Things We Love: Lavash Rolls at Cafe Romeo's

This Italian takeout spot does a surprisingly yummy Armenian sandwich.

Photograph by Erin Zimmer.

The menu at Cafe Romeo’s features the usual ricotta calzone, pesto pizza and meatball sandwich, but out of nowhere, they throw in gyros, Tuscan hummus and my favorite, Armenian-style lavash sandwiches. This flaky flatbread is a bit thicker than the traditional version, and fillings are so abundant, they inevitably spill out the sides. Each sandwich half (and yes, there are two) has approximately the heft of a Chipotle burrito. You better be hungry for this one.

For $8.45, the un-Italian lavash roll includes equally un-Italian filling options. In the Mediterranean roll, a lamb and beef kabob joins sumac and yogurt dressing. The spinach-and-artichoke version includes tomato, caramelized onions, mozzarella, feta and a garlic sauce. We like the chicken and portabella mushroom lavash, juicy and overflowing with tomato chunks, huge spinach leaves, chicken breast, portabella, feta and mozzarella, all lathered up with a zesty red pepper sauce.

Portions hardly fit in the styrofoam takeout box, which also holds a few potato wedges spiked with Italian seasonings. With just the right amount of greasiness, they’re a step above drunk munchies for nearby Georgetown students, who order until the wee hours (weekday closing time is 3 AM, they stay open until 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays).

The tiny, mostly take-out spot—there's a few plastic tables inside—sits between Georgetown and Glover Park. You could walk down Wisconsin Avenue, just near the Georgetown cemetery, a gazillion times before noticing. It's hiding behind trees lit year-round with twinkling Christmas bulbs.

Cafe Romeo’s, 2132 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-337-1111.