Seemor
alaB+Worth Trying
1320 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
· Middle Eastern restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2821 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Stylish Eastern Mediterranean spot with creative mezze and a beloved brunch; strong food and cocktails but pricing, portion size, occasional host issues, early kitchen cutoffs, and rare safety complaints warrant caution.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Ala delivers competitive quality with strong food quality highlighted by flavorful mezze and standout desserts, paired with attentive service and attractive design. However, inconsistent dish execution and isolated but serious food safety reports prevent a higher grade, while dinner pricing feels steep relative to portions. The creative Eastern Mediterranean approach and praised brunch buffet make it worth visiting for the right occasion.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and lush with greenery and color, and service often comes with genuine guidance on mezze and cocktails. Guests rave about desserts like kunafa and baklava, while a few report host stand friction or being rushed near closing: "We loved the food but felt pushed to order early." The cooking leans contemporary Eastern Mediterranean with confident spice and some playful touches—think tartare dolmades, za'atar labneh, and short rib pide. It is a creative, produce-forward approach that suits diners who enjoy sharing small plates and trying new flavor combos more than strict traditionalists. Cocktails are a strength. Families will find options like pide flatbreads, hummus, and fries approachable, but many dishes are boldly spiced and portioned for sharing. There is no explicit kids menu in the data; adventurous kids should do fine, while picky eaters might prefer simpler mezze and flatbreads.
At a Glance
- Flavorful mezze and standout desserts
- Attractive space and pleasant patio
- Brunch buffet praised for variety and value
- Pricey for portion size at dinner
- Occasional host issues and early kitchen cutoffs
What Sets It Apart
- creative_eastern_mediterranean_menu
- popular_buffet_brunch
- strong_cocktail_program
- attractive_patio_setting
What People Love
- Lush decor and patio vibe
- Thoughtful cocktail list
- Creative spins on Middle Eastern classics
- Brunch buffet abundance
- Memorable sweets like kunafa and baklava
Points of Concern
- Dinner portions can feel small relative to price; group prix fixe drew portion complaints
- Isolated but serious food safety/cleanliness allegations across years; not a consistent pattern but noteworthy
- Host interactions and seating logistics sometimes frustrate guests
- Kitchen may close earlier than posted; diners felt rushed near end of night
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$52-72 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair 2 mezze ($12-16 each) with one pide ($16-20) to share before a single main ($22-32) per two diners
- Dessert-focused diners should plan for kunafa or baklava given strong feedback
Perfect For
- Sharing mezze and cocktails on date night
- Weekend buffet brunch with friends
- Adventurous eaters exploring modern Turkish flavors
- Casual celebrations with dessert focus
Location Insights
Area: Upscale, lively Dupont Circle area with offices, embassies, and nightlife; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, good foot traffic and lighting; typical urban vigilance applies late night.
Nearby: Near Dupont Circle hotels, galleries, bars, and Metro; heavy weekend brunch crowd.
Dupont CircleThe neighborhood offers a mix of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and trendy bars, attracting a diverse crowd that enjoys a dynamic nightlife and cultural events. It is a walkable area with a strong sense of community and a reputation for being inclusive and lively.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–21:00
Tuesday16:00–21:00
Wednesday16:00–21:00
Thursday
Friday16:00–22:00
Saturday10:00–16:00, 17:00–22:00
Sunday10:00–16:00, 17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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