Lebanese Taverna, a mainstay of the Washington, D.C. Area’s dining scene, is now operating a dozen locations across the region, according to the restaurant group. What began in 1979 as a single neighborhood restaurant in Arlington, Virginia, founded by Tanios and Marie Abi-Najm, has expanded to include full-service restaurants, fast-casual eateries, and a Lebanese market.
The Abi-Najms, who had recently arrived from Beirut escaping the Lebanese Civil War, introduced classic Lebanese family cooking to the D.C. Area. The restaurant’s growth over the past four decades has been overseen by the couple’s five children, who now run the business. Today, Lebanese Taverna operates six full-service restaurants, seven fast-casual locations, and the Lebanese Market in Arlington.
The expansion reflects a broader trend in the city’s culinary landscape. According to a recent report by Tasting Table, Washington D.C. Has become a hub for Middle Eastern cuisine, evolving from a dining scene once dominated by steakhouses. Ayesha Abraham opened a prominent Middle Eastern restaurant in the city in 1960, following her time cooking at the Syrian embassy, establishing a foundation for the cuisine’s growth.
Lebanese Taverna offers several dining experiences under its umbrella. The flagship full-service restaurants provide a contemporary setting for traditional Eastern Mediterranean cooking. LebTav offers a more casual experience, focusing on “cozy Lebanese comforts with fast-casual service.” The Market aims to recreate the atmosphere of a Lebanese souk, offering a range of Lebanese products and flavors.
The restaurant group also provides catering services, including party platters for pick-up and full-service catering with options for drop-off delivery, curated menus, rentals, and staffing. Parking is available at most locations, primarily in mall areas, with validated parking at the Woodley Park location after 5:00 PM. The Baltimore restaurant has nearby parking garages, while LebTav locations generally offer free street parking. The Arlington market also provides a small free parking lot alongside street parking.
Other restaurants celebrating Levantine cuisine in the D.C. Area include Cafe Levantaine in McLean, which focuses on time-honored traditions and recipes passed down through generations, serving meals made to order for freshness and authenticity. Resy’s guide to exploring Levantine cuisine in D.C. Highlights the diversity of restaurants in the area.
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