Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant & Catering — Restaurant in Bailey's Crossroads

TLDR:

Place looks nice, but service is lacking Food is mediocre and overpriced Owner is more concerned with earnings than quality of service or food Owner turned off phones during Ramadan, when I showed up to order in person, I was turned away without recompense (suggestion: please come back again and we will take 10% off next meal) Owner should step back and hire someone who’s less concerned with finance and more concerned with customer acquisition and retention

After failing to reach the restaurant by phone for approximately 30 minutes, I decided to drive to the restaurant to order my food to go. Nahid, the owner, saw me standing by the cash register and continued to ignore my presence while chatting with another patron. I had to ask if she worked at the restaurant before the person whom she was speaking with answered “she’s the owner.” At this point, the owner walked behind the register ready to take my order. When I informed her that I had to drive to her restaurant because no one was answering the phone, she said it was because they stopped taking calls as they are up to capacity. This was the second day in a row on a weekend during a religious month, so I decided to be culturally sensitive and accept it as such. When I suggested to her to increase capacity in the future she informed me they are no longer taking orders for the evening. She refused me service although I had been a loyal customer. I rarely write a review but this experience left me wanting more from an overpriced restaurant that presents itself as Middle Eastern cuisine but fails to accommodate a Middle Eastern patron during their fast. I wanted to leave with a smile but did not get a good feeling and instead felt humiliated. I’m sorry to say but I will not recommend this restaurant to anyone. The ambiance is very nice but the service is extremely lacking, especially coming from the owner.

Addendum: clearly most restaurants ask local guides to eat at their restaurants to boost ratings, this is understandable. However, there’s a disparity between the way they treat those customers (rolling out the red carpet in terms of service and food selection) and regular customers. Please read carefully as most 5 star reviews are “local guides” raising some suspicion. As I wrote earlier, I’m a recurring customer and I’ve noticed a lacking in the level of service in the past having been a business owner in the past. This restaurant owner shocked me in the level unprofessionalism and what I can only construe as a short-sighted greedy cash grab during a sensitive time of religious observance for many of her clients.

In short, to Nahid the owner, in the future: Always ANSWER YOUR PHONE. Don’t turn a recurring paying customer away unless you reward them for their patronage Owning a small business is difficult, if certain roles are challenging hire someone who can...

Jerusalem Restaurant in Falls Church, VA, is a hidden gem that takes you on an exquisite culinary journey through the Middle East. From the moment you step inside, the inviting ambiance and warm hospitality greet you, setting the stage for a truly memorable dining experience.

One cannot help but be enamored by the extensive menu options that span the diverse flavors of the Middle East. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or vegan, Jerusalem Restaurant caters to all palates and dietary preferences with their wide array of delectable dishes.

Let's start with the appetizers, which are a true testament to Middle Eastern cuisine. The falafel, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, is a must-try. Served with a tangy tahini sauce, it's a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The hummus, silky and creamy, pairs perfectly with the fresh and warm pita bread, making for a delightful combination.

For the main course, I highly recommend trying the shawarma. The tender and succulent slices of marinated meat or flavorful grilled vegetables are served with fragrant rice, making it a filling and satisfying choice. The kebabs, whether lamb, chicken, or beef, are perfectly grilled and seasoned to perfection, providing an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.

One cannot forget about the fragrant and aromatic rice dishes offered at Jerusalem Restaurant. The Mansaf, a traditional Jordanian dish, combines tender lamb cooked in a rich yogurt-based sauce, served over a bed of fluffy saffron-infused rice. The combination of flavors in this dish is simply outstanding and will leave you wanting more.

Vegetarians and vegans will find great satisfaction in the variety of options available. The mixed grill platter, with its assortment of grilled vegetables, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves, showcases the restaurant's commitment to providing a diverse menu for all diners.

To complete this extraordinary dining experience, do not miss out on the delectable desserts that Jerusalem Restaurant has to offer. From traditional baklava, bursting with sweet honey and nutty goodness, to the refreshing and creamy Lebanese rice pudding, each bite is a flavorful delight.

The staff at Jerusalem Restaurant deserves a special mention for their kind and attentive service. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to assist with any dietary restrictions or preferences ensures that each guest feels welcomed and well taken care of.

In conclusion, a visit to Jerusalem Restaurant in Falls Church is an absolute must for anyone seeking a genuine Middle Eastern culinary adventure. From the moment you step foot inside, you'll be transported to the vibrant streets of the Middle East, with flavorful dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Coupled with friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, dining at Jerusalem Restaurant is an experience you'll want to repeat time...

Never had to write a negative review but I had with this place wondering how is this 4 stars and it's one of the worst customer service I have ever seeing in my life or in my previous 25 years of hospitality experience, a trashy takeout in SE DC provides better service than this place.

Last week I came in waited for 15 minutes and no one approached me or greeted me, I helped myself to a table, grabbed the menu and still no one showed up and no one was at the desk and there are several families around me seated and waiting as well, so I left.

Few days ago I called to place an order to dine in about time till I arrive so I won't waste much time waiting again and the guy who answered the phone said sorry we don't take orders by phone you have to come in and order when you are seated WTH.

Today a friend of mine insisted to join him for a late lunch, and I went yesterday and we were the only 2 people at the whole restaurant, placed our orders and asked about the molokhiya if they have it as appetizer not a main entree and the waiter said he have to ask and get back to me and never did. After 25 minutes the waiter came with some water we asked about the delay of the food, and was oh sorry it's coming, and we asked at least give us the appetizers till the main course comes, and he was like what appetizers oh forgot my fault we just had a long day, WTH that's not my problem as a customer and by the way it was 5:30pm And we waited almost 50 minutes since we made the order and the appetizer showed up after we already left the table and talking with the team at the cashier desk, but they don't care of loosing a customer and no sincere apology at least and claiming that they were busy with the take out orders?? Like it's my fault for coming in, And I was like I'm physically here trying to eat in your restaurant waiting, and worse part by replying we are the same thing as in dining in or a take out order?? And trying to call us liers when we mentioned that we were waiting for the order for almost an hour and acting carelessly like no way no one in the restaurant beside you guys, it can't be that we've waiting for that long and we got the proof of a time stamped phone call the minute I got to the restaurant and trying to make up excuses and we just left canceling the order, they don't realize how much money was lost for these waisted time visits to eat in and how many loose of customers after this incident. I guess they don't care, and got no manners or any type of customer service. Never coming back again and will never recommend that restaurant to anyone, already told my peers about it and they won't be coming either. Better learn hospitality and how to...