Cuisines of the Mediterranean in One Menu? That’s Loco! No, That’s Coco Lezzone

New NW restaurant has Greece, Italy, and Lebanon under one roof!

A deep February visit to the sunny Mediterranean rim sounds pretty soothing right about now, but for many of us, venturing to Greece, Lebanon, and/or Italy is a remote dream. 

The next best thing? A lunch or dinner at Coco Lezzone for the warming sustenance of the Mediterranean’s region’s best food and most comforting hospitality offerings, located in the heart of Northwest D.C. at 915 15th Street (the former location of Siroc). While there are no ocean or cliffside views, you’re not far from the White House and the rest of that neighborhood’s historic landmarks.

The intimate restaurant, with seats for fewer than 100 inside and 24 at the sidewalk café, is serving a range of European dishes with a variety of Mediterranean accents, beginning with starters that dash from Lebanon (hommus bel snaoubar, lebneh) to Greece (tzatziki, dolmades) and sprint to heavier dishes with an Italian flair. Antipasti includes smoked gouda arancini, cozze alla arrabbiata (mussels by any other name), and polpettine al forno (beef and pork meatballs in a light red sauce).

Depending on the region of origin, it’s either a skewer or a kabob, and Coco Lezzone has them all, with proteins ranging from lamb, chicken, and beef to falafel, shrimp, and salmon. 

For lunch, enjoy a fast-casual platter of beef burgers dressed in exotic extras, such as pickled eggplant, portobello and pancetta, and arugula and gruyere. There also is a vivid assortment of panini dishes and wraps platters.

Coco Lezzone speaks Italian best when it comes to mains, starting with a primi piatti dish of gnocchi alla vodka and leading into the secondi di pollo offering of five chicken pasta dishes. The endless menu continues to secondi di carne (try the tagliatelle alla Bolognese), secondi di pesce (lobster in vodka sauce!), and mountainous salads that may prove to be one of the best food values in D.C.  

Room for dessert? Of course! Coco Lezzone features takes on Italian classics, including bombas, a selection of tiramisu, and gelato and cakes.

Coco Lezzone is at 915 15th Street, NW, and is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight and until 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturday. Happy Hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. each weekday. Call 202-506-4971 or visits www.cocolezzone.com for reservations (recommended). Saturday and Sunday brunch is coming soon and will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.