middle eastern

LZ Middle Eastern Restaurant – As Authentic As It Gets

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve written before that this spot is a bit hard to find on Florida Ave. just to the west of 14th St. I’m talking about LZ Middle Eastern Restaurant of course. And every time I walk in there the place is dead empty. I just don’t get it. The food is great, very reasonably priced and the owners are unbelievably nice. Also, as you can see from the photo above, you know the place is legit because they have magazines in Arabic. They also have a legit tea service. It would be a real shame if this place doesn’t get enough business to survive. It is not fine dining but if you don’t want to stay in the restaurant you can get your order to go as well. So if you’re looking for some good Middle Eastern food (I’ve had about a dozen Gyros that rawk every time) check them out and support a local business!

Mama Ayesha’s Best Middle East Restaurant in the City?

By Prince Of Petworth

I really enjoyed our discussion last week about whether Dukem was the best Ethiopian restaurant in the city. So I was alerted to a new mural going up at Mama Ayesha’s (will post later in the afternoon) and it got me thinking what is the best Middle Eastern sit down restaurant in DC? Mama Ayesha’s? Lebanese Taverna?

New Middle Eastern Restaurant on Florida Ave Just West of 14th St.

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the news:
“I just wanted to send a note your way about a new restaurant at 14th & Florida. I believe it’s called LZ Restaurant, and it’s a nice little locally-owned spot. There is no decor to speak of (we’re talking white walls), but the quality of the food and the hospitality of the owners more than makes up for that. They serve Middle Eastern food, and it’s DELICIOUS. The owners even gave us a free serving of one of their appetizers. It seems to be owned by a husband and wife who do everything there. It’s a hard spot to have a business (several others have failed in recent years), and I would love to see them succeed.”

I went to check out the new LZ Restaurant today but for some reason, oh yeah – I’m a jackass, I had already eaten. Nevertheless like the reader suggests this seems like it is going to be a super cool spot. It is very unassuming but of course it is the unassuming places that often have the best food. I briefly spoke with coowner Ms Mahgouba from Morocco. The store opened last week and is located at 1406 Florida Ave. and you can call ahead for pick up. It is a bit spartan on the inside but Ms Mahgouba was super nice. Prices seem very reasonable: appetizers from $1.25 – $5.00, Kabobs from $10.99 – $13.99, Shawarma and gyro sandwiches from $5.99 – $6.99, and Shawarma platters from $8.00 -$9.00 and yes they also have a vegetarian platter of hummus, tabouleh, grape leaves, spinach pie, cheese pie, falafel and pita bread for $9.00.   So I look forward to hearing more reports after you guys check it out. I’ll be sure to report back when I next visit…hungry. Photo of the inside after the jump. (more…)