Casablanca

1504 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-6464

Description: Enter another world when you step through the doors of this exotic restaurant. From flamenco and belly dancers to a stunning interior and extravagant menu, Casablanca is an unforgettable sensory experience. Surrounded by aromatic incense, cozy couches, rich fabrics, silk-screened walls, and intriguing Moroccan music, diners are swept away. Flavorful courses include tender lamb dishes, kebabs served over saffron-scented rice and fresh breads. Impeccable service and an interesting wine and beverage list also appear. Five-course prix fixe: $19.95; six-course prix fixe: $22.95; seven-course prix fixe: $24.95.
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Faryab

4917 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-951-3484

Description: BETHESDA. Named for a province in northern Afghanistan, this Middle Eastern restaurant caters to meat lovers and vegetarians with its lamb, chicken, beef, kebabs, and vegetables. Start with turnovers of either scallions and herbs (bulanee) or beef and potatoes. You'll also be enticed by challaw kadu (sauteed pumpkin with yogurt sauce) and badenjan (eggplant stew). Linen-covered tables and photos from the Middle East help set the scene. Casual dress.
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Kabob Palace

2333 S Eads St, Arlington, VA 22202 703-486-3535

Description: ARLINGTON. Open daily, Kabob Palace serves authentic Pakistani food for dine-in or take-out. The menu offers regular specials along with lamb, beef, and vegetable dishes. However, kabobs (both lamb and chicken) are the house specialty. Not in the mood for a kabob? Try charred lamb chops and fresh, warm pita bread, or sample the daily vegetable special. Prices at this Crystal City eatery are sure to make you smile ­ they're around $5 per entree. Casual dress.
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Layalina Restaurant

5216 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205 703-525-1170

Description: ARLINGTON. Lebanese cuisine and hospitality go far to recommend this exotically decorated dining spot. Amid opulent wall coverings, rugs, and artifacts, patrons enjoy zesty hummus or hearty sausages in spicy tomato sauce as a first course. Lamb, then, is a hands-down entree favorite, especially baked lamb shank with your choice of flavorful sauce. Plenty of chicken, seafood, and vegetarian dishes are available as well. Complete the experience with a good Lebanese wine, and end the occasion with a honey-and-nut-infused pastry. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended.
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Lebanese Taverna

2641 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 202-265-8681

Description: WOODLEY PARK. For those unfamiliar with Lebanese cuisine, this restaurant will certainly turn you into a fan. If you already know the pleasures of Lebanese dishes, you'll be thrilled by flavorful falafel, hummus, bread from the wood-fired oven, and fresh kebabs made with top-quality meats and veggies. The mezza appetizer is the best way to try it all, with 22 fantastic items impressively presented. Rotisserie chicken melts in your mouth, and pinenut- and spinach-stuffed turnovers are light and flaky. Finish with a glass of arak, an after-dinner drink with an anise-flavored kick. Reservations recommended. Business casual attire. METRO: Woodley Park/Zoo
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Local 16

1602 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-265-2828

Description: U STREET. This classy neighborhood restaurant offers not only an elegant dining atmosphere, but a soothing haven from the city in the late night hours. From its crimson dining room to its candlelit bar, Local 16 creates an atmosphere that makes anyone feel welcome. Head upstairs to select one of their lush cocktails made with freshly squeezed fruit, veg on the comfy couches, or gaze on the street below from the rooftop deck. METRO: U St-Cardoza
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Marrakesh

617 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-393-9393

Description: DOWNTOWN. This exotic, lush palace of a restaurant offers the finest in Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine in an environment that feasts the senses. Colorful ceilings, golden accents, costumed staffers, and luxurious sofas with embroidered pillows are just the beginning. Your hands will be washed for you after you choose seven mouthwatering courses for communal dining. Who needs silverware? Scoop up delicious salads with chunks of fresh bread. Lemony roasted meats, pungent lamb with chickpeas, and flaky pastries will leave you stuffed and ready to watch some of the world's best belly dancers. Reservations required. Business dress. METRO: Gallery Place/Chinatown
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Meze

2437 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-797-0017

Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. Superior Mediterranean-Turkish tapas join an outstanding selection of martinis to make this restaurant a must-visit. The menu boasts over 28 different tapas options and six entrees, so most folks come to sample a variety of the zesty dishes. Notable selections include hummus topped with pureed chickpeas and mucver, zucchini pancakes topped with a tangy sauce. Outdoor patio dining is available. A stylish, trendy set gather here to nibble, sip, and be seen, so dress in your best.
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Moby Dick ­ Bethesda

7027 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815 301-654-1838

Description: BETHESDA. Order a Moby's Combo platter, and prepare to dig into some of the best kebabs you've ever tasted. This restaurant specializes in Persian food on a skewer. The meat is juicy and tender, and everything comes at a bargain price. Freshly baked bread and tasty hummus accompany the kebabs for even more flavor. Daily specials deserve notice too, so be sure to look for them. Vegetarian options available. Moby Dick has a total of six locations around the metro area. Casual dress.
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Moby Dick ­ Dupont Circle

1300 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 202-833-9788

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Order a Moby's Combo platter and prepare to dig into some of the best kebabs you've ever tasted. This restaurant specializes in Persian food on a skewer. The meat is juicy and tender, and everything comes at a bargain price. Freshly baked bread and tasty hummus accompany the kebabs for even more flavor. Daily specials deserve notice too, so be sure to look for them. Vegetarian options available. Moby Dick has a total of six locations around the metro area. Casual dress.
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Moby Dick ­ Fairfax

12154 Fairfax Towne Ctr, Fairfax, VA 22030 703-352-6226

Description: FAIRFAX. Order a Moby's Combo platter, and prepare to dig into some of the best kebabs you've ever tasted. This restaurant specializes in Persian food on a skewer. The meat is juicy and tender, and everything comes at a bargain price. Freshly baked bread and tasty hummus accompany the kebabs for even more flavor. Daily specials deserve notice too, so be sure to look for them. Vegetarian options available. Moby Dick has a total of six locations around the metro area. Casual dress.
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Moby Dick ­ Georgetown

1070 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-333-4400

Description: GEORGETOWN. Order a Moby's Combo platter, and prepare to dig into some of the best kebabs you've ever tasted. This restaurant specializes in Persian food on a skewer. The meat is juicy and tender, and everything comes at a bargain price. Freshly baked bread and tasty hummus accompany the kebabs for even more flavor. Daily specials deserve notice too, so be sure to look for them. Vegetarian options available. Moby Dick has a total of six locations around the metro area. Casual dress.
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Neyla

3206 N St NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-333-6353

Description: GEORGETOWN. Named for the Mediterranean concept of success, this charming restaurant has made a name for itself in Georgetown. Upscale and welcoming, it offers an array of tasteful Lebanese dishes. Start with stuffed grape leaves, and then try porcini-scented Chilean sea bass or succulent roast duck. Vegetable dishes, salads, fish, and grilled meats make up the bulk of the menu. Smart casual dress. Reservations accepted.
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Skewers

1633 P St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-387-7400

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE EAST. Looking for a healthy lunch or dinner that's also quick and affordable? Then head upstairs (above Cafe Luna, that is) to Skewers. The house specialty is kebabs, and since both lamb with eggplant and chicken with roasted peppers virtually fly out of the kitchen, you've got to get your order in quickly. The cafe's popularity is strong, and folks can't seem to get enough of its ambience and tasty food. Vegetable and seafood (in season) kabobs dot the menu as well. Casual dress.
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Temel

3232 Old Pickett Rd, Fairfax, VA 22031 703-352-5477

Description: FAIRFAX. Don't let the nondescript location of this Turkish restaurant stop you from enjoying its bounty. Reasonably priced meals boast great Mediterranean flavor, and succulent meat and vegetable kebabs are king. Before any meal though, start with a cigar. A Temel cigar that is ­ a crisp, cheese-filled pastry. The calming interior gains character with a small indoor waterfall and large windows. Casual dress.
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Zaytinya

701 9th St NW, Pepco Building, Washington, DC 20001 202-638-0800

Description: DOWNTOWN. With its stark white walls, high ceilings and dramatic glass facade, Zaytinya has emerged as a popular after-work gathering place. Hot and cold mezze ("middle-of-the-day" meals) enrich the dining scene with contemporary Eastern Mediterranean fare ­ for example, lamb with hummus, and spiced sirloin with dry fruit compote. For more substantial appetites, the kebab platter or braised lamb shank with eggplant does nicely. An added perk: Their wine list focuses almost exclusively on Greek, Turkish and Lebanese selections. METRO: Gallery Place/Chinatown
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