Valletta Port - Mediterranean Restaurant Alexandria VA — Restaurant in Alexandria

Love love love Narman. It was easy to find, and the parking was free & nearby. We decided to celebrate my husband’s birthday at a Turkish restaurant. He was in the mood for Lahmacun (sounds like Lahamajoun) super thin, crispy pizza topped with a mixture of minced meat with peppers, tomato, herbs, and spices. More fine, light, and delicate than the typical American thin pizza.

The service, drinks, and food were beyond stellar in Narman. We felt like the only customers there and were waited on by many staff. The highlight of the day there was their pizza and their beverage presentation and flavors. We came on a weekday night and were the only people there in the end. My husband was impressed at how upscale the restaurant was and it was the finest Turkish restaurant he ever visited. He said it was similar to the hotel dining place he lived at in Turkey. This was our first restaurant in downtown Alexandria and one of our best experiences in Alexandria.

The Lahmacun was the finest Turkish pizza my husband ever had. He ordered three of them! Each pizza was served on a large wood board with extra toppings on the side like lemon wedges, cilantro, and onions. They are so fine and thin that you can roll them up to eat. We had to put some of the last pizza aside for take out. I ate the takeout piece and was very impressed how delicious it was after being in the fridge overnight & re-heated. I loved the flavors of the Lahmacun and I don’t even care for pizza that much. It is my most preferred pizza in my life ever next to the Crazy Ex in The Thirsty Goat in Clarksville, Tennessee.

I ordered a Turkish dish with a rich and ancient history, Hunkar Begendi, or "Sultan's Delight.” It dates back several centuries, and it was prepared for the sultans and high-ranking officials, and was served during special occasions and celebrations. The Hunkar Begendi had lamb and velvet soft eggplant with spices. I ordered it with a side of rice. It was very delicious and unique. Yet the Lahmacun despite its simplicity stole the show and cost 1/3 of the price of the Hunkar Begendi.

For my beverage, I ordered The Elma. It has a stunning presentation in a smoke filled glass box. The Elma is a beverage with Bourbon, Peach liquor, vanilla maple, Apple butter,Lemon juice, and Apple cider. You have to watch the videos of how it is presented at the table.

At the end of our dinner, they played happy birthday and surprised my husband with an ice cream and pumpkin dessert with a candle. So wonderful & heartfelt. It was a fascinating and flavorful dish. The pumpkin tasted like sweet potato & was different.

This is a must see place for Turkish cuisine and the finest restaurant service. Prices are low to fair for such high quality food and...

I would like to express my gratitude to the Narman restaurant – it truly surprised me in the best way. I was impressed by its excellent cuisine, as well as the incredibly pleasant, cozy atmosphere and the friendly staff. I rarely come across truly delightful places to visit; most restaurants have an uncomfortable atmosphere and mediocre food. But here, everything is a solid 10 out of 10, and I would definitely recommend it for events, family dinners, or a romantic date. This is the kind of place you want to return to because it feels warm and welcoming.

Atmosphere and ambiance are very important to me, and this restaurant really stands out in that regard. It’s a place where you’d want to dress nicely, as the style of the place encourages that, and that’s wonderful. White tablecloths, beautiful tableware, incredible presentation of dishes, lovely staff, and pleasant music all create a special mood. The Turkish cuisine is absolutely delicious! I had kebabs with vegetables, and they were fantastic. I was also delighted by the exquisite appetizers served with freshly baked flatbreads, and for dessert, I tried the rice pudding, a traditional Turkish treat – it was absolutely delicious!

I also noticed that the chef shows great care and attentiveness, coming out into the dining area to interact with guests and make sure everything is to their liking. I’m sure he takes all feedback into account, which is very nice and speaks volumes about his dedication to his work. If you’re looking for top-notch culinary quality and a cozy atmosphere, you absolutely must visit this wonderful restaurant. Thank you, Narman – we’ll definitely be...

This restaurant completely surprised me with how incredible the food was! My son and I went for my birthday, and we ended up spending two hours talking and savoring every bite. Everything we ordered stood out as some of the best food we’ve had in Alexandria.

I really want this place to stay! If I had one small note, it’s about the ambiance inside—it felt a little dark /cold. The outdoor tent had a livelier vibe with playful design touches and large flickering candles. The music (a mix of jazz, Middle Eastern tunes, and even Pink Martini) was fantastic, and I found myself wishing the atmosphere matched that energy. But if you’re an ambiance person like me, don’t let it stop you—RUN, don’t walk, to eat here. Honestly, just some colorful glass candle holders and a few lights in the space, like the gorgeous ones in the window, would be awesome—just my opinion, of course. If you don't feel this, then it is a PERFECT place.

We were unsure about how to enter since it was a slower weeknight near the end of summer. We came in through the café (which was closed) and weren’t greeted right away, which can sometimes throw me off. But any hesitation vanished once we sat down—the service and food were both outstanding. Now I know and am excited to come back to try the cafe.

Standouts for us:

Beef Sultan – whipped labneh blended with roasted beetroot, served with their house-made bread. Incredible flavor!

Mixed Pide – Turkish-style flatbread with cheese, spicy Turkish sausage, peppers, and egg. So light and flavorful!

Baileys & Turkish Coffee Tiramisu – If you love tiramisu, trust me, order this. The presentation alone...