New Turkish restaurant, Ankara, opening in Dupont Circle this May

1320 19th Street, NW

Remember when Levante’s abruptly closed for “renovations” in January?

From a press release:

“Set to open this May in Dupont Circle, Ankara celebrates good food, hospitality and the heart of Turkey. It is an upscale-casual dining experience that celebrates the rich diversity of Turkish food and culture through a blend of classic and contemporary menu offerings and superb hospitality. The menu will feature the best of traditional Turkish foods as well as newly envisioned dishes. The Aslanturk family, owners of Ankara, tapped Chef Jorge Chicas to oversee creation of the menu and training of the kitchen staff. Chef Chicas resume includes top positions in Jose Andres’ kitchens in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, including the award-winning Zaytinya. The restaurant will seat 120 indoors & 115 al fresco on their patio. Ankara is located at 1320 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20036.

Ankara is a labor of love for the Aslanturk family. Fathers, brothers, wives, cousins and children in both Washington, DC and Ankara, Turkey have come together to create a place that offers superior food, and encourages conversation and celebration amongst friends and family as well as neighbors and business professionals in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.

The culinary team at Ankara draws on a deep knowledge of classic and contemporary Turkish cooking as well as the many regional influences on Turkish cuisine to create a menu that pays homage to the varied tastes of Turkey. A wide array of cold and hot meze dishes from Sigara Borgei (feta cheese and herbs in crispy phllyo), Roasted Eggplant and Peppers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Karides Guvec (baked shrimp in tomato and garlic sauce) to Midye Tavasi (fried mussels in a walnut tarator sauce) and favorites such as Imam Bayildi (classic stuffed eggplant and olive oil) will take diners on a culinary tour of Turkey. Entrées include a full complement of grilled kebabs featuring sustainably raised chicken, beef and lamb; grilled branzino and salmon; braised lamb shank, as well Ankara Tava (Turkish pilav served with lamb, peppers, onion and tomato sauté). A rotation of regional Turkish specialties will also be available. The heart of the restaurant features a wood-fired oven that will bake the house-made fresh breads and pide (Turkish style pizzas).”