Restaurants near Penn Quarter Metro Station, Washington D.C.

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.

I have been to The Smith many times. I have not always been pleased with the food and service, but today was exceptional. Food was very good and the service was attentive.

Getting our table was a bit chaotic. There isn’t much room to wait by the hostess stand. And I would have preferred a table further from the front doors, but everything from then on out was aces. Service was friendly and professional. The fried chicken and waffles were delicious. The maple bourbon syrup makes the dish. Will definitely return!

I took a few members of my work team out for a holiday lunch. Some had never been to Jaleo and I knew they would love it! We sat at one of the foos ball tables. As usual, the food was delicious, the drinks amazing, and the service impeccable.

This place is wonderful! As with all restaurants, some of the dishes are better than others (yes to the mussels, beef (no surprise NYT named it a best bite), really interesting cocktails; meh to the pretty tough lamb). The service is absolutely incredible. Monique knew we were celebrating and she, her colleagues, and the kitchen went out of there way to make the evening special. I will never forget their kindness. The only bummer were the loud politicos talking shop beside us. (The tables are close together and those folks apparnelty didn't know how to use their indoor voices. A bit more space btw tables would be awesome.) Can't wait to go back and try dishes that are now favorites and taste new ones. <3