Whether you’re craving Afghan kebabs, Persian saffron-infused dishes, or vibrant Lebanese mezze, these top picks offer something to please every palate. Check out the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Northern Virginia, all featured in our 50 Best Restaurants list.
By Alice Levitt, Olga Boikess, Dawn Klavon, and Alyssa Langer
Price Key: Entrées = $ 15 and under | $$ 16–25 | $$$ 26–40 | $$$$ 41 and over | * = prix fixe only
Aracosia McLean
McLean | Afghan | $$
Lamb and veal can be polarizing. Ethics aside, anyone on the fence about the meats that are less popular in the United States would be well-advised to experience their tenderness at this second-story Afghan restaurant.
A walk up from the parking garage transports diners to a romantic slice of Asia Minor with a large menu of dumplings, kebabs, and stews that, yes, feature lamb and veal. Eager young servers are more than happy to explain the relative advantages of each dish, but the best way to choose is to not decide at all: A sampler plate includes enough options for days of leftovers.
Veal moghuli capitalizes on the adipose melt of boneless shank in a tomato-based braise with eggplant and aromatic garam masala. The lamb chops? Seductively soft without a hint of gaminess. Here, lamb and veal will quickly become part of every diner’s desires.
Eat This:
Dumpling sampler, lamb shoulder chops, veal moghuli
Joon (No. 10)
Vienna | Persian | $$$
Saffron, pistachio, rose, sumac, pomegranate. The aromatic beauties of Persian cuisine could be described as the food’s life force, a concept summed up with a single Farsi word, “joon.”
In fact, this elegant restaurant, sandwiched between the Tysons locations of Rolex and Tiffany & Co., is full of that guiding frisson. From servers who feel like friends sharing a secret with you, to bursts of color on the walls and ceilings, Joon is vividly alive.
This owes more than anything to the flavors. The menu is primed for sharing, whether it’s whole roasted branzino or rotisserie duck, all served with crispy rice. Appetizers and desserts? Also worth splitting with your companions. It’s part of a life-affirming evening of flavors that awaken the senses and introduce Joon into your vocabulary — and dining rotation.
Eat This:
Lamb and pistachio meatballs, sabzi polow ba mahi, saffron and rose water ice cream
Kirby Club
Fairfax | Lebanese | $$
You didn’t know you wished you had a Lebanese grandmother. But after this dining destination in the Mosaic District feeds you, you’ll realize the appeal. It won’t take long before your table is covered with mezze, kebab platters, and colorful dips. The sparkling flavors of this spread live up to their appealing presentation, while obliging servers make diners feel like family.
It’s hard to stop swabbing the warm pita through dips like the havuç, a sprightly carrot purée with sweet, tangy red onion accents. Other pleasers include the fried Brussels sprouts with sweet and sour notes and falafel with a soufflé-like center and crispy exterior. Alternate swoops of the sauces with bites of the softly spiced chicken and a variety of kebabs. (These are served bedded on savory couscous — yet another treat.)
There are no bad seats in this crowd pleaser. Nestled at the central bar or at a window table overlooking the street-side patio, you’ll feel right at home. This is, after all, a family affair, worthy of your newfound Lebanese grandma.
Eat This:
Fried Brussels, falafel, kebab plate
Feature image of Aracosia McLean by Amie Otto
This story originally ran in our November issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
