1700 K Street, NW
From a press release:
“Partners Nasr El Hage, Nellie Elana Gebrail, and Dany Abi-Najm are pleased to announce the spring 2025 opening of Barbouzard. Inspired by the glamor of the Mediterranean seascape and Cote D’Azur, the new dining destination will blend sophisticated tastes with an alluring day-to-night ambiance.
Located in the heart of Downtown D.C. at 1700 K St NW, Barbouzard will emerge following an ambitious floor-to-ceiling renovation of the former Kellari Taverna space.
“We’re thrilled to announce our plans for Barbouzard, which have been a collective dream for years and is inspired by our global backgrounds and extensive travels,” says co-owner Nasr El Hage. “We hope to present an alluring new destination for the discerning city of D.C.––focusing on unparalleled service alongside world-class cuisine, champagne, and music.”
The trio brings a diverse range of expertise to Barbouzard. While El Hage and Gebrail are both serial entrepreneurs who have built successful careers in the real estate and private equity industries, their deep passion for Mediterranean cuisine and European hospitality brings a fresh perspective. They join forces with Abi-Najm, the president of the renowned Lebanese Taverna Group, a staple in the local hospitality and dining scene for the last 45 years.
Spearheading the design is award-winning designer Olvia Demetriou of HapstakDemetriou+. The 180-seat, 6,493 square-foot space will feature a bar and lounge, expansive main dining room, piano and DJ booth, champagne lounge, and lush outdoor veranda. Striking architectural and design plans include large-scale glass and steel structures complemented by luxurious, layered textiles.
Barbouzard will draw culinary inspiration from the vibrant summer destinations along the Mediterranean Sea, with a focus on the buzzy scenes reminiscent of St. Tropez and Cannes. The menu will highlight highly seasonal ingredients, exquisite seafood and luxurious cuts of meat, plus charcuterie and cheeses, and an in-house bread and pastry program. An expansive beverage program with Old World wines, a deep champagne list, and a cutting-edge cocktail program will complement the dining experience.
In addition to the culinary offerings are plans for large-scale music programming, to include an in-house resident DJ as well as pianists, saxophonists, and violinists.”