New Restaurant Must Try: ala!

Ala opened their doors Monday, March 1 as a one-of-a-kind Levantine dining experience in the heart of Dupont Circle. Previously known as Ankara, social media has been buzzing with excitement as they began to try the new concept.

Their dinner experience offers a truly unique deal for tasting all that they have to offer. Ziyafet, as they call it, allows guests to try 2 hot dishes and 2 cold dishes per person for $39 each. Rather than being stuck in the traditional norm of a single appetizer and single entree per person, this gives attendees a glimpse into the future of dining.

Picture this: you start your meal off with ala’s house made Caraway Pita dipped into their signature Dried Cacik dip. Made with Çengelköy cucumber pickle, clothed yogurt, roasted garlic and mint powder, this incredible spread has a behind-the-scenes video found on their Instagram! A Söğüș Fennel & Tomato Salad then comes your way, loaded with fresh coriander, tahini yogurt and toasted sesame. As you take in the colors and flavors, your next two dishes are being meticulously prepared — the Pancar Falafel with beet sauce and toasted sesame, and a new spin on Tandir, confit lamb with smoked garlic yogurt and chili quince compote.

Along with the blend of tastes from your meal, you also have the choice to add on an equally exciting drinks option. For $19, your meal experience can be further enhanced to include 2 mediterranean cocktails and 2 paired wines throughout your night. Near impossible to turn down, their drink menu was carefully curated with wines from the likes of Georgia, Israel, Lebanon and Italy as well as cocktails adorned with everything from turmeric and sumac to Za’atar syrup and orange blossom water.

Of course, all of their menu items are also available a la carte, both food and drink — but the real fun is where the Ziyafet comes in!

As expected, they have been consistently booking out (especially for their Bottomless Brunch)! Be sure to make your reservation and let us know what you think.