Washington DC • Off-the-Beaten-Path Middle Eastern Michelin Star ⭐️

💰 À la carte: $60-$70 per person; Tasting (“Tawle”, 3-course) $85 A zero-traffic Michelin one-star restaurant that might just be one of the hardest to reserve in DC? Every time I check Resy, the next 21 days are completely booked out (seating strategy: reservations for 21 days out open at 10 am daily on Resy) Maydan is a restaurant that embodies the pure essence of Middle Eastern flavor, from its decor to its cuisine. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a massive cauldron/kitchen where chefs are busy roasting pita and a variety of meats. The bar accepts walk-ins, and I managed to snag the last seat at the bar. You can choose the Tawle or order à la carte at the bar. The menu covers a variety of Middle Eastern dips & spreads, appetizers & vegetables, kebabs, and main courses. The Tawle is a condensed version of the à la carte menu’s highlights! The flavors are not too heavy, and I love it! My dish choices: ✨ Muhammara - A dip made with nuts, red bell peppers, and pomegranate, served with freshly baked pita. So aromatic! ✨ Halloumi - A Cypriot cheese dish! Very unique! Salty semi-soft cheese coated with honey and peanut crumble, not cloying at all. I love it! ✨ Lamb Shish Kebab - A classic Middle Eastern dish - large lamb skewers grilled with bell peppers and onions. The lamb is completely free of gamey taste and so juicy!! Other dishes recommended by the staff: ✨ Hummus - their Hummus dip is also exceptional, made with a special recipe. I’ll try it next time! ✨ Charr Cabbage ✨ Dango - a Middle Eastern preparation of chickpea ✨ Grilled Butterfield Branzino - reportedly the most popular dish in the restaurant! Braised sea bass from the big furnace, a must-order for every table. I had to skip it as I wasn’t sure I could finish it, but it looked and smelled amazing! The flavors here are not too intense, offering very authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Friends who appreciate this cuisine should definitely give it a try! The pricing is very reasonable! #WashingtonDC #FoodExploration #TreasureRestaurantShare #Michelin #MichelinRestaurant #MichelinOneStar #RestaurantRecommendations #MichelinRestaurantExploration