Cava

Cava is Greek mezze/wine bar/martini lounge that brings a little more upscale eating experience to Barracks Row.  Replacing the former Marty’s restaurant, prepare to indulge in unique Greek-inspired dishes served mezze style—in small plates, but with portions large enough to share. Cava’s mezze-style dining inspires conversation and laughter at the table. The dim candle-lighting and black and white family photos adorning Cava’s charming brick interior walls creates a dark and mysterious atmosphere that appears far from casual to the local patrons of Barracks Row. Closest Metro is Eastern Market.

Lebanese Taverna

Last date I was here: 04/11/2008

Restaurant: Labanese Taverna (http://www.lebanesetaverna.com/)

Location: Pentagon Row

Total Rating: 4.55Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4

Summary: This chain restaurant offers a warm and vibrant dining atmosphere with the beauty of traditional Arabic features and is another favorite spot for lunch. The restaurant also offers a casual patio area for outside dining located in the central plaza of Pentagon Row. They tend to get busy during lunch, so service can be slow. The garlic sauce can be kickin’ – they even have mouth wash dispensers in the bathrooms. Parking is available in the mall parking lots. Closest Metro is Pentagon City.

The sandwich platters can be a bit tame for me, so I prefer the mezze platter so I can sample a little bit of everything. The nine little squares are always very filling – but keep in mind this is only available on the lunch menu.

What I ate:

♥Vegetarian Mezze Platter♥a sampling of spinach pie, fattoush, falafel, hommos, lebneh tabouleh, grape leaves, olives and tahini sauce

Chicken Shawarma Sandwich
marinated chicken breast roasted with a touch of garlic sauce, lettuce and tomato
served with house salad and french fries