Maydan
A live-fire Middle Eastern and North African restaurant near U Street, built around a central open hearth.
The call
Worth it if you only have one day and you are traveling as a couple.
Why
- 01
Dramatic and communal — a big open flame at the center, smoky aromas everywhere, and a menu meant for sharing.
Our read - 02
It feels like a feast more than a meal.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You only have one day
Even on a tight schedule, Maydan earns the hours.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Maydan works.
Food is a reason to travel
For food & drink, Maydan delivers.
You care about the visual experience
For beauty & photography, Maydan delivers.
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, weigh it — Maydan isn't cheap for what it is.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, it depends on the day.
You are traveling solo
Solo, it depends on the day.
You are planning for two
For romance, Maydan is hit or miss.
The plates that decide it
- The salatim spread with hot, fresh flatbread — the signature opening — a table of dips (hummus, muhammara, smoked mutabal) and bread torn straight off the hearth
- Hearth-roasted whole lamb shoulder — the centerpiece live-fire feast, meant for a group to share; order ahead
- Charred whole cauliflower — the standout vegetable off the open flame
Plan it well
- Cost
- Upper-moderate per head; feast menu available
- Allow
- 1.5–2.5 hours
Sources and method (3)
- Awarded one Michelin star in the 2019 DC Michelin Guide; built around a central live-fire hearth. guide.michelin.com ↗
- Bon Appetit named it the No. 2 Best New Restaurant in America for 2018. washingtonian.com ↗
- dcist.com ↗