Top 9 Best Middle East Restaurants In New York and Washington DC

The Most Famous Middle Eastern Restaurants In New York and Washington

The exquisite taste and universally adored flavors of Mediterranean cuisine are limitless.According to Well+Good, the Mediterranean region includes parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, specifically those areas that are close to the Mediterranean Sea. Mediterranean cuisine, as stated by Paula Wolfert, a renowned authority on Mediterranean cooking, has its origins in countries such as France, Italy, Morocco, Greece, Tunisia, and Spain, among others.

Mediterranean cuisine does not exist as a singular entity; rather, it is characterized by its diversity and the influence of various traditions and ingredients (according to Table Agent). The Mediterranean region serves as a confluence of diverse cultural concepts, leading to a stimulating culinary tradition.Consequently, the region functions as a channel for the exchange of ideas, traditions, and cuisine. Ingredients and methods seamlessly transition from one corner to the next.

KnowInsiders.com has voted and recommended the 9 finest and most renowned Middle Eastern restaurants in Washington and New York.

Learn more: Top 10 Best Mexican Restaurants In New York City

What are most popular Middle Eastern foods?

1. Ayran-chilled and diluted, healthy yogurt drink

2. Pilaf-rice or grains that have been cooked with oil or butter and chopped onion before being simmered with broth

3. Kebab

4. Revani-dessert

5. Hummus-chickpea puree flavored with tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.

Top 9 Most Famous Middle Eastern Restaurants In New York and Washington

1. Ottoman Taverna

Website: https://ottomantaverna.com/

Location: Washington

Ottoman Taverna - The Best Middle East Restaurants In Washington DC

Ottoman Taverna is the place to go if you want something (mostly) authentically Turkish. This restaurant serves a la carte as well as bottomless brunch and a Trip to Turkey menu.

The latter offers a four-course meal designed to transport you to this wonderful country through its flavors.

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2. Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar

Website: https://www.shirazkitchen.com/

Location: New York

Shiraz Kitchen brings Persian flavors to the edges of New York City with its stylish mid-century decor. You'll dream about the dates filled with feta and walnuts for weeks after eating here. The saffron chicken kabob and asparagus might also become your new favorite foods, especially when served with an Iranian wine.

Because the restaurant knows you'll want to make some of the dishes you've tried at home, there is a Mediterranean Market right next door where you can get the ingredients you need to do so.

3. Zaytinya

Website: https://www.zaytinya.com/

Location: Washington

The famous Spanish chef José Andrés has several restaurants in Washington, D.C.'s Penn Quarter. And, while none of his restaurants have ever disappointed us, Zaytinya holds a special place in our hearts.

Maybe it's the breezy air that reminds us of beach hopping on a boat in the Mediterranean, or maybe it's the generous brunch, which for a reasonable price includes more food than you can eat and a rosé flight with Turkish and Lebanese wine.

Whatever it is, this is a restaurant we will return to whenever the opportunity arises.

4. Mamoun's Falafel

Website: https://www.mamouns.com/

Location: New York

If you ever find yourself in Greenwich Village and in need of a late-night snack, Mamoun's will be there for you. It has, in fact, been feeding the village since 1971 and is now a part of the neighborhood's landscape. Given that it's been around since Nixon's presidency, it's safe to say that the falafels are among the best in the city — and they're also extremely cheap!

5. Lapis

Website: http://www.lapisdc.com/

Location: Washington

Lapis serves traditional Afghan cuisine with a modern twist. The interior design is flawless, with white, minimalist decor dominating. The beautiful Afghan rugs, on the other hand, tie the space together and give it a homely, welcoming feel.

There is a large selection of soups, meats, and vegetarian dishes on the menu. We recommend the qabuli palow or Afghan dumplings for a traditional dish. "Yes, they exist," says Lapis' menu. "Genghis Khan was not the only person who knew a thing or two about dumplings."

6. Cafe Munir

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100059304501558

Location: Seattle, Washington

Cafe Munir, a welcoming Middle Eastern restaurant in Seattle, is a local favorite. The mezzes are the restaurant's highlight, especially given the restaurant's other focus on whisky. Come here and pair a few (or a lot) of mezzes with various whisky-based cocktails.

7. Tanoreen

Website: https://tanoreen.com/

Location: New York

This Brooklyn restaurant has been serving home-cooked Middle Eastern food since 1998. Tanoreen's owner-chef Rawia Bishara continues to run the kitchen, which is now a borough legend.

Come support this local family restaurant by enjoying its generous servings. We'd recommend the Sayadiyya, or Fisherman's meal, a snapper filet accompanied with rice sauteed with shredded fish, almonds and spices. Finish the meal with a chocolate harissa.

8. Iris

Website: https://www.irisrestaurant.nyc/

Location: New York

Iris in Manhattan has a modern dining room with soft lighting that is perfect for Aegean food. Visit Greece says that Aegean food is full of sea and sun-drenched ingredients. It includes greens grown in the mountains, stews with lots of herbs, and grilled fish swims in sauces made with fresh lemon juice, oregano, and fruity olive oil. Iris' menu takes Mediterranean food to a higher level by using great skill and new ideas.

The New York Times says that chef John Fraser and executive chef Rob Lawson start with flavors from the Greek and Turkish coasts but always like to add a surprise. Fresh sorrel and spring onions give the spring tzatziki a splash of color against the white yogurt base. This dish is a celebration of the season's bounty.

9. Imperfecto

Website: https://www.imperfectodc.com/

Location: Washington

Chef Enrique Limardo came up with the idea for Imperfecto's fusion menu. The menu changes all the time so that the mix of Mediterranean and Latin American foods can be explored. Whites and blues make me think of Greece and may make you think of Artistolean perfectionism, which Limardo doesn't agree with because he believes that the world can only change by being "imperfect."

The dining room is light and airy, and the architectural interest comes from the use of height and daring curves that make it feel like a whitewashed Greek town. On the menu, the Perfectly Imperfect cocktail is made with Limoncello, Belvedere vodka, yuzu juice, fresh pineapple, and vanilla syrup in a coupe glass. The Noche Caliente has agave nectar, Alessio vermouth, reposado jalapeño tequila, and biscotti liqueur in it.

Bottom Line

Middle Eastern cuisine is absolutely divine, with soft, fluffy pitas, juicy skewered meat, and fragrant fluffy rice. Middle Eastern restaurants can now be found in all major U.S. cities — and many small towns — thanks to an influx of immigrants from the region.

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