Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area
  4. District of Columbia
  5. Mount Vernon Square
Ottoman Taverna, Washington, DC
Award-winning

Ottoman Taverna

4.6
4.6
1725 Reviews
$30 and under
Turkish

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 58 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
Ottoman Taverna provides flavors and dishes from the Turkish cuisine. Enjoy house made kebaps, dips, hot mezes, desserts and more at our Turkish restaurant. Ottoman Taverna has been awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand status since opening in 2017.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Turkish, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00–14:45 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–14:45 Dinner Daily 15:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (202) 847-0389
  • Website
    https://ottomantaverna.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Mustafa Essizoglu
  • Catering
    Catering menus are available upon request
  • Private party facilities
    Ottoman Taverna features the Sultan’s Table (Chef’s table) with 12 seats. We have 3 private dining rooms, with the smallest accommodating 30 people and the two largest combined seating 90.
  • Private party contact
    Felicia Ruffino: (202) 847-0389
  • Location
    425 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
  • Area
    Mount Vernon Square
  • Cross Street
    4th and I Street NW
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    The restaurant is situated in between Judiciary Square and Chinatown metro stations in Mount Vernon Triangle along the red, green and yellow lines.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Ottoman Taverna's menu was last updated 2023-06-10.

Cold Meze

  • HummusUS$9.95

    Chickpeas Spread with Tahini, Lemon Salt, Olive Oil & Pine Seeds

    • HaydariUS$9.95

      Fresh Labneh Yogurt Flavored with Mint, Dill, Olive Oil & Walnut

      • AtomUS$9.95

        Garlic-Yogurt, Celery & Sundried Chili

        • EzmeUS$9.95

          Sundried Tomato Paste with Onion, Green Pepper, Garlic, Parsley & Turkish Spices

          • Pembe SultanUS$9.95

            Beets, Labneh Yogurt, Garlic, Olive Oil

            • MuhammaraUS$9.95

              Red Pepper Spread with Walnuts & Olive Oil

              • Çiğ KöfteUS$9.95

                Six Pieces of Bulgur-Wheat Kofta with Tomato Paste, Red Peppers, Turkish Spices

                • MoutabalUS$9.95

                  Charred-Eggplant, Yogurt, Tahini, Garlic, Olive Oil

                  • Imam BayildiUS$12.95

                    Roasted Eggplant Stuffed with Tomatoes, Onions, & Olive Oil

                    Hot Meze

                    • Sigara BöreğiUS$11.95

                      Feta Cheese, Onions & Parsley Wrapped in Homemade Dough

                      • Patates KöfteUS$11.95

                        Potato Cakes with Crumbled Feta & Yogurt Sauce

                        • Anatolian DolmaUS$13.95

                          Grape Leaves Stuffed with Rice, Pine Nuts & Raisins, with Yogurt Sauce

                          • FalafelUS$12.95

                            Chickpea-Vegetable Fritters with Yogurt Sauce

                            • Butter ShrimpUS$14.95

                              Sundried Chili & Turkish Spices

                              • Içli KöfteUS$14.95

                                Bulgur Wheat Stuffed with Ground Lamb & Beef, Onion, Walnuts & Parsley

                                • Brussels SproutsUS$9.95

                                  Caramelized Onions, Garlic, Pine Nuts, Orange, Red Cabbage, Cream, Red Peppers, Lemon Juice

                                  Soups & Salads

                                  • Red Lentil SoupUS$9.95

                                    Red Lentils, Onions, Carrots, Potato

                                    • Shepherd SaladUS$14.95

                                      Chopped Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Onions, Green Peppers, Walnuts, Parsley, Lemon Dressing

                                      • Greek SaladUS$14.95

                                        Romaine Hearts, Beets, Red Onion, Olives, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Feta Cheese, Lemon Dressing

                                        Meze Platters

                                        Cabbage, Cream, Red Peppers, Lemon Juice

                                        • Cold Meze PlatterUS$23.95

                                          Hummus, Pembe Sultan, Muhammara, Atom, Haydari, Moutabal

                                          • Hot Meze PlatterUS$23.95

                                            Sigara Boregi, Falafel, Patates Köfte, Icli Köfte

                                            Chef's Mixed Grill

                                            Chef's Selection of Kebaps for Two Guests $64.95. Served with White Rice, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) and Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw

                                            • Lamb Chops

                                              • Köfte

                                                • Chicken Şiş

                                                  • Adana Kebap

                                                    • Lamb şiş

                                                      Beef Kebaps

                                                      • Döner KebapUS$24.95

                                                        Thinly Sliced Beef Döner Kebap Served with White Rice, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) & Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw

                                                        • İskender KebapUS$24.95

                                                          Thinly Sliced Beef Döner Kebap Served Over Toasted Pita Bread with Tomato Sauce & Yogurt

                                                          • Adana KebapUS$25.95

                                                            Char-Grilled Spicy Ground Beef Kebap Seasoned with Red Peppers & Spices. Served with Bulgur Pilav, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) & Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw

                                                            • Beyti KebapUS$25.95

                                                              Char-Grilled Spicy Ground Beef Kebap Wrapped in Lavash Bread with Eggplant Puree. Served with Tomato Sauce& Yogurt

                                                              • Inegol KöfteUS$24.95

                                                                Char-Grilled Ground Beef Kofta Seasoned with Turkish Spices & Served with White Rice, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) and Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw

                                                                Chicken Kebaps

                                                                • Tavuk Adana KebapUS$23.95

                                                                  Chicken Kebap Seasoned with Red Peppers & Spices Served with Bulgur Pilav, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) & Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw

                                                                  • Tavuk Beyti KebapUS$23.95

                                                                    Chicken Kebap Wrapped in Lavash Bread with Eggplant Puree. Served with Tomato Sauce & Yogurt

                                                                    • Tavuk ŞişUS$23.95

                                                                      Char-Grilled ChickenCubes Seasoned with Turkish Spices & Served with Bulgur Pilav, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) & Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw

                                                                      • Tavuk KöfteUS$23.95

                                                                        Char-Grilled Ground Chicken Kofta Seasoned with Turkish Spices & Served over PitaBread with Tomato & Yogurt Sauce

                                                                        Ottoman Classics

                                                                        • MoussakaUS$21.95

                                                                          Eggplant, Potato, Ground Beef, Bechamel Sauce & Kashkaval Cheese

                                                                          • Lamb ŞişUS$28.95

                                                                            Char-Grilled Lamb Cubes Seasoned with Herbs & Served with Bulgar Pilav, Ezme (Turkish Salsa) and Carrot-Red Cabbage Slaw

                                                                            • Grilled Lamb ChopsUS$29.95

                                                                              Thyme & Pepper Marinated Lamb Chops Served with Sautéed Vegetables & Smoked Eggplant Puree

                                                                              • Shrimp CasseroleUS$21.95

                                                                                Tomatoes, Green Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Mint in Tomato Sauce with Kashkaval Cheese

                                                                                • Grilled SalmonUS$26.95

                                                                                  Char-Grilled Salmon Served with Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Spinach

                                                                                  • Kuru Fasulye & PilavUS$19.95

                                                                                    White Beans Stew with Tomatoes, Onions & Green Peppers. Served with White Rice

                                                                                    • Cauliflower StewUS$19.95

                                                                                      Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Onions, Tomatoes, Carrots & Served with White Rice

                                                                                      • MantiUS$21.95

                                                                                        Turkish Ravioli Stuffed with Ground Beef & Served with Garlic Yogurt and Anatolian Sauce

                                                                                        Sides

                                                                                        • French FriesUS$5.00

                                                                                          • Sautéed VegetablesUS$5.00

                                                                                            • Plain YogurtUS$5.00

                                                                                              • Bulgur PilavUS$5.00

                                                                                                • White RiceUS$5.00

                                                                                                  Last updated: 13 November 2022

                                                                                                  What 1,725 people are saying

                                                                                                  Ottoman Taverna reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                                                  Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                  Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                  4.6
                                                                                                  4.6 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                  • 4.6Food
                                                                                                  • 4.4Service
                                                                                                  • 4.5Ambience
                                                                                                  • 4.5Value

                                                                                                  Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                  Review summary

                                                                                                  AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                  Ottoman Taverna offers a vibrant taste of Turkey with "amazing food" and a "great atmosphere." Diners praise the "tasting menu" and "Trip to Turkey" experience. Service is generally praised as "friendly" and "attentive," though some note slower service during busy hours. The brunch and prix fixe menus are highlights.

                                                                                                  1,725 Reviews

                                                                                                  1. Berna

                                                                                                    New York City1 review

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    Everything was superb! Food and service were top notch.

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  2. Timur

                                                                                                    Washington DC1 review

                                                                                                    2.0

                                                                                                    Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 2
                                                                                                    2. Food 2
                                                                                                    3. Service 3
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 2
                                                                                                    Way underperformed expectations. The quality of the meat did not seem to be very good. Not much to choose from on the menu, and Iftar menu was not available if the whole table did not order. Quality did not justify the price at all. Open seating with no noise barriers, so interior is very loud, minimal decorations. Would not recommend. Presentation was good though.

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  3. Taylor

                                                                                                    Washington DC5 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 3
                                                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 2
                                                                                                    Decent value for the all inclusive brunch. Very Mediterranean cuisine so don’t go expecting to leave full

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  4. Samim

                                                                                                    Washington DC2 reviews

                                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                                    Dined on 8 March 2025

                                                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                                                    3. Service 3
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                    Restaurant Review I visited this restaurant today and had a mixed experience. The food was definitely the highlight—everything tasted great and was well-prepared. However, the atmosphere was far too noisy, which made it hard to enjoy the meal. I was also disappointed with the table setting; it didn’t feel comfortable or well-arranged. The service was okay—not bad, but nothing special either. Overall, if you’re looking for good food and don’t mind a loud environment, it might be worth a visit, but I personally expected a better dining experience.

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  5. dan VIP

                                                                                                    Orange County13 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined on 4 March 2025

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                    absolutely amazing Mediterranean food with an authentic flare. The hummus is some of the best I’ve ever tasted even in my travels to Israel! . can’t recommend highly enough! 

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  6. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                    Greater Boston1 review

                                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                                    Dined on 1 March 2025

                                                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    Portion sizes for apps are a bit small but everything is delicious and service is top notch!

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  7. Cory VIP

                                                                                                    Baltimore1 review

                                                                                                    3.0

                                                                                                    Dined on 23 February 2025

                                                                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                                                    3. Service 2
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                    20% service fee that’s not considered a tip. Make sure you read the menu carefully, as this is deceiving, and they could just simply have raised prices of the food. This service fee likely causes servers a lot less tips than they would receive otherwise. This could be the reason servers were not very friendly or hospitable.

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  8. RobertV

                                                                                                    Washington DC4 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined on 22 February 2025

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    The food was superlative; the service was attentive without being obsequious or smothering. Our waiter was extremely helpful with explaining dishes that were unfamiliar and with providing genuinely useful comparisons for levels of sweetness, pungency, etc. Charming ambience and a truly enjoyable pre-theatre dining experience. Will definitely be back, would recommend wholeheartedly.

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  9. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                    New York City1 review

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined on 22 February 2025

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    Great food and service. Best moussaka in DC. Lovely Negroni, creme brûlée, and espresso

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  10. Loren

                                                                                                    Washington DC2 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined on 16 February 2025

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    So many different options to choose from that all looked delicious. The potatoes (hot meze) and Turkish tiramisu were standouts.

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  FAQs

                                                                                                  Ottoman Taverna does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Uber Eats. Ottoman Taverna also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 847-0389.

                                                                                                  Ottoman Taverna is rated 4.6 stars by 1725 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                  Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                  Make a booking

                                                                                                  2 people
                                                                                                  19:00
                                                                                                  Booked 58 times today

                                                                                                  Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                  Google Map for Ottoman Taverna

                                                                                                  425 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

                                                                                                  Dining areas

                                                                                                  Additional information

                                                                                                  • Award-winning
                                                                                                    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
                                                                                                  • Cross Street
                                                                                                    4th and I Street NW
                                                                                                  • Area
                                                                                                    Mount Vernon Square
                                                                                                  • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00–14:45 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–14:45 Dinner Daily 15:00–21:00
                                                                                                  • Price
                                                                                                    $30 and under
                                                                                                  • Cuisines
                                                                                                    Turkish, Mediterranean
                                                                                                  • Dining style
                                                                                                    Casual Elegant
                                                                                                  • Dress code
                                                                                                    Smart Casual
                                                                                                  • Parking details
                                                                                                    Street Parking
                                                                                                  • Public transit
                                                                                                    The restaurant is situated in between Judiciary Square and Chinatown metro stations in Mount Vernon Triangle along the red, green and yellow lines.
                                                                                                  • Payment Options
                                                                                                    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                  • Executive Chef
                                                                                                    Mustafa Essizoglu
                                                                                                  • Additional
                                                                                                    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                                                  • Website
                                                                                                    https://ottomantaverna.com/
                                                                                                  • Phone number
                                                                                                    (202) 847-0389
                                                                                                  • Catering
                                                                                                    Catering menus are available upon request
                                                                                                  • Private party facilities
                                                                                                    Ottoman Taverna features the Sultan’s Table (Chef’s table) with 12 seats. We have 3 private dining rooms, with the smallest accommodating 30 people and the two largest combined seating 90.
                                                                                                  • Private party contact
                                                                                                    Felicia Ruffino: (202) 847-0389

                                                                                                  Featured in

                                                                                                  Discover
                                                                                                  OpenTable
                                                                                                  • About Us
                                                                                                  • Blog
                                                                                                  • Careers
                                                                                                  • Press
                                                                                                  More
                                                                                                  Our sites
                                                                                                  Businesses
                                                                                                  • Delight more diners
                                                                                                  • Restaurant Blog
                                                                                                  Join us on
                                                                                                  • Privacy Policy
                                                                                                  • Terms of Use
                                                                                                  • Impressum
                                                                                                  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
                                                                                                  • Cookie Preferences
                                                                                                  Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
                                                                                                  OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
                                                                                                  Booking Logo
                                                                                                  Priceline Logo
                                                                                                  KAYAK Logo
                                                                                                  Agoda Logo
                                                                                                  OpenTable Logo