Sababa

Sababa is a Hebrew slang word meaning "great or cool" and can express enthusiasm and satisfaction. Sababa comes from the Arabic word tzababa, which means great or excellent in spoken Arabic. Like the name Sababa, Israel's food has its roots in both Jewish and Arab cuisine. Sababa's menu offers a small plates and large plates menu to encourage guests to sample the large variety of cultural influences on the cuisine of Israel as well as a full wine bar that offers wines from around the world including Israel, Lebanon, the Mediterranean. The design of the restaurant evokes the port of Tel Aviv with Mediterranean tiles on the floor and sails on the ceiling and the lounge area boasts a unique Bedouin-style tent with community tables.  Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

Ripple

In a comfortable setting, just across the street from the historic Uptown Theater in Cleveland Park, Ripple offers a complete dining experience, with a focus on sustainability, organic and locally-acquired produce. Proud to support local farmers and co-ops in an effort to bring the best products to the table, Ripple also has an award-winning wine program.  Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

Lauriol Plaza and Cactus Cantina Now Offering Reservations

Lauriol Plaza featuring Mexican and Latin American cuisine and Cactus Cantina offering the best Tex-Mex have been popular restaurants in the Washington, DC metro area for nearly 30 years. In addition to offering delicious and authentic dishes, both restaurants will now accept call ahead and online reservations.

Byblos Deli

Byblos Deli has been a local favorite in Washington DC's Cleveland Park district for over 10 years. Located next to the famous Uptown Theater, Byblos offers a diverse menu of Mediterranean dishes at affordable prices. You'll find chef Marc Adas behind the counter at all hours of the day, making the home made dishes he grew up with in Lebanon. For a real treat, try one of Marc's daily specials - a hearty dish like stuffed peppers or Lebanese meatballs served with rice, a small Greek salad, and pita for only $8.95. Next time you're at the Uptown or the Zoo, or anytime you feel like great Mediterranean food, stop by Byblos! Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

Indique

As noted by the Washington Post, Indique is a marriage of "India" with "unique" and this is what you get: "a restaurant eager to satisfy its customers with gently priced small plates, beautiful arrangements and service that is anything but ordinary." The menu features some traditional Indian dishes and others with a modern twist as Indique explores the distinctive regional cuisines of the Indian subcontinent. Small plates, seafood, regional specialties, and vegetarian dishes are prominently featured. Indique offers a full bar, signature cocktails, and wine list. Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

Yogiberry

Last date I was here: 06/11/2011

Restaurant: Yogiberry (http://www.yogiberry.com/home.html/)

Location: Cleveland Park

Total Rating: 3.95
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Yogiberry is a new trendy fro-yo spot popping up in the DC area. Serving the tangy and sweet refreshing alternative to the traditional ice cream, Yogiberry is fun and affordable. Yogiberry is also customizable by offering original, berry, chocolate and a specialty flavor (green tea when we went) and about 20 different toppings ranging from fruit to chocolate chips to cereals to mochi. Smoothies and shave ice desserts also available. Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

September 2009: I was so excited to try this place. The set up was a little awkward – but the staff was friendly and allowed us to sample each flavor of the delicious and smooth treat. I only wish more locations existed in the area – yet being directly off the metro station was wonderful! I am glad I picked the original flavor, which allowed me to accessorize as I wish with all the other toppings. The berry that I tasted was too sweet and the green tea was very green tea. I did not sample the chocolate, but imagine I would like it.

October 2009 : We went back again and this time I tried the chocolate. I felt the serving of the yogurt and the toppings were a little more skimpy than the last time I was there, but it was still delicious.

UPDATE: On a hot summer day, we returned to this Yogiberry location for a cool treat and were surprised to find a total makeover with a new self-serve setup. Now offering over 12 different flavors that you can mix and match to your liking, as well as the plethora of toppings, be careful not to get carried away as they now charge $.49 per ounce. Nevertheless, this deal seemed a little better and much more preferable than the original concept. Again, I only wish there were more locations in DC.

What I ate:

Original with pineapple and mochi

Chocolate with strawberry and vanilla wafers

Mango and Original with kiwi, pineapple, strawberry, and mochi

Tackle Box

Last date I was here: 06/11/2011

Restaurant: Tackle Box (http://www.tackleboxrestaurant.com/)

Location: Cleveland Park

Total Rating: 3.25
Food: 3, Price: 3, Service: 3, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4

Summary: The second location of DC's only "lobster shack" restaurant, Tackle Box offers fresh New England style seafood. The menu changes slightly seasonally and offers options ranging from steamed clams, grilled fish, to classic lobster rolls. Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

There was an expected line upon entering Tackle Box, yet the menu was large and hung near the entrance way and the seafood bar was loaded with examples of fresh seafood. The staff was plentiful, informative, and very helpful which was great for newbies and to help keep the line moving. You can sit at the bar for full service or place your order at the counter and wait with your lobster buzzer to collect your food and sit anywhere else. There are a mix of bar side tables, long communal picnic tables, as well as regular tables upstairs. Large screen tvs are scattered about and various fishing gear, lobster traps, and buoys decorate the walls. The wait was a little longer than average, but the laid back atmosphere wasn't so bad since we had our cold sweet tea to satiate us while we waited. My Maine Meal (1 fish + 2 sides + 1 sauce) was the perfect size, although my clam strips were very salty, chewy, and greasy. Also, the lemon garlic aioli had absolutely no flavor. The hush puppies were very dry, on the other hand the potato salad was good. Keith's lobster roll was a little on the small side, yet the star of the menu. Large chunks of lobster were so sweet and stood out on the buttered roll. Glancing at other patron's meal choices, the grilled fishes seemed to be popular and probably would have been a better choice than the fried option I went with. I would like to go back to try the other steamed options and maybe even a whole lobster, but the high price and inconvenient location will most likely deter that for me.

What I ate:

Clam Strips

fired clam pieces with a lemon garlic aioli

Hush Puppies

Potato Salad

Plus Keith ate:

Maine Lobster Roll

served with French fries

Ardeo + Bardeo

Last date I was here: 2/12/2011

Restaurant: Ardeo + Bardeo (http://www.cardeobardeo.com)

Location: Cleveland Park

Total Rating: 3.85
Food: 4, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: This modern American bistro and wine bar received a face lift in November 2010 and combined the two separate spaces into one for the relaunch from the team that brings you other DC highlights such as 701 and Rasika. Executive Chef Nate Garyantes has crafted a menu which features cured meats, soups and salads, savory snacks, seasonal vegetables dishes and brick oven baked flatbreads. Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

We went to Ardeo + Bardeo for our Valentine's dinner. It is a very easy walk from the metro and as soon as we arrived, the loud buzz from the packed dimly lit restaurant greeted us. We were escorted upstairs on the "Bardeo" side of the house and seated in a small two top. The wine selection is quite generous and the specialty cocktails looked tasty as well. The menu has a selection of meats and cheeses to pizzas, pastas and main entrees. The small bites are indeed small and might be best to order at least two for sharing. Overall, the food was flavorful and the portions were on the smaller side. We had enough room to share a dessert at the end. I would recommend this place for groups to sit at the bar or communal table or for the casual date night.

What I ate:

Scallop Schnitzel

with bay scallops, young red cabbage, walnuts

Lobster and whole wheat spaghetti

with royal trumpets and squash

Heirloom apple cobbler
rum raisin ice cream

Plus Keith ate:

Seven hour braised leg of suckling pig
served with cheddar grits, blackeyed peas, redeye gravy, peanuts

Nam Viet

Last date I was here: 12/10/2010

Restaurant: Nam Viet (http://namviet1.com)

Location: Cleveland Park

Total Rating: 3.5
Food: 3, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: The exceptional cuisine of the Nam-Viet Restaurant was developed by applying family culinary secrets and experience in satisfying hosts of indigenous and foreign customers of every nationality in over three generations of service. French and Southern Mekong Delta flavors and exceptionally fine quality of ingredients are evident in their own "Can-Tho-nese" style cooking. Whether a light, nourishing mid-day luncheon or an evening of dining elegance, Nam Viet has satisfied a number of health conscious, repeat customers. Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

It was a cold night, and we had planned to visit the Zoolights nearby so decided to fill our bellies up with some warm pho. Keith had tried the Nam Viet Restaurant in Arlington and heard good reviews of this location in Cleveland Park. The interior is a little nicer than other pho restaurants I've been to in the city. We were seated right way towards the back (away from the front door to avoid the cold air) with quite a number of other diners. I was surprised to not see a vegetarian pho dish on the menu, although they had several other vegetarian noodle soups and dishes. I could tell the food was made fresh to order and was impressed with how quickly it came out of the kitchen. Although a little bland and lacking in the traditional accoutrements I am used to (they only served bean sprouts and lime - no mint, no jalepenos, no notable sauces), my pho dish was filling. I prefer other pho restaurants that I have been to, and am still sad they closed the one near our house. Next time, I will most likely venture back to Falls Church to fulfill my pho craving.

What I ate:

Appetizer Combo Platter

A Vietnamese Sampler consisting of one crispy roll,

one shrimp garden roll, one shrimp toast, and lemongrass beef

Pho Ga

Pho soup with tender chunks of chicken served with thin

and flat rice noodles, and a flavorful broth, garnished with green

and white onions, cilantro, and parsley

Plus Keith ate:

Bun Bo Hue

Similar to our Pho soup, but this soup contains thicker rice noodles,

tender beef strips and a spicier broth

2 Amys

Last date I was here: 10/24/2009



Restaurant: 2 Amys (http://www.2amyspizza.com/)



Location: Cleveland Park

Total Rating: 3.85
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 3



Summary: 2 Amys specializes in Neapolitan style pizza, baked in a wood-burning oven, and topped with fresh ingredients such as cockles, house-made pork sausage and authentic mozzarella di bufala. Pizza isn't the only thing the kitchen has to offer. There are lovely Italian starters such as bruschetta, or meatballs and various salads. The space is fairly large with tile everywhere and there is a large bar area in the back. Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.



About a 10 minute walk from the metro, 2 Amys had a line waiting outside when we arrived for lunch. Luckily, we were able to be seated right away. Our server was friendly and made some great suggestions. Packed with young families, the turn around in tables wasn't that bad. Be prepared for the loud atmosphere with young families and the open kitchen ringing bells for each order that is ready. One thing I did not care for was that they displayed their cinnamon donuts directly in front of the entrance way - most likely to attract sales - yet the sanitation factor bothered me with all the people (kids especially) walking by and oggling over them. Overall, the food was alright but nothing I would go out of my way to get.

What I ate:

Suppli a telefono

Deep fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese

Margherita Pizza

Tomato, mozzarella di bufala, basil

Plus Keith ate:

Polpettine al forno

mini meatballs baked in tomato sauce and served with fresh rustic bread

Vace Deli

Last date I was here: 09/06/2009

Restaurant: Vace Deli (http://www.vaceitaliandeli.com/)

Location: Cleveland Park

Total Rating: 3.3
Food: 3, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Vace Italian Deli is a small Italian grocery/deli owned and run by the Calcagno family. Blanca and Valerio Calcagno first opened the deli in 1977, and have managed to keep it open for 30 years! You will find an array of home-made pastas, pizza, gourmet deli meats and cheeses, as well as many fine Italian groceries all in one stop. Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

Even if this deli is not exactly a restaurant – I decided to still write it up. Keith is always in search of an authentic deli and pizzeria so we were happy to trek over to Cleveland Park one long weekend and check this place out. Although they have a lot of Italian imports, the place is fairly small with no seating for customers. The sandwiches and pizza were pre-made and even though we asked to heat up the pizza, it was still cold. My sandwich was small and the bread was dry. If in the area, I might stop by again, but otherwise I’ll stick with the Italian Store.

What I ate:

Fresh Mozzarella SD Tomato Sandwich

Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Sun Dried Tomatoes,

Balsamic Vinegar on Focaccia Bread

Plus Keith ate:

Italian Coldcut Sub

Ham, Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Mozzarella Chesse, Vace Italian Dressing on Italian Bread

Slice of Plain Pizza

Dino

Last date I was here: 08/09/2008

Restaurant: Dino (http://www.dino-dc.com/)

Location: Cleveland Park

Total Rating: 3.75Food: 4, Price: 3, Service: 3, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: This rustic Italian restaurant has been rated #5 best in DC, however was a little disappointing. One perk is that the chefs use fresh ingredients, organically and locally grown, that give each dish a unique flair. Also, the wine selection is pretty remarkable. Closest Metro is Cleveland Park.

The restaurant is spacious with an outdoor seating area, private room upstairs for about 20 people and small bar area. Traditional menu offered with Antipasto (appetizers), Primi (pasta), Secondi (meats) followed by dessert. They also offer cheese platters, wine pairings and nightly corking specials. We went for Restaurant Week and enjoyed a complimentary limoncello and moscato with our dessert. A little sweet for me, but it was fun to try. The desserts themselves are so amazing – I felt transported back to the Tuscan hills and wine country with the decadent creamy gelato whose bold flavors jumped on my palate.   Make easy reservations to Dino on CityEats. 

What I ate:

Rigatoni ai Funghi
Tube pasta served with wild mushrooms in garlic, rosemary and olive oil


Zuppa di Pesce
Seafood stew of Taylor Bay scallops in the shell, pasta neck clams,
mussels, wild pink shrimp, sea scallops, fish, calamari
in a light tomato & seafood broth with grilled garlic crostone

♥Gelato “Nico”♥
Decadent chocolate hazelnut gelato studded with toasted hazelnuts atop bittersweet chocolate gelato with chopped chocolate bits, chocolate sauce & whipped cream

Plus Keith ate:

Polenta ai Tre Formaggi con Funghi

Soft 3 Cheese Polenta {Asiago, Fontal & Gorgonzola} with assorted roasted mushrooms


Maialino
Milk Fed Young Pig - herb rubbed, roasted on our rotisserie with smashed fingerlings


Frutti del Forno
Roasted plums topped with crumbled amoretti cookies
served with black peppercorn gelato