Vera Cocina & بار — Restaurant in Washington

Had an incredible experience at Vera in Ivy City! My husband and I enjoyed a phenomenal dinner on Valentine’s Day and we cannot wait to go back. For some background, we both observe Halal and always get excited at the prospect of a new restaurant opening up that has dining options for us. Vera’s menu however was something we had never come across in our many food adventures. That’s why making the decision to drive over 2 hours from Pennsylvania to experience it was a no-brainer for us.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the hostess on the ground floor. I was a little nervous because with traffic we were just hitting the end of the 15 minute grace period with our reservation, but the hostess was more than understanding and we were led to our table upstairs.

The ambiance is just so beautiful and transcending! They have put a lot of love in the details of making the environment warm and inviting while also making you feel like you’ve been transported to a unique land.

Our server answered some questions about the menu and informed us that the restaurant’s website had actually not been updated yet, and in fact the entire menu was halal! (The website just mentioned chicken and lamb, but the steak is also halal!) He then brought us two complimentary mocktails as it was Valentine’s Day! My husband also asked for a cappuccino to shake off the exhaustion from the drive, and it was served adorably with a side of rock candy and a date!

From there the experience only got better. We ordered the Papi Ghanoush which was a creamy spicy dip unlike anything I’ve ever tried! We couldn’t get enough of it. The Hummus Alwen was a beautiful artistic display of what happens when East meets West and equally delicious.

Next we enjoyed the Merguez, which complimented beautifully with the vegetables and muhammara. By this point we were already getting full, but it was only the beginning.

For our entrees, we got the Lamb Birria and the Mole. The lamb was well-seasoned and tender, although next time I will not make the mistake of asking for medium well, as I think it would have been even more delectable if it were medium (as was recommended). The Mole stole the show for us- never have I experienced such a unique preparation of steak in such a sweet/spicy/savory sauce. It felt like a dream :)

Really wish we had stayed for dessert, but sadly we had to leave for a prior engagement shortly after dinner. Perhaps the best part of Vera for us was not something that could be ordered on the menu- it was the kindness, warmth, and inclusivity we felt from the moment we walked in. The co-owner Fatima made a point to come and say hello at one point in the night, and right away you could feel her love and energy for bringing people together in such a unique atmosphere. She even went so far as to gift me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and my husband a bottle of their homemade za’tar to commemorate the holiday. Vera stole our hearts that night and we cannot wait to make...

This Mexican/Lebanese fusion spot was a whole experience!! I saw their food, on my timeline, & I had to pull up. Great date night spot, it’s aesthetically pleasing inside, and you ain’t never had this kind of fusion food before!! Let’s GO!! . Where I am: @veraivycity . Location Reviewed: 2002 Fenwick St., N.E. Washington D.C. . Items Reviewed: STAMP!! Their Tut Gin & Tonic ($18 with elderberry syrup, gin, tonic, & blueberry citrus). Sweet, & strong. Take your time with this!!

STAMP!! Their Arando Mocktail ($13 with blueberry, hazelnut, citrus, & agave flower). Refreshing, & tasty!!

STAMP!! Their Hummus Con Esquites ($15 creamy chickpea hummus topped with grilled corn, Aleppo pepper, & Cotija cheese). This is the only way I want to eat hummus now!! STAMP!!

STAMP!! Their Kefta Mini Tortas($17 two mini Wagyu kefta burgers with Serrano labneh, pickled sweet peppers, & arugula on a toasted brioche bun). Tender, flavorful, & hearty!!

STAMP!! Their Reides Fritters ($19 crispy filo-a thin dough-wrapped shrimp with poblano corn quinoa salad, labneh crema). Crispy, flavorful, airy, but meaty!!

LIKE THAT!! Their Falafel ($13 fries chickpeas with cotija cheese, tahini poblano, & labneh crema).

STAMP!! Their Broccolini ($15 grilled broccolini with crema). Well seasoned, garlicky deliciousness!!

STAMP!! Their Asparagus ($14 with a jalapeno crema). Again well seasoned, & mildly spicy!!

STAMP!! Their Batata Harra ($11 spicy roasted potatoes with garlic, cilantro, & Aleppo peppers). Perfect spicy potatoes!! Get these!

STAMP!! Their D’jaj Al Pastor ($36 half marinated chicken with Lebanese, & Mexican spices, chiles, & corn). An acquired taste!! Curry’ish & sweet’ish…tasty!!

DELICIOUS. Their Pistachio Tres Leches ($17 pistachio sponge cake soaked in milk, with white chocolate ganache, & pistachio dust). It wasn’t as sweet as I thought it would be…just good.

STAMP!! Their Churros ($15 fried pastries dusted with pistachio sugar, with chocolate & caramel dip). The BEST churros I’ve ever had!! . Customer Service: On Point . Parking: Rough, but they have valet. . Recommendations: Try what I STAMPED!! . Accessibility: It’s wheelchair friendly, & it’s differently abled persons friendly.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=STAMP ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️➕=LIKE...

If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in D.C., look no further than Vera, located at 2002 Fenwick St. NE. My partner and I recently enjoyed a date night here, and every moment was pure magic, thanks to the incredible team and ambiance.

From the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable. We were warmly greeted by the host and introduced to Milena Mijuskovic, the manager, who truly went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Milena gave us a delightful tour of the restaurant, even showcasing the stunning disco-themed bathroom (a must-see!), before escorting us upstairs to the dining room. Along the way, she shared how the space can be used for events, highlighting its versatility and capacity to meet various needs—a nice touch for anyone considering a special event there.

Our server, Kevin Ramirez, was exceptional. He was attentive, thoughtful, and genuinely curious about ensuring we had the best experience. He made us feel cared for throughout our meal, checking in just the right amount, while Milena continued to circle back to ensure everything was perfect.

The food was simply exquisite. Chef Ken Weaver’s creations are as beautiful as they are delicious. Each dish was a masterpiece, with flavors that matched the visual presentation. While I could go on and on about each dish one that I would absolutely recommend was the Bronzino and Duck! Even though we opted for mocktails, the vibrant energy and laughter shared between the staff and guests left us feeling giddy and in great spirits.

This restaurant is truly a gem. Milena’s leadership and personal touch elevated our date night to an unforgettable experience. We will absolutely be returning to Vera, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a perfect blend of exceptional food, ambiance, and service.

Make sure to ask for Milena and Kevin—they’ll ensure your visit is as...