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In 1976, Tanios and Marie Abi-Najm along with their five young children, Dory, Dany, David, Gladys and Grace, boarded a cargo ship in the middle of the night to escape the Civil War in Lebanon. Bound for Arlington, Virginia, where other family members had already been living, Tanios, Marie and their children set course for their new life. In 1979, after having worked in several local restaurants, the family had finally saved enough to purchase a humble corner restaurant in the Westover neighborhood of Arlington. Being practical, they kept the original sign, โAthenian Taverna,โ but changed one word, and thus the โLebanese Tavernaโ legacy was born
After nearly 4 decades in the national capital region, the Abi-Najm family has won the hearts and taste buds of foodies all over town. Today, the Lebanese Taverna Group owns and operates 12 locations around the Washington D.C. Metro area, and has been recognized by numerous media outlets and publications as a staple in the local region for the very best Mediterranean cuisine.
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Mich Firestarter
2 weeks agoGreat food! Awesome waiters. The pita bread comes out hot and fresh! The hummus spread is soooo good. The chicken curry was yummy. Itโs definitely worth a try. The ambience is nice and everyone is comfortably seated and conversing in their own space. Food is delicious.
Hussam Eddin Hasan
in the last weekFood is very tasty, service is excellent, and overall experience is outstanding. Special THANKS to Chef Mohammad, who asked about our experience and made it more flavorful!!.
Matt C
3 months agoGreat service, beautiful dining room, and a diverse menu. What could be wrong? I had a tabbouleh salad and chicken shawarma sandwich. Both were excellent. The salad was fresh and flavorful. The sandwich was also fresh and full of flavor. There was a lot of chicken. I couldโve used a little more garlic sauce but I didnโt ask for it so itโs not on them. The bread was warm and seemingly baked seconds before arriving at my table. I loved it and Iโm glad I stopped in!
Tiffany Lei
3 months agoMy favorites here are the Mujaddara, Tabouleh, and Baba Ganoush. The bread is amazing! The lamb dishes looked really nice too! The shawarma was huge. Great portion sizes and superb quality. Definitely try their amazing desserts. The cardamom ice cream is divine. This is conveniently located across the street from the Woodley Park Metro station.
Charles-Stephen Laubhouet
8 months agoLebanese Taverna on Connecticut Avenue in DC is a culinary gem that tantalizes the taste buds with its vibrant flavors. The chicken shawarma salad is a delightful symphony of textures and tastes, leaving you satisfied yet craving more. The chef samples offer a journey through Lebanese gastronomy, showcasing the mastery of the kitchen. This location is well kept, well decorated, spacious and traditionally elegant. The server, hailing from Morocco, adds a global touch to the experience. Their warmth and helpfulness elevate the dining experience, making you feel more like a welcomed guest than a customer. The ease of finding parking, conveniently located along the road with public options, is a rare treat in the bustling DC scene. Lebanese Taverna isnโt just a restaurant; itโs a savory exploration that leaves you both satiated and yearning for another visit. The culinary prowess, coupled with the hospitable service, makes it a standout choice for those seeking a memorable dining adventure in the heart of the capital.