Why go: The lamb. Owner Khader Rabbabeh doesn’t just sell it at this cafe—he owns a halal slaughterhouse in Warrenton, ensuring its quality.
What to get: Baba ghanoush, a silky, smoky eggplant purée; fried kibbeh, nuggets of ground lamb, bulgur wheat, and pine nuts; Lebanese salad, an herby mix of cucumber and tomato served with pita; ayah maza, a sampler of ten appetizers that could satisfy four; succulent lamb shish kebab; lamb fateh—a layering of crunchy pita chips, cubes of lamb, and dollops of yogurt; nicely spiced baklava.
Best for: A quick, quiet meal. And did we mention the lamb?
Insider tip: If you like what you’re eating at the restaurant, head to the butcher shop next door for take-home meat and traditional Lebanese groceries.
>> See all 2010 Cheap Eats restaurants here
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
