ala

Name: ala
Address: 1320 19th St NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20036
Telephone: (202) 717-1166
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1106 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Top tags:

Welcome to ala, the premier location for Levantine Cuisine in the heart of Washington, DC - Dupont Circle. We are currently accepting morning reservations for breakfast meetings for our new coffee shop, ala coffee+more.

We focus on cooking & mixology from the Levant at ala, and now we are bringing that to you with our coffee, tea, pastries and more at ala coffee+more, for groups of 10 and more. We require the reservations to be made 3 days advance.

We are named after the word ala, a Turkish saying that translates to a mix of all the colors. This idea represents the journey we are each on to taste the many cultures & recipes from different areas of the world while inviting people in from all backgrounds.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 15 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 717-1166

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–12:00 am
Phone number
(202) 717-1166
Website
https://www.ala-dc.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
Women
Private party facilities
We can accommodate 10 to 200 guests, we are happy to work with you to plan an office party, business breakfast, lunch or dinner, reception, or another event that requires special attention.ala coffee+more will be here to host your breakfast meetings. Reservations can be made for groups of 10 and more, with a 3 days notice. events@ala-dc.com

Location
1320 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Neighbourhood
Dupont Circle
Cross Street
Sunderland Pl. NW
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public Transit
Ala is across the street from Dupont Circle Metro (red line)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

Bottomless Brunch $44
US$44.00 per person
Multiple dates available
BOTTOMLESS DRINKS AND 3-COURSE BRUNCH MENU: Let us know if this is not enough food for you! The entire table must participate. During the brunch hours, a la carte orders are not available. The kitchen closes at 3:30 PM. Don't feel like drinking? Choose anything from our juices & sodas! *Please note that the outdoor reservations are covered patio seating. Heaters are not provided. *Seating limit is 90 minutes for brunch reservations. *We offer a grace period of 15 minutes. Please give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate you. *Please do not include kids in your reservation if they are not getting the brunch prix fixe menu. You can order a la carte once you are here. *ala is a cashless restaurant.

Duck ProsciuttoUS$10.00
Turkish coffee, orange
Aged Beef SucukUS$10.00
Turkish sucuk, onion thyme jam
TorshiUS$8.00
Assorted pickles from West Bank, harissa
Smoked MackerelUS$10.00
Sumac cream, quick pickled onion (may contain pin bones)
Sage Feta DipUS$12.00
Cyprus feta, sage, freshened toasted walnut
KeciUS$10.00
Goat cheese, walnut, thyme crumbles, roasted red peppers in pomegranate reduction
ZaytoonUS$8.00
Turkish olives, toasted orange peel, walnut, aniseed, herbs (contain pits)

Snacks

Piyaz SaladUS$12.00
Braised white beans, hibeş (tahini sauce), onion, baby romaine, pickled dates
Baba GhanoushUS$14.00
Roasted eggplant, tahini, harissa Turkish black olive paste, za'atar lavash chips
Taboon BreadUS$8.00
Sesame, walnut, pistachio, caraway, chili flakes, garlic
Za'atar Pita
- 2 PieceUS$6.00
Harira SoupUS$12.00
Hearty tomato base, bulgur, chickpeas, Moroccan spices
Fried HalloumiUS$12.00
Pine honey, dukkah (contains walnut and pistachio), chives
DolmaUS$12.00
Bell pepper micro shepherd salad, shaved pearl onions, oil foam (warm)

Mezze

HamachiUS$24.00
Cumin crusted Hamachi, green apple salad, pickled pearl onions, herb oil cream, finger lime (Raw meat)
AkhtubutUS$24.00
Grilled coriander crusted octopus, confit sweet potatoes, fennel, pepper coulis, olive tapenade, chopped sardines, crispy kale
Red SnapperUS$26.00
Fried red snapper fillet, hummus sauce, pickle, crushed coriander seeds, sumac
Crispy Veal NeckUS$18.00
Ras el hanout crispy boneless veal neck, green pearl couscous, mint pesto, crispy diced beef bacon (contains walnut and pistachio)
Adana KebapUS$32.00
Hand-minced rib eye on wide iron skewer and grilled on an open mangal filled with burning charcoal. Served with yogurt, pepper and lavas bread
Golden CauliflowerUS$18.00
Turmeric roasted cauliflower head, dukkah pesto, lemon tahini, pomegranate seeds, preserved apricot, sumac herb salad
Shish BatinjanUS$18.00
Eggplant skewers, confit garlic, tahini chickpea puree, "Ras el hanout", braised chickpeas, truffle glaze, zoug
MantiUS$16.00
Beans filled mini dumplings, tomato sauce, yogurt, fried mint, butter
Lahmacun (Flatbread)US$14.00
Minced beef, Maras pepper, onion, garlic, eggplant sogulme (two mini lahmacuns)

Large Plates To Share

Ras El Hanout Short RibsUS$52.00
Bone in short ribs slow cooked in brick oven (8 Hours), "Ras el hanout", confit garlic, pomegranate seeds, chickpea puree, freekeh pilaf
PirzolaUS$64.00
6 piece of lamb chops, sumac and pickled onions, harissa, toum, freekeh pilaf
Bahārāt TawookUS$48.00
Garlic bathed, seared whole chicken hens, saffron couscous, pepper shaksuka, baharat sauce
Freekeh PilafUS$12.00
Beef broth, freekeh, onion, almond, date. Freekeh is a cereal food made from green durum wheat that is roasted and rubbed to create its flavor. It is an ancient dish derived from Levantine cuisine

Sweets

Halva MousseUS$12.00
Fermented pepper, dark chocolate, cherries
Antep BaklavaUS$12.00
Toasted pistachio, lavender kaymak, lavender seeds (Proudly made with sheep ghee in Antep). Antep Gaziantep baklava, which is made with locally grown pistachio nuts, was awarded "protected status" by the European Union, a designation that recognizes a specific local food, protects it from imitators
Sumac Ice CreamUS$12.00
Preserved figs, sumac oats cookies
Bird's Nest KunafaUS$10.00
Apple cider braised pear, citrusy raisins, nutmeg walnuts, Turkish coffee

Coffee / Tea

Levantine TeaUS$4.00
Turkish black tea, mint, hibiscus
Herbal TeaUS$3.00
Digestive / cardamom / cinnamon / decaf
Turkish CoffeeUS$5.00
no sugar / medium / sweet
CoffeeUS$4.00
regular / decaf
EspressoUS$5.00

Signature Lattes

$5; Whole milk / Oat milk

Honey Nutmeg
Lavender
Halva Cardamom
Golden Turmeric

What 1,106 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Mediterranean
District of Columbia
Mediterranean

Sort by

DB
DonnaB
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very convenient to the metro, stop is Dupont South, right across the street from the restaurant. This was a get together for a small group of ladies. The restaurant was so understanding as our group grew from six to 12 down to nine, then four no shows and we were only five. I kept updating the number and the night of, after it becoming evident that the other four weren't showing, we gave up a portion of our table as it gets very busy there on a Thursday night after work. All of my friends who joined me had never been there. They were all "Wowed" by the food, service and venue. Very good for anyone who is a vegetarian. Top quality food, wine and service. I live only a few blocks away. I go here frequently, as do many of my neighbors and friends.
R
Rackeish
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner and the drinks were top notch. The service and ambiance was definitely on point as well. Ala is definitely going in the restaurant rotation.
G
Geeg
Washington DC
117 reviews
vip
4.0
117 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Ala is a (relatively) unknown gem. The food is different and delicious, and the patio is one of the nicest in the city. The server took care of me when I got an over-brewed iced tea and he was generally very attentive.
CH
ChazH
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 11, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Good food and ambiance. The menu could use some more lunch options.
HF
HereForTheBrunch
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
pretty good bottomless deal, nice drinks and food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 5, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Love the outdoor patio! Not a ton of mezze options but we loved everything we ordered, especially the roasted cauliflower. All of the staff were so kind!
Y
Yasmeen
Washington DC
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 4, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience5
I wanted to love this place but I feel like given portion sizes and quality of food, it could have been so much better. I came for dinner and I feel like my options were limited. My favorite thing was the Adana Kebab. This is definitely a place you can visit to get a few good cocktails/mocktails and a small appetizer. I will definitely try again for their brunch sinceI feel like their entrees for dinner weren't really worth the price.
KB
KatieB
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, delicious food. Went once with a friend then took my family there when the visited town. The spiced cheeses, baba ghanoush, and friend halloumi were standouts. I was sad to see the feta/sage dip that used to be on the menu was gone
Y
Yusif
Washington DC
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food artfully presented. Service is attentive and friendly and the prices are reasonable for the quality of the food and downtown location.
Y
Yasemin
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mevlut’s service was above and beyond. Food was delicious!
KL
KatherineL
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, outstanding and attentive service. Will definitely be returning!
M
Megan
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The lamb burger was delicious! The service was outstanding, too!
SR
SaurabhR
Washington DC
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Not as great as we expected. Food was ok, not that great as well.
A
Aleco
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Overrated, stay away from the sage feta, veal neck. Best item was the short ribs
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing! We tried the restaurant week menu and it was a great experience. I love that it’s halal and we got to try halal cured meats for the first time. The Adana kebap was amazing! Definitely worth it to go here. I would recommend it for any event you’re having. Date, out with girls, family dinner or birthday.
SF
SeniorFoody
Washington DC
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Great food! Server was accommodating but overstretched. Noise level was intense
DC
DCDiner1111
Washington DC
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall2food4service1ambience2
This was our second visit to Ala. The food is very very good - some of the best Levantine/Middle Eastern in Washington. However, both times we have gone, the service has been horrible. Our drinks took over 30 minutes to arrive - we ordered them right when we sat down, and they still arrived well after our first course. The tasting menu we opted to do included an amuse bouche, which never arrived (it also never came out for the table next to us). Our waiter was barely seen. A couple behind us even got up and left because they had been waiting so long for someone to even bring them a menu. To top it all off, I have Celiac, and even after informing the waiter multiple times of this, they finally brought us our amuse bouche AFTER dessert, and mine had bread on it/a wheat product in the soup itself. He claimed it was "safe" for me to eat, but I clearly saw something in the soup I could not eat. The lack of care about serious food allergies like mine is concerning at Ala. Overall, we love the food, but the service and extreme wait times are long enough that we won't be returning.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall2food5service1ambience4
The food was delicious and it was a great ambience for a reunion with colleagues. However, the server came off as arrogant and disinterested in us. He was almost robotic. I tried a few times to talk to him while he was serving us but he either was in a zone and not paying attention or perhaps just ignoring me. At the end of our meal we tried to take a selfie but couldn’t get us all in the photo so we asked him to take a photo of our group. . His coldly told us that he was too busy and didn’t have time for photos and walked away. We didn’t say anything but were taken aback. On his own accord he walked back and said sure and took our photo. There are lots of excellent restaurants in DC with great food like Ala. But I am hesitant to go back if this server is indicative of the type of service I would get. It seemed like he was tolerating us and doing us a favor. We gave him a 20% tip even though we thought he didn’t provide a welcoming atmosphere. But I was a server before and know that tips are important and perhaps he had a bad day. (But really, he was just cold and borderline rude—telling is he doesn’t have less than a minute to take our photo? Come on.) I may try Ala again since he is only one server but he left a bad taste in our mouths after an otherwise lovely meal. But Ala won’t be my first choice. Excellent meal—really delicious. However, who wants to pay money to be treated like that?
AP
APieceofTese
Washington DC
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Perfect brunch spot! I met up with a girlfriend for brunch and we had a great time. While, I was disappointed that they no longer offer the unlimited food option, three courses for brunch for plenty. There are several good options for all three courses and several for those who may be vegetarian or vegan. The mimosa bar was great. I loved the addition of the syrups. There are two stations set up to avoid potential crowding. The staff was was very friendly and helpful at providing recommendation, explaining the time limit and any other questions we had. The bathrooms are gender neutral and they even have a sign telling you that there are additionally bathrooms downstairs in case all of the ones upstairs are full. Great Sunday brunch experience. Looking forward to returning soon for dinner and happy hour.
HH
HH89
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
AMAZING food, great service. Everything on the menu is spectacular!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Great food and drinks. Got busy during lunch and it was a large enough space that you didn’t feel uncomfortable.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
It was quite loud. Drinks were ok although very sweet. Food was terrific
NA
NeilA
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2022
overall2food5service1ambience5
A wonderful evening was disrupted by a rude and aggressive waiter/concierge who without warning removed the dinnerware form the table and told us we had to leave since they were others waiting to be seated. A simple request to wrap up our evening to accommodate others who were waiting to be seated was all that was needed. Very poor customer service.
M
Maniwan
Washington DC
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and the mismis drink was superb!!!
r
richardw
Washington DC
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent restaurant; service and food are excellent. Outdoor seating was very accommodating and spaced in such a way to not feel cramped.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a large party set up for my office and Ala staff were quick and accommodated our last minute requests. Food was also fresh and tasty!
R
Rjmallison
Philadelphia
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sat outside in beautiful undercover setting. Food came out super fast and was delicious. Drinks were amazing I need to find out how they make the wine. We had a stroller and they were very accommodating of moving the table to make space. Would highly recommend!
KZ
KZSPA
Philadelphia
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful small plates for sharing. Great service!
M
Mari
Charlotte
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2021
overall3food3service3ambience3
Very small plates, high price, slow service. It was ok overall, but I do not think I go back. Server very busy .. try to make his best.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 26, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was wonderful, the service was kind and attentive.
RS
RobertaS
Washington DC
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice atmosphere in the restaurant. The food was unusual and attractively served. The staff was impeccable.
F
Foodiemom
Washington DC
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and ambiance. Quiet. We all enjoyed all recommendations from our delightful waiter. She gave us great advice! The various flavors of the dishes blended well and we enjoyed them all! They also prepared a special birthday dessert with candles for my daughter's birthday. Will definitely come again.
QB
QueenBee
Washington DC
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2021
overall4food4service4ambience4
The restaurant was not crowded at all. It was nice and clean with an intimate feel. We were seated upstairs by a window with a street view. The service was good. The food and cocktails were excellent. The prices were decent. I would go back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic dining experience. Food and drinks were delicious and reasonably priced. Staff was warm and welcoming and gave great menu suggestions. Kind and fast service. Will most definitely be returning.
SD
SirishaD
Miami - Dade
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 29, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ala was amazing. Found it last minute, my sister and I loved it. Our server from Ali (from Bali) and he was wonderful. The food was delicious. The music/vibe was nice and we loved the decor also. We will definitely be back.
RM
RicardoM
New Orleans
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2021
overall4food5service5ambience2
No atmosphere . Good food.
RJ
RichardJ
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 27, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great night celebrating our anniversary. The service was very friendly and food absolutely delicious. We will be back !
A
Alli
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the best time at ala. Food and drinks were amazing!! Our waiter was so sweet and overall we had a great experience. Check Ala out!!
E
Emma
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best tabbouleh and gyros I've ever had! We had a group of 16 dining for lunch on a pretty last minute basis, and these guys were awesome. Amazing service, super friendly and quick, and an awesome atmosphere. Really really cute inside!
A
Arlington
Washington DC
53 reviews
vip
4.0
53 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2021
overall4food4service5ambience5
Tasty dishes. Breads were dry.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from ala using the Order Online button. ala also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 717-1166.

ala is rated 4.7 stars by 1106 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 15 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 717-1166

Other options

Order online

1320 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Additional information

Cross Street
Sunderland Pl. NW
Neighbourhood
Dupont Circle
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–12:00 am
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian / Vegan
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public Transit
Ala is across the street from Dupont Circle Metro (red line)
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Women
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.ala-dc.com/
Phone number
(202) 717-1166
Private party facilities
We can accommodate 10 to 200 guests, we are happy to work with you to plan an office party, business breakfast, lunch or dinner, reception, or another event that requires special attention.ala coffee+more will be here to host your breakfast meetings. Reservations can be made for groups of 10 and more, with a 3 days notice. events@ala-dc.com

ala

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in DC

Women-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in D.C.

Bottomless Brunch $44

Charcuterie

Duck ProsciuttoUS$10.00

Aged Beef SucukUS$10.00

TorshiUS$8.00

Smoked MackerelUS$10.00

Sage Feta DipUS$12.00

KeciUS$10.00

ZaytoonUS$8.00

Snacks

Piyaz SaladUS$12.00

Baba GhanoushUS$14.00

Taboon BreadUS$8.00

Za'atar Pita

Harira SoupUS$12.00

Fried HalloumiUS$12.00

DolmaUS$12.00

Mezze

HamachiUS$24.00

AkhtubutUS$24.00

Red SnapperUS$26.00

Crispy Veal NeckUS$18.00

Adana KebapUS$32.00

Golden CauliflowerUS$18.00

Shish BatinjanUS$18.00

MantiUS$16.00

Lahmacun (Flatbread)US$14.00

Large Plates To Share

Ras El Hanout Short RibsUS$52.00

PirzolaUS$64.00

Bahārāt TawookUS$48.00

Freekeh PilafUS$12.00

Sweets

Halva MousseUS$12.00

Antep BaklavaUS$12.00

Sumac Ice CreamUS$12.00

Bird's Nest KunafaUS$10.00

Coffee / Tea

Levantine TeaUS$4.00

Herbal TeaUS$3.00

Turkish CoffeeUS$5.00

CoffeeUS$4.00

EspressoUS$5.00

Signature Lattes

Honey Nutmeg

Lavender

Halva Cardamom

Golden Turmeric

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does ala offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is ala restaurant rated?

Is ala currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in DC

Women-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in D.C.