Lebanese Taverna Reopens in Woodley Park

2641 Connecticut Ave, NW

A few weeks ago, I noted Lebanese Taverna’s renovations were looking good in Woodley Park. They reopened Sunday night. You can see their menu here.

From a press release:

Upon entering the restaurant, guests will be enveloped in a stylish and spacious lounge area adjacent to a 13-seat bar. Situated at the back of the restaurant is floor-to-ceiling walnut grid wall housing internally lit Arabic lanterns. Behind this featured wall lies the Cedar Private Dining Room, named after the cedar trees of Lebanon. The space accommodates up to 56 guests, providing the perfect setting for business dinners and social gatherings.

Subtle touches of a Lebanese home have been infused throughout the restaurant’s décor. The architectural design includes rich earth tones of copper and brown, natural walnut wood panels, hand-laid country field stone wall accents, and three Egyptian hammered silver brass metal chandeliers hanging from the expansive arcades of the ceiling. Even the communal sinks by the bathrooms mimic a Turkish-style motif.

Much like the establishment, the menu stays true to its traditional roots offering signature items like the hommos — which, as stated in the 2012 Zagat Guide, “will ruin you for all other hummus” — while introducing new entrée options such as Chicken Shawarma Salad (mixed greens topped with feta cheese, olives and a generous portion of rotisserie grilled chicken tossed with Taverna dressing), and Fattoush Shawarma Salad (layers of assorted vegetables, pita chips and a large serving of rotisserie grilled beef and lamb mixed with pomegranate dressing). Other new items include the Chef’s Tasting Platter — a sampling of the nine most popular mezza — and the Halloumi Sandwich Platter, consisting of sautéed sheep’s milk cheese, pickles, olives, mint and a side of fries. All sandwiches, prepared with homemade bread, will now be featured on both the lunch and dinner menus. As always, Lebanese Taverna caters to dietary requests, such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.

The DC establishment, which now seats 130 guests, was the catalyst to the growth of the 11-location restaurant collection. Originally opened in 1990, the 22-year-old site was the host to an array of neighbors, guests and dignitaries from around the globe.

According to Dany Abi-Najm, President of Lebanese Taverna Group, “My father (the patriarch of the business) always taught my siblings and me to greet each guest as if they were entering into our home. I look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.”

Guests are invited to dine at Lebanese Taverna seven days a week. The restaurant will begin serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner will be served from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. A Sunday brunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., followed by dinner service from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.