Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Maple Lawn

Our visit to Cazbar in Columbia was absolutely fantastic! The food was a true highlight — we enjoyed perfectly seasoned fries, tender lamb, flavorful doner kebab, and a delicious mezze platter. To top it all off, the Snickers cake was an indulgent treat that we’ll be dreaming about for a long time. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff made sure we had everything we needed. Our kids had a great time, which made the experience even more enjoyable for us. We’ll definitely return again and again — Cazbar is now a family favorite! Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic Turkish cuisine with an exceptional dining experience.

This was a tremendous meal, and a can't-miss restaurant when visiting Washington D.C. It was my wife and I, and we shared six plates: hummus, falafel, rice pilaf/barley, fried eggplant, brussels sprouts and (essentially) french fries. We were uncomfortably full when leaving, and this ran us a whopping $72 dollars before tip. Obviously if we had gotten drinks or wine, the price would have gone up considerably, but I can't imagine this kind of quality food in a metro area for $36/person in 2024. Plus endless homemade pita that was a cross between pita and naan was provided -- crazy delicious. The french fries had a house-made mushroom salt with a yogurt dipping sauce. The serving size on those were substantial, but basically they were just outstanding french fries. In terms of going for authentic Mediterranean food, we could have swapped this out for something else, but that was probably more our fault than theirs just having something a little more neutral on the menu for less-adventurous eaters. The other five items were all significantly above average, with my favorite being the sprouts and my wife favoring the barley/pilaf. Also, the speed with which we got through our meal was noteworthy -- one hour as they rotated through plates one at a time. It was a well-oiled machine.

Love Smashing Grapes!!! I've had an amazing experience each time I've visited, and the service is always delightful. Our sever Ayana greeted my lady and I with a wonderful smile, an abundance of joy, and she was very professional. The food was delicious, and the ambiance was spectacular! Can't wait to visit again to try something different on the menu.

My friend and I dined in the outdoor eating space at Iron Gate where there were impressive fires burning next to each table. We were snug and warm. Our waiter was so welcoming we relaxed and relied on his advice while ordering. Our food was amazing from the tasty welcome dish through the main dish and two delicious desserts. The young woman at the front door went beyond her duties to help us add a second ride to our taxi order. We plan many return visits!

Food and service are always great. Rudy is a wonderful host. He always makes you feel welcome.