Cava.

Come enjoy an elevated dining experience, bringing you delicious yet beautiful cocktails and dishes and top-notch service.

Currently offering indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery service.

Top review

Michele

Dined on Jun 5, 2025

Excellent service! Food and drinks were delicious

Alhambra

4.7

4.7 (733)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Downtown

About the restaurant

*2023 WINE SPECTATOR AWARD OF EXCELLENCE*

Taking inspiration from the landmark Alhambra Palace and Fortress in southern Spain, one of the most famous monuments of Islamic and Spanish Renaissance architecture, our new menu exemplifies the blending of cultures and cuisines across the region.

Showcasing their rich bounty of produce and fish in a modern and convivial setting, Chef Brian Bladfält Landry presents a seasonally inspired menu enhanced with the bold flavors across a variety of the region’s cultures. With distinct menus offered across brunch, lunch and dinner, the dining concept focuses on four sections of small plated dishes – sea, land, garden and table – all meant to be shared.

Alhambra is located on the lobby-level of The St. Regis Washington, D.C. at 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW in the heart of downtown D.C. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner from Monday through Saturday and brunch on weekends.

Top review

Fred

Dined 5 days ago

My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. Wanted to try something new. Except for the price of the wines (exorbitant), we had a great time. Will return.

Barca Wine Bar & Pier

4.7

4.7 (1859)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Old Town Alexandria

About the restaurant

BARCA is Old Town Alexandria's newest riverfront neighborhood restaurant. Located in Robinson , BARCA (Spanish for boat) styles shipyard chic and Catalonian coastal influence into a waterfront Pier and Wine Bar. Both indoor and outdoor locales serve up Spanish-Mediterranean small plates, wine, sangria, and cocktails plus weekend brunch.

Top review

Zuleyma

Dined 5 days ago

My Experience was amazing Food tasted amazing Beautiful View

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4.6

4.6 (107)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Downtown

About the restaurant

At the heart of legendary hospitality and Mediterranean flavors, Balos offers an elevated dining experience led by Executive Chef Alex Oradei.

Inspired by the lush Cretan lagoon it’s named after, Balos creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere—blending old-world charm with modern elegance. Founded by industry veterans and lifelong friends Stefanos Vouvoudakis, Tom Tsiplakos, and Joe Ragonese, it embodies the Hellenic tradition of shared meals and lively conversation.

Our menu showcases Greek seafood and seasonal ingredients with a contemporary twist. Whether you join us for our famed Espresso Martini Cart brunch, a lively dinner, or a business casual lunch, our airy dining room transports you to the Greek islands.

Top review

MargiVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The evening started off great with the hostess seating us in a “quieter” spot as I requested. And the waiter brought over champagne for everyone because it was in the records that our anniversary was recent(5/24) which was a very nice treat. And then he was very helpful with our menu selections. The dinner was delicious as always. And our friends will now be returning customers as well to Balos.

Iron Gate

4.6

4.6 (3086)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

Iron Gate, located near Dupont Circle, stands as one of the district’s oldest continuously operating restaurants and is split between a sumptuous dining room, a wisteria covered patio and a handsomely enclosed carriageway that houses the bar.

Chef Anthony Chittum, a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and his team have revitalized the space with a menu that takes inspiration for the cuisines of Greece, Sicily, Sardinian and Southern Italy, interpreting those traditions and techniques using the finest products and seasonal ingredients of the Mid-Atlantic.

Iron Gate also serves as an idyllic oasis for fine private events both large and small, so please consider us when planning your next fête, we'd love to have you as our guests.

Top review

Nicole

Dined 5 days ago

Three beautiful rooms, the outside patio is especially lovely. We got the full dinner, and everything was delicious. I enjoyed trying all the mezzo… it was a lot of food though! Next time I’ll order ala cart for sure. There were a few off-menu surprise morsels as well. A fantastic experience!!!

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Experience

Weekend Brunch at Iron Gate

Yayla Bistro

4.7

4.7 (794)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Arlington

About the restaurant

Yes, we are open! Dine in & Outdoor Seating.
Online Ordering for pick up & delivery : http://www.yaylabistro.com

Top review

AnthonyVIP

Dined on May 30, 2025

Beautiful restaurant, quiet atmosphere in which to have a conversation, excellent food and service.

ala

4.5

4.5 (1178)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

Welcome to a gastronomic gem that transports you to the sun-kissed shores and rich culinary traditions of the Levantine region. Nestled discreetly within a charming corner of the city, Michelin-rated restaurant ala invites you on an unforgettable journey through the flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean.

Step into a world where heritage and innovation harmoniously intertwine, a place where passion for authenticity meets avant-garde culinary techniques. As you enter, you'll be captivated by the warm and elegant ambiance, adorned with tasteful hints of Middle Eastern motifs that effortlessly blend with modern chic.

The thoughtfully curated wine list complements the menu perfectly, offering a carefully selected range of regional wines, arak, and innovative pairings that elevate the dining experience further.
Prepare to be enchanted by the brilliance of the Levantine cuisine and the experience that has earned its well-deserved place in the revered Michelin guide.

Top review

JeffVIP

Dined on May 23, 2025

Wonderful selection of many tastes. Everything was delicious.

Elaine's

4.7

4.7 (291)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Old Town Alexandria

About the restaurant

Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences.

Our award winning restaurant Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away.

Top review

JoshuaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing as always. One of if not my favorite restaurant in Old Town. Great service, food and drinks.

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