Angie Walls & Laryssa Wirstiuk
(photos by authors)
Published in Too Shy to Stop Magazine, January 21, 2009

Hop off the Metro at Dupont Circle, and the cool blue exterior of Levante’s is one of the first things that you will notice.  Right in the heart of the most cosmopolitan district in Washington, DC, this Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant draws a mixed crowd. Whether you’re seeking a casual dinner out or a cozy spot to grab a drink with friends, Levante’s will suit almost any occasion.

A successful restaurant chain launched in Europe in 1984, Levante’s introduces the old charms and warm hospitality of the Eastern Mediterranean to the lively and adventurous culture of Washington, DC. In a city where diversity is eminent, Levante’s has a special offering of Greek and Turkish-inspired dishes that truly stand out in flavor and culinary style.

We made a 6:30 reservation, but the reservation was not necessary. Arriving shortly before 7 on a Friday evening to an empty restaurant, we were surprised when the restaurant suddenly began to fill with customers. The bar seems to be a hot spot for Dupont Circle locals and the after-work crowd. Happy hour specials include $3 glasses of house wine as well as bar snacks like Sucuk Pide (slices of Turkish sausage on a bed of Kaser cheese) and Calamari.

The interior of the restaurant is modern and minimally decorated, with trendy light fixtures and a blue and yellow color scheme. In the warmer months, Levante’s would be the perfect spot for dining outside in the soft breeze and fading light. In winter, Levante’s will envelop you in the warmth of stimulating conversation and cooking aromas inside its warm stone interior.

Our waiter was slow to attend to us, but he provided answers to our questions about the menu and frequently refilled our beverages. As the restaurant became busier, we saw less and less of the waiter.

Although the titles of dishes somewhat lack in creativity, the menu suits many tastes. We noticed that many of the dishes are named after the restaurant itself. Find traditional kebabs, Greek pastas, and Levante’s famous Turkish “pides” (baked pizza boats). Or, stick with basic dishes like the chicken sandwich, sirloin steak, and veal chops.

The Levante Plate ($9.25) is a delicious appetizer, with a tasty array of Levante’s most popular appetizers including cigars (phyllo-wrapped feta), fried zucchini, Dolma, and Tsatziki sauce with pita bread. Levante’s House Dressing, served with the Garden Salad ($5.95) , is made with olive oil, vinegar, onion, rosemary, and house seasonings; it’s a light and tangy dressing that reflects Mediterranean tradition.

Levante’s lamb shish kebab ($18.95) surpasses similar dishes at many Greek eateries in the DC metro area. The dish includes two large skewers of tender cuts of lamb and green peppers, and its chargrilled to perfection. You’ll savor the unique mix of spice and freshness of their lamb meat grilled in wood-fired ovens, which you can watch as the chefs cook in the open kitchen.

Adana Yogurt ($18.95) is a unique and tasty dish. Small cubes of toasted flatbread are topped with chunks of ground lamb and a tomato-yogurt sauce. The dish is flavorful and well-seasoned, and the flatbread soaks up the flavors from both the lamb and sauce.

Come to Levante’s with a hearty appetite, as the portions are very filling.  Levante’s has another location, voted “best new restaurant in Maryland” byWashington magazine, in Bethesda, MD.

1320 19th Street NW,
Washington DC 20036
(202) 293 3244