Alhambra — Restaurant in Washington

Stepping into the St. Regis Washington, D.C., and its exquisite Alhambra restaurant, is truly like entering a realm where Gilded Age grandeur meets contemporary luxury, creating an unforgettable atmosphere perfect for a romantic birthday treat. A Glimpse into History and Timeless Decor Originally opened in 1926 as the Carlton Hotel, designed by Mihran Mesrobian in the elegant Beaux-Arts and Neo-Renaissance styles, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. has a storied past. It has famously hosted numerous U.S. presidents, royalty, prime ministers, and iconic celebrities, solidifying its status as a landmark of sophistication. Renamed The St. Regis in 1999, the hotel has consistently maintained its commitment to unparalleled luxury. The recent renovations in April 2024 have seamlessly blended its historic charm with a fresh, modern aesthetic, featuring a palette of clean cream, blues, soft grays, and rich gold tones, evident in the carpets, plush furnishings, and finishes. The hotel's design ethos is immediately apparent from the moment you step into the magnificent grand lobby. The soaring 16-foot ceilings, adorned with ornate Florentine gold coffered ceilings and dramatic two-tiered crystal chandeliers, evoke a sense of timeless opulence. Plush velvet armchairs invite you to linger, and the well-kept washrooms, with their attractive tiled walk-in showers and thick paper towellettes, speak volumes about the hotel's attention to detail and guest comfort. The elegant chairs throughout the hotel, coupled with intriguing elements like Gucci gear thoughtfully displayed in antique wooden showcases, add unique touches to the sophisticated ambiance. Alhambra: A Culinary and Romantic Oasis Alhambra, the hotel's modern Mediterranean restaurant, is consistently lauded in online reviews for its impeccable service, delicious dishes, and sophisticated, quiet ambiance – truly ideal for celebrations and intimate evenings and as experienced first hand, the personal semi-circle booths, cloistered behind plush drapery, indeed offer a wonderfully romantic and private dining setting. The dinner was a testament to the culinary artistry at Alhambra. The scrumptious Hummus and Pita, with its fluffy, za'atar-infused bread, hummus elevated by extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts, sumac, and unique accompaniments like date butter, shakshouka, and feta in sauce, were absolutely delightful. The Mom's Borek, shaped like a cupcake and served with apricot jam and a refreshing watercress onion salad, showcases an innovative and refined approach to traditional dishes. The main courses were equally impressive. The butterflied Branzino, beautifully presented with its head and tail intact alongside radish and watercress, echoes the praise found in online reviews for the chef's masterful preparation of this dish, highlighting its brilliant simplicity. The Aleppo chicken, with its dramatic presentation on a platter of dried red chillies, smoky dome, and carving by the chef onto peri peri sauce, a true theatrical and flavorful experience. The skinny to perfection second-take Mojitos were undoubtedly the perfect complement to such a memorable meal. To top off the evening, the complimentary pistachio ice cream on an olive oil cake, lit with a candle and adorned with Birthday Wishes in chocolate cursive, was a truly personal and heartwarming gesture. This level of personalized service, from the paid valet to the attentive waiting staff and the talented chef, truly sets The St. Regis and Alhambra apart. Alhambra at St. Regis, DC, was a truly wonderful and memorable quiet evening, a sentiment am sure is echoed by many who have experienced the hotel's legendary hospitality and the restaurant's...

Alhambra is a culinary gem that offers an exceptional dining experience marked by exquisite food and remarkable service. The menu features an array of dishes that are truly out of this world, but what sets Alhambra apart are its appetizers, which are delicious and inventive. One standout dish is their famous 100-layer potato, a delightful creation that is as visually impressive as it is tantalizing to the taste buds; it's definitely something you must try. Additionally, the specialty meats are second to none, showcasing tender flavors that leave a lasting impression.

During my visit, I was fortunate to have an outstanding server who elevated the experience. He went above and beyond by calling me personally to share a memorable moment where he expertly popped a bottle of champagne using a sword, adding an element of excitement to the evening.

The ambiance of Alhambra is just as noteworthy as the food. The restaurant is situated in a stunning red salon, where the vibrant décor and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere. The overall energy of the space is uplifting, making it feel like a special occasion from the moment you step inside. While the prices can be on the higher side, the exceptional quality of the food, combined with the stellar service and enchanting environment, makes every penny worth it. Alhambra is not just a meal; it's an experience that you'll remember long after...

I wouldn’t recommend this place for dinner, lunch, or any meal. We went for restaurant week and grabbed a spot here as most other places were booked up. You had a choice between two things for the appetizer and two things for an entrée (swordfish or lamb). I will say I thoroughly enjoyed my swordfish, but the service was not good: I think our waitress forgot about us, and she didn’t seem to know much about the restaurant or menu or offer anything helpful. The entire staff seemed ambivalent to the guests, more “we are already charging a service fee, so who cares vibes.” The vibes were very much romantic hotel meets cafeteria style lighting..like trying to be fancy because it’s inside a nice hotel, but failing. Also, water for the table ended up being more than a beer, which is just weird. Every bottle of water for the table was $14 bucks, which I would expect for sparkling, but not flat water.

All of my friends felt the same way; we even were chatting on a group chat discussing this place. We’d give it a 3 out of 5 based on the ambiance, & poor service. The food is good, but there are a ton of restaurants in DC that have food just as good or much better, with much better service and a much better ambiance. The chef should work somewhere else, in my opinion. The total per person was around 80 including the tip (without drinks), so not bad but a lot for a...