Neyla - A Mediterranean Grill
3206 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-333-6353
(just off Wisconsin Avenue)
My new place to get away from it all is now Neyla's. Tucked away off of the bustling streets of M St. in Georgetown, this trendy restaurant has it all; ambiance, cocktails, and great food. Although small in size compared to other DC restaurants, the GM bends over backwards past the caddy hostesses to try to cater to every entering guest. Adding tables, scrambling for chairs, he miraculously is able to seat everyone even on the busiest nights. Gracious as he is accommodating, he alone is what makes this restaurant stand apart from others with his genuine hospitality.
The music is a touch too loud, and the lighting is a bit too dark after the sun goes down, but the overall ambiance is still great. The darkness casts a mysteriousness over the restaurant and the tucked away seating inside is perfect for people watching as guests leave and enter.
Dining during restaurant week, a special menu was set apart for the event's participants. Having had extensive experience with Middle Eastern cuisine, I found that the hommos and the baba ghannoug were a bit too lemony for my palate. My favorite dish on the menu was the braised lamb. The eggplant puree and manchego cheese were a perfect sharp and slightly tangy accompaniment to the succulent lamb. The chicken shish taouk stood out with its strong garlicy-shalloty flavor, but dipped with the yogurt sauce gave the perfect creamy and tart bite that I love in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Cocktails at this place are also outstanding. These creative concoctions stand apart from the standard cosmopolitan and fruity vodka mixes that most places feature. A must try is the Lebanese beer; smooth and crisp like a light beer but surprised me by not providing a slight bitter finish.
Will I come back to Neyla's? Without a doubt. With its eclectic menu featuring dishes all over the Mediterranean, there are plenty of surprises for me to try each time I come.
-Tan (08/14/08)
Our review:
Neyla offers excellent Lebanese/Mediterranean food in a very stylish
setting. Their décor inside is dark but the candles and exotic
lighting fixtures complement people who dine there as well as friendly
waiters. The outside terrace area is decorated with light-settings and
is well laid out with plants and umbrellas. Though the tables inside
are attractive, I felt that it was way too cold with air-conditioning.
So we were seated on outside terrace, which was indeed lovely.
Their mezza dishes (about $6 to $13) offer traditional Lebanese specialties.
Neyla's Baba Ghannoug is the best I have had in Washington. Their Falafel
is large and well-prepared. The "Lebanese Tasting," which consists
of six mezza items for $20.95, is ideal for people who want to try variety
of Neyla's mezzas. Their charcoal grill dishes (about $17 to $30) are
also very good. The meat is seasoned just right and very juicy — no
dry kebob here! The individual portions are not large, but they were
just enough.
The service at Neyla is excellent. Our waiter was helpful and he made
sure to let us know when the kitchen was closing so we wouldn't go home
hungry. Overall, Neyla is an excellent Lebanese restaurant in the Georgetown
neighborhood.
-FODC (05/12/04)
Neyla