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Did the chefs table experience and it was wonderful!!!
Did the chefs table experience and it was wonderful!!! Would recommend 10/10 on food quality, service, and ambiance. Perfect portions in each plate of the pre-fixed menu, paced over 2.5 hours. Cocktails are also great. Will be back!
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Unbelievable service and the food is sooo good! We've
Unbelievable service and the food is sooo good! We've wanted to try this restaurant for so long and finally made ot
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The tasting menu at Albi was a great way to celebrate a
The tasting menu at Albi was a great way to celebrate a special occasion.We had dinner on the early side which was good because the restaurant was very light and airy work a vote of the woods burning oven. Plus, it was quiet for most of our meal. As the space filled up,it did get louder so again, for us, it worked out that they only had earlyreservations available when we booked. The service was very good and helpful. My only suggestion would be to include a listing of the courses one is about to enjoy. The staff did try and explain everything, but, with the masks and the increasing noise level, it was really hard to hear what we were eating. More importantly though, everything tasted great and looked beautiful. Though there was no written explanation of what we wouldeat/ate, there was an interesting glossary on the table with informationabout Levantine ingredients. The dinner was well paced and we never felt rushed or forgotten. I do know what we had to drink because we had a drink menu. We enjoyed rhymes with Saab and a nevizade negroni. Although both were good, my preference goes to the rhymes with Saab that was fruitier with a great tamarind and date combo. For our meal, to the best of my ability to describe.... We had something which was tasty and a very pretty yellow... Next was oysters (I rarely eat them which was evidenced by my slurping them from the wrong side and them getting stuck in their shell... I might have looked silly but they were still good. Next came toasty-things with a spread full of spices. The spices were my favorite part of the meal. They graced the fish and the naan and many of the dishes and tasted so fresh and delicious. Next was a lettuce wrap. It was also good but several of the components were chunks and chunks don't stay well inlettuce wraps. So, I just ate them separately when they fell out on to the plate or the table or my hand.... There were grilled mushrooms and silky hummus and puffy bread. Many of the dishes also had the perfect smokiness. I am normally not a fan of smoky but it was done so well at Albi. Small toucheslike the warm towel to wash your hands mid meal were very gracious and welcomed (see above about stuff falling out of the lettuce wrap and into my hands). I think the perfect couple of bites of the flaky fish were my favorite parts of the meal. After eating so much bread (yum!) we started getting really full and asked our server for boxes to pack up some leftovers. Instead, he took everything to the kitchen and brought back a coat check number that we could use to request it when we left. This was a lot nicer than having the boxes and bags sitting on the table. I think they might have even kept the food warm. I was bummed that I was so full whendesserts came because the first one (and I could only eat the first one,dessert number two came home with us) was beautiful and delicious. It was just the perfect parfait of cream and sweet and I'm not sure what but yum. Maybe if we had a copy of the tasting menu, we would have been able to better pace ourselves, but, everything was so good that I probably would have eaten just as much. Besides, mom always said not to fill up on breadbut these giant puffs of warm spiced naans - could not resist...
Been there several months back to celebrate friend's birthday. We were 3 gents and booked for tasting menu because that was the only option while we were doing online booking. So we were under impression that tasting menu is all they serve considering that they have Michelin as well. However we realized that is not the case once we arrived and there is a la carte option available. Hostess was not able to give proper answer for the issue we had from online booking. Anyhow we did not make a big deal out of it since tasting was good option to see the offerings. We sit at the bar had couple of drinks, bartender and drinks were great. And then moved to tasting table, location of it was good to see all the action happening in the kitchen. Tasting started well, good presentations, explanations etc as it supposed to be. However everything went down once restaurant started getting busy.. Time line between the courses increased, attention to tasting table was not there anymore.. When it comes to food; There was some dishes and presentations were extremely creative and tasty but somewhere below average and over kill.. This is of course might change for each individual however being Turkish and also staying in different Middle East countries for over 8 years. I am confident that Albi was not the best that i experienced. It doesn't of course mean that there is better options in Washington when it comes to Middle Eastern Cuisine however having Michelin star forcing me to judge them in the international level. There is much much better restaurants in Middle East with no star what so ever. Both from Culinary and Service perspective. Therefore good to try once, hard to crave and go twice..
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The food here really blew my socks off.
I'm new to the area and Albi was probably the best restaurant experience I've had in DC. Every dish was amazing- delicious, beautifully presented, well executed. My only complaints are that the tasting menu was really slow paced - we waited what felt like 15-20 min between courses and dinner on a weeknight took over 3 hours for a few courses - and parking is near impossible to find. I recommend the tasting menu if it's your first time. We'd definitely come back and order a la carte off the menu.
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4.5, rounding up. This is the kind of place that I'm drawn
4.5, rounding up. This is the kind of place that I'm drawn to and the menu is exciting to me. My better half joined me with high expectations and a willing spirit, which is all I can ask for, as it's definitely not his jam. Hostesses were kind enough to fit us in as a walk in due to cancellations that night. Emma our server was helpful as we reviewed the cocktail menu. We opted for ala carte vs fixed menu. The mushroom hummus with the egg on top was silky and flavorful and the pita piping hot and light. We also loved the eggplant spread. We selected the lamb because of all the great reviews and I really love it. Hubby was game to try but the flavors just didn't do it for him. I enjoyed the charred meat and flavor, it there was so much. Maybe an option for an half order given the price point? Also enjoyed the unique presentation and taste of the potatoes as well as the tuna kibbeh lettuce wraps. Deferring all desserts til after lent but they did look pretty spectacular at nearby tables.
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Amazing meal! My husband and I started with the sfeeha
Amazing meal! My husband and I started with the sfeeha (open-face lamb pie with tahini), which may have been our favorite bite of the night. The mushroom hummus with pita made me mad at other hummuses. Why aren't they this good?? Then the sweet 'n sumac yams, wood-fired oxtail dolma, and smoked duck shish--all amazing, but I think my favorite was the dolmas. We were stuffed, but heard too many good things about dessert here and the labneh soft serve was worth the hype! Highly recommend Albi!
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Beautiful place,great environment,very pleasant
Beautiful place,great environment,very pleasant people,,versatile food! We had an amazing experience with this restaurant and we will surely go back
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We came for the Chef's Table and sat at the Hearth Table in
We came for the Chef's Table and sat at the Hearth Table in the kitchen. My wife who is a pretty picky eater entertained me with going and was cautiously optimistic. She ended up loving everything we ate, even though it was outside of her comfort zone. The service was amazing as well and we ate a ton of food. Watching the kitchen staff work in unison was a fun to watch as well as all the things they cook with open fire. I definitely recommend going and taking in the full experience of what Albi has to offer! What a great birthday meal and Chef Rafidi was nice enough to stop by and thank us for joining them in the kitchen.
We recently ate at Albi to celebrate a 30th birthday dinner. Absolute perfection. The food is always on point and the service was top notch, despite dealing my obnoxious family. Shout out to Yumi, Patrick, Todd and everyone else in the team that made it perfect evening.
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Recently went here with my family and was so impressed.
We did the chefs tasting menu. Everything was delicious. Everything! The restaurant is beautiful and the staff were friendly and helpful. This is now in my top five favorite restaurants in the DMV!
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Disclaimer - I did not eat anything except dessert here and
Disclaimer - I did not eat anything except dessert here and sat at the bar so my experience is definitely different from a normal dinner. We were wandering around on a cold Saturday night and popped in for a drink at the bar. When I found out they had kunafe I was thrilled. I've been working in the Middle East for 5 years and am obsessed with this dessert. Albi does it right - brown butter with yogurt ice cream -- so so so delicious. Also had a couple glasses of one of my favorite rose bubbly wine- Bougey Cerdon. Hubby loved his hot turmeric rum drink. I can't wait to come back sometime for the full dining experience.
First time at Albi and enjoyed a delightful meal that featured a well prepared bronzing filet. The pita bread served in advance of the entree was surprisingly excellent. This place had all the trappings of a Michelin restaurant but well worth a try.
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Meets the hype every time
Our family decided on the sofra tasting menu. Starter of lamb “pastries” and oysters, trio of hummus and labneh with pita, carrot/yellowfin purée, rockfish, smoked chicken, brown butter knafeh. Every bite was plated beautifully and absolutely delicious. Service was excellent. Cannot wait for our next visit!
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Best Michelin Star in DC
Hands down. This is one of the best Michelin Stars in DC. The food and drinks were amazing. They just kept coming. This was the best birthday ever. Just look at the pics I have posted and you will see why I say it's one of the best. Thanks Abli for making this a memorable 55th for me.
I came here with my girlfriend on a Thursday night without reservations and had a great experience. The staff were awesome and offered insight into wait times without over promising (and suggested we grab a drink at a nearby spot while we wait for a space at the bar to open). When we returned to be sat the bartender was awesome, and spent some time explaining the menu and some of his favorite dishes. We kicked things off with the Sfeeha and Autumn Fattoush. For our mains my girlfriend got a mushroom dish with a raw egg yolk and I got the mixed grill. It was all amazing but I think the best dish was the mixed grill which featured steak, two lamb chop lollipops, and a smattering of vegetables. The menu changes often and we are looking forward to coming back and experiencing more of the very talented chef's creations.
Visiting Washington from the middle east it may strike one as odd to go for familiar food yet it was so worth it. Wonderfully presented food packed with flavor. I loved the chef’s interpretations of kibbeh and the mini sfeehas. The wood fired ovens are adding genuine flavor and the lamb kebabs were some of the juiciest and most tender ones I ever had. Can only recommend the venue and to try the tasting menu!
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Astonishing! Lebanese cuisine at is very best
Wonderful experience, service, food, wine selections, showmanship from Greg, one of several outstanding sommeliers in the team, and incredible pairing selections. All courses from the pita and hummus through the fish selections and an amazing desert were astonishing. Thoroughly enjoyed our experience. I am very happy that we were lucky to get a reservation at this special restaurant. It’s only been open for a couple of years but deserves its Michelin star and many accolades.
Albi on 4th Street in DC is a great place to go for delicious and flavorful food that is well prepared. I really like the location and everything that they have available here. The staff here is very welcoming and helpful to make sure that you have everything that you need.
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Wow! Perfection all around at this amazing restaurant!
Three of us went to Albi for the first time last night. From the moment we were greeted by the hostess to when we walked out the door about 3 hours later, our night was fantastic. The service, the atmosphere, the wine list..THE SOMMELIER!!... the food- where to begin? I would go back to Albi just for the pita bread and hummus alone. We chose the Maryland Crab hummus and it was the best we've ever had. The fresh from the wood-fired oven pita covered in the most delicious herbs served steaming hot, oh my! The rest of our shared plates included Sweet & Sumac Carrots, Foie Gras Parfait, Fattoush, BBQ Lamb Kebobs, and Brown Butter Knafeh for dessert. Everything served was absolutely delicious. I would say the Foie Gras (chicken liver last night) was phenomenal if I had to pick a favorite. Or maybe the carrots, or the kebobs -you see where I'm going here, right? The presentation of each dish was picture worthy - most are shown on their website. I'm embarrassed that I don't know our server's name as he was one of the best we've ever had - the perfect combination of warmth and friendliness with incredible efficiency and I'm pretty sure mindreading skills. The sommelier, William, was SO knowledgeable and thoughtful - no stuffiness here! He went above and beyond for us and brought our experience to the next level. We sat looking into the kitchen and were surprised at how calm it was with so many chefs working in it! It was a well-run machine - and everyone in it seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was a pleasure to see. The noise level was a little high in the restaurant but it won't stop us from putting Albi on our favorite DC restaurant list - right at the top! Looking forward to their cafe in Georgetown opening soon.
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So sad and disappointed as this used to be my favorite
1/5 by 👻
@C B. on 08/06/2022
So sad and disappointed as this used to be my favorite restaurant in dc. I unfortunately will not be returning or recommending the new albi experience. Prior to the recent change eating at albi was an experience for the taste buds like no other with different flavors exploding in your mouth with each bite. I was always amazed at the balance of the spices and flavors. The only down sides before was the often dry and not so attentive staff, and the staff explaining/presenting the dish would often talk low and mumble.They recently changed to a tasting menu only and slimmed down the options. No a la carte of trying new things with each visit. They charge $95 per person plus drinks. You used to get WAY more for the price point they charge today and you got to pick your own options from the entire menu. Being able to try new things each time you visit without breaking the bank was part of the joy of the experience. If you tried something new that didn't work for your taste buds, you could get something different for not a big up charge. Would pay more for the old albi experience vs the current.They took away the yummy falafel bites and sweet n sumac carrots. They used to have a baba ganoush hummus that was my fav (non hummus baba ganoush as is on the menu doesn't work for me). Usually get the mushroom hummus when they don't have the baba ganoush hummus so I tried something different this time. Tried the sweet corn hummus w lump crab, didn't work for me. They used to have a fish, chicken, or kebob options for the mashawi. Not a lamb fan in general but the chicken and different fish were always on point. They took the chicken option out so only fish or lamb kebobs. Was thinking no biggie will get the fish, it was so salty I couldn't even eat it. The balance of the spices on the food has changed, even on previously loved items. The dolma bbq duck snack was new and delicious. They brought out one scallop for 2 people to share that was raw and didn't work for me. The staff we had was dry and not attentive but that was always a possibility previously too. They used to be more efficient with the timing of bringing out the food. They used to wipe the table down between tastings and even give you a warm wet cloth to wash your hands, that is gone too. I inquired about the change a was told they recently did a "relaunch". I'm wondering if the recent michelin star influenced the new change and/or something else. What remains of albi and the recent relaunch just doesn't have the same vibe, bring back the original albi!
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Everything we had was perfectly executed and bursting with
Everything we had was perfectly executed and bursting with flavor. Service was great. It's a bit expensive if you get anything to drink or add anything on. We paid north of $300 for 2 people, 2 drinks each. And it took around 2.5 hours start to finish. But it was a great experience and the food was unforgettable. DO NOT miss the pomegranate olive oil soft serve. It's incredible and 100% worth adding on.
As many have noted, the mushroom hummus was incredible, and the pita that came with it was perfectly charred, beyond fluffy, and piping hot. We went after they had switched to the prefix meal. We selected the fish for our main course, and the buttermilk sauce that came with the fish was so delicious, I could have licked it from the plate if I was alone.They were really great about emailing ahead of time to find out any dietary restrictions and make sure there was more than enough for me to eat. My one tiny gripe was that there was a significant time gap between each course. While I appreciate not being rushed, dinner ended up being close to 3 hours, and on a week night when I have work early the next day, getting out of dinner after 10 is rough for me.
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I dropped in for lunch at Yellow Cafe, housed in the
I dropped in for lunch at Yellow Cafe, housed in the Michelin-starred Albi restaurant in the Navy Yard area of DC. Yellow cafe serves breakfast and lunch, and they operate as a carry out, but there is outdoor seating available on the patio on a first come, first serve basis. I ordered the smoked lamb shoulder pita with pink lemonade. The pink lemonade was perfectly balanced, with equal parts sweetness and tartness. Honestly, I would stop in just to order the lemonade. However, the real star of this meal is the lamb shoulder. The pita itself was huge and very filling - I have no gripes with the portion sizes when it comes to this meal. But the taste?! The lamb literally melted in my mouth. It's so tender, I almost feel like they had to have smoked it for at least a week. On top of that, the flavor of the lamb, paired with the included toppings of cheese, onions, and sauce is amazing. The sauce has a little kick to it as well, so if you like spicy food, this is the meal for you.If I had one complaint, it's that this meal is way too expensive to be considered lunch. The quality is definitely there, and you get what you pay for, but this may be more of an indulgence vs an every day type of lunch meal.
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Excellent food and service.
The only thing I didn't like is that if you want to order their tasting menu your party needs to order the same thing!!! It just doesn't make sense!
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Simply one of the best meals I've had in DC.
Each dish was painstakingly crafted, an explosion of taste and complexity of flavors like no other. The Yellowfish Tuna kibbeh was outstanding. Embered chanterelle hummus amazed, topped with a runny yolk to hold the components together as we scooped with lettuce leaves. Chermoula black bass was exquisitely flavorful with the acidity of lime punctured by a sharp attack of pepper. The drinks matched the complexity of the plates - particularly recommend The Road to Al-Shaymaa. We ate at the bar and had a wonderful conversation with the bartender, a cook himself. When we inquired about wine, sommelier Gregory appeared magically and helped us choose a wonderful Lebanese red. The level of knowledge among the staff - and generous willingness to share it - was exceptional. Watching the whole team work together - which is easy with the open kitchen format - you really get the sense that they are striving for bigger things.
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Came here for dinner and we sat at the bar.
First, when you walk in the restaurant itself is so nice. Love the concept and decor. The staff was very friendly across the board. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious and the wine recommendations were also fantastic. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by and check this place out. You will not be disappointed.
Seriously so so good.I cannot wait to come back again. Literally one of the best meals I have ever had. Every single thing we ate was executed perfectly, and was so well balanced and thoughtfully prepared- lots of textures and flavors which all worked so well together . Such a unique take on dishes I grew up eating. I got emotional eating here - it was that good . 10/10 perfection.
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The finest meal I have ever eaten! They just recently
The finest meal I have ever eaten! They just recently earned the Michelin award for 2022 and figured we check it out!. Simply amazing tastes from eastern Mediterranean mixed along with some local flavors - definitely can't be scaled/duplicated elsewhere. If you are in DC, you surely won't want to miss out on the taste and hospitality that Albi has to offer.
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The chef's unique perspective makes a meal here not just a
The chef's unique perspective makes a meal here not just a meal; it is, as noted on the menu, "A Journey Through Levantine Cooking." You don't just leave the restaurant with a full stomach; you leave with a newfound knowledge of Arabic food terminology (a glossary accompanies your menu, minimizing dinner table Googling) and a new appreciation of Mediterranean wines (thanks to GM/Wine Director William Simons' impressive collection). After properly hydrating, it was time to dig into the star of the show-the Pita. Charred, puffed, and seasoned to perfection, it was still piping hot enough for a za'atar-scented steam facial as I tore into it. You can't have Levantine cooking without lamb (or hummus, for that matter), and the tomato-enriched Smoked Lamb Awarma did not disappoint. Nor did the Baba Ganoush, an artistic wreath of thinly shaved zucchini, yellow squash, and charred cherry tomatoes hiding two distinct layers of burnt eggplant puree underneath. The pita was delicious on its own, but somehow even better as a vehicle for these spreads.Dishes like crab hummus and crab dolmas serve as thoughtful nods to the local region's cuisine and an homage to Chef Rafidi's Maryland upbringing. In the case of the dolmas, I wanted the crab to have a more prominent role within the grape leaf filling itself, rather than simply topping it as a garnish. Nevertheless, I'm always happy to have crab on my plate, and I appreciated its appearance on the menu.Potatoes are a versatile ingredient, but transforming a humble potato into a Michelin-worthy glow-up is an accomplishment. The Batata Harra, meticulously shingled potato slices, are crisped and generously seasoned with shawarma spices that permeate from the outside in, creating a spice ombré both in flavor and color. For the spice-averse, stick to the innermost pieces; for those craving a kick, the outermost slices boast more heat. A generous dollop of "toum," essentially a garlic aioli, provides cooling relief.Chef Rafidi breathes new life into the classic duck-cherry pairing. The Spiced Duck Breast Shish arrives at the table still skewered straight from the hearth. The server gracefully slides the duck pieces off the skewer and onto the plate in perfect succession, landing atop a bed of charred fava and romano beans. A smoked cherry honey, tinted pink from its fruit infusion, coats the plate. Halved cherries dot the dish, their sweetness cutting through the earthy char of the duck and beans.I couldn't leave without trying dessert-particularly the Brown Butter Knafeh, a Middle Eastern spun pastry soaked in syrup, stuffed with cheese, and topped with blackberries, vanilla ice cream, and crumbled pistachios. It is a party of textures, all coinciding to form a balanced, exotic dessert that transports diners to another part of the world. If you're too full for this larger dessert, I'd recommend the "small bites." The assortment includes two pieces each of cinnamon/walnut baklawa, Turkish delights (strawberry rose jellies), and ma'amoul (chocolate/date cookies). Like the food, the service at Albi is impeccable. Water glasses are constantly refilled, and finished plates are removed immediately. When you return from the restroom, you find an entirely new, perfectly folded napkin has appeared seemingly out of nowhere. New plates and utensils are provided between courses, and servers offer a warm towel to wipe your hands.The majority of the space is open, with just one other seating area for larger private parties, plus another section within the kitchen devoted to their "Chef's Table at the Hearth"-a separate, 2.5-hour dining experience. But even those not splurging on this experience still get a clear view into the kitchen. The restaurant is not huge, but tables do not feel cramped. Although the floor is a minimalistic concrete, a series of mismatching, vintage rugs anchor tables, providing a cozy contrast to the otherwise industrial space, complete with high ceilings, natural light, greenery, bright murals, and modern light fixtures. The one drawback of the space: noise level. While the restaurant was by no means "sports bar loud," it was certainly not the quietest of meals, and, at times, it was difficult to hear the waitstaff as they explained dishes.There's no shortage of Mediterranean fare in the D.C. area these days, but Albi rises above the competition, showcasing elevated, refined Levantine cuisine paired with top-notch hospitality--all in a casual-yet-sleek space that will make you want to linger and grab another drink (or perhaps a Tahini Soft Serve). Starting July 12, Albi will be transitioning to just offering a Sofra ("set table") menu. Although $95 per person is on the steep side, it's only slightly more than what I spent going the a la carte route (note that diners will be able to continue ordering a la carte at the bar). For a special occasion, consider booking the Hearth Table, which runs $150 per person (excluding the wine pairing option).
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