Without Further Ado – Namak soft opening on April 2!! All the info

1813 Columbia Road, NW

From a press release:

“Renovations at the former Mintwood Place, located at 1813 Columbia Road, NW, in Adams Morgan are complete, heralding the arrival of Namak, a new upscale casual Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, from partners Saied Azali and John Cidre. Led by Chef Tolgahan Gulyiyen, the 90+-seat dining room is set to soft open on Tuesday, April 2 for dinner service Tuesdays through Saturdays. During the soft opening week, limited walk-ins will be accepted, and guests may begin to make reservations for the following week beginning on April 9.

Patrons can anticipate a menu blending traditional flavors with modern twists inspired by cultures from across the region. Chef Tolgahan, whose resume includes stints at prestigious establishments such as Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul, Zaytinya in Washington, and Nostos in Vienna, Va., utilizes authentic spices sourced from his native Turkey and surrounding areas. Collaborating with co-owners Azali and Cidre, the culinary team has crafted a diverse offering including spreads, soups & salads, mezze, and traditional entrees and kebabs.

Freshly baked breads and pide made in a specially sourced oven will be served alongside favorites like Mast-O-Bademjan, a smoked eggplant dip, and Hummus. For a twist on traditional varieties, guests can try the Borani Laboo a beetroot, yogurt and feta dip, or Walnut Labneh, all strained in-house and served with garlic, walnuts and dill.

Fresh salad options feature Kisir, a cracked wheat bulgur salad with fresh herbs and Zeytoon Parvardeh, a salad featuring olives, pomegranate, chard and fresh mint, while mezze offerings include Feta Saganaki, Iraqi Potato Latkes and Lahmacun, a traditional flatbread paying homage to the chef’s homeland. The menu showcases an array of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes, complemented by a thoughtful selection of cocktails, beers, and wines, sourced from the Mediterranean and surrounding regions.

Co-owners, Azali and Cidre, longtime friends and business partners, are eager to introduce their latest concept to the Adams Morgan community. Inspired by their travels across the Eastern Mediterranean, accompanied by Chef Tolgahan himself, Namak reflects Azali’s heritage and the partners’ mutual passion for the region’s culinary delights.

Azali is also behind the nearby Japanese-themed Perry’s, which has been a staple in the neighborhood for forty years. “Adams Morgan is my home, and I know many neighbors are thrilled about our newest venture,” he said. “Namak embodies the flavors I hold dear. It is the Farsi word for salt, but for Iranians like me, it connotes hospitality and generosity and I hope it becomes a cherished destination for our community,” he continued.

Cidre, co-owner of Unconventional Diner in Shaw, lends his commercial design/build expertise to the venture, ensuring the space resonates with the warmth and hospitality inherent in the restaurant’s name. The airy design features classic blue-and-white Mediterranean tiles, nautical accents, and an inviting ambiance. Upon entry, a sizable metal art installation adorning the primary wall translates to “cheers” or “to your health” in Farsi. Accent pieces collected during travels by Cidre and Azali, including light fixtures and decorative tile works, adorn the interior, evoking the richness of the Mediterranean landscape.

Namak offers over 3,000 square feet of space, seating over 90 diners indoors, including a semi-private dining room for intimate gatherings, and a spacious bar area. Outdoor patio, lunch, and brunch services will be introduced later this year.”