at 1355 U Street, NW courtesy Yalla
From a press release:
“Yalla by Space brings a fresh Middle Eastern dining experience to U Street. Opening Friday, September 6, Yalla boasts innovative flavors, stunning decor, and a vibrant scene elevated by Middle Eastern gathering traditions and unrivaled music programming.
Nestled in the heart of U Street, Yalla offers guests Lebanese-forward Middle Eastern cuisine from Chef Marcel Chehaieb. The Lebanese chef grew up in the Washington D. C. area and has been working in the hospitality industry since he was a teenager. He’s gained much of his experience working in kitchens at Annabelle, Maydan, and more, but Yalla is the first time Chef Chehaieb is able to showcase his culture at a high level. In that spirit, he seeks to transport guests to downtown Beirut, the capital and largest city in Lebanon, with his menu. Dishes like Jinbeh Rolls, crispy sheep feta-mozzarella and zaatar sticks with a harissa apricot coulis and Beet Kibbeh Nayeh, a vegan version of the traditional Lebanese raw kibbeh made with bulgur, tomato, beets, mint, and scallion topped with pistachios, rose petals and finished with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses and olive oil, highlight the chef’s innovative perspective on traditional Middle Eastern flavors.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to share the food I grew up eating with other Washingtonians,” says Chef Chehaieb. “And to do it in this way, where it’s not only about the food but also the experience, feels really special.”
The Yalla experience begins as guests enter a bright, rooftop oasis accented by lush greenery and intricate design details inspired by Beirut. Seating is arranged so that every party can have an intimate shared meal, no matter their size, and plates are served family-style creating a convivial atmosphere. During or after their sumptuous meal, guests can enjoy traditional Moroccan tea service or herbaceous cocktails made with Middle Eastern oils and spirits, as well as beers and wines from the region. Yalla will have an incomparable music program curated by a music director with the intention of also making the space a DJ destination with Middle Eastern flair during late night.
Yalla is a part of an expansive, four-level, multicultural concept by the team at Space. The building at the heart of 14th and U streets formerly known as Republic Gardens is now home to this groundbreaking international haven. At the basement level currently resides Casa Kantuta, the first Bolivian pop-up bar in the U.S. On the ground floor is Offside, a Latin sports bar where fans can catch their favorite games from soccer to baseball. The next floor will house Sand Bar, a Moroccan shisha lounge, in the coming months.”