Mama Ayesha's

As usually in the US the facade doesn’t impress but inside there’s a really nice and quite big restaurant with a soothing vibe. The food was good, spicy but lacked some freshness, vegetables and also some kind of gravy, marinade to juice things up a little bit. Like the eggplant starter, the best dish of the day.Food: 3/5

The food is delicious- beautiful presentation. The Maqlooba and Musakhan are some of the best I’ve ever had. I asked for white meat after receiving my meal with dark meat any they brought me an extra chicken piece for free very generous and welcoming. The place dates back to the 1960s you can read more about Mama Ayesha’s story at the entrance.

Gréât atmosphère and ambiance, we enjoyed the dessert dishes the most, the rice pudding with the rose water was excellent. We also had some mezza plates to share, and some entrées . My mom loved the garlic sauce, and I particularly liked the Kibbah.Recommended dishesWarak Inib, Foole Hummus Kibbeh Jibna WA Zaytoon, Sujok

We shared several appetizers which were quite good, I had the lamb shank which was a little sweet sauce for me, the lamb reheated without the sauce was much better. Portions generous. The service was stressed because huge Saturday crowd. It's a cozy spot to dine and reasonable prices for dc. Decent wine selection.Food: 5/5

We decided to visit for dinner during a work trip tonight area and looking for Mediterranean style food. Walking up, there was some questions as to whether the restaurant was open or not. Thankfully, we figured out it was, and had a fantastic meal. Mama Ayesha's serves Palestinian food. I ordered the kafta. A few in our group we're looking for vegetarian dishes and Mama Ayesha did not disappoint. The food was wonderful. The service was great. The atmosphere is fun and comfortable. Vegetarian options: Stuffed yellow squash was ordered, there were other options available.

I visited Mama Ayesha’s for a friend’s birthday and it was a great experience. The food and ambiance were great. Every dish had the perfect amount of seasoning and flavor. We went on a Tuesday night, and there was only one other party dining while we were there. Overall, the experience was great besides our waiter who was a bit rude. He walked away from us while we were ordering on multiple occasions which rubbed me the wrong way. Either way, it’s worth a visit. We payed around $300 for a group of 8

Tastes just like home I grew up eating my grandma’s amazing Syrian dishes and this is the only restaurant in DC that has offered me a slice of this memory. The fact that the restaurant is named after a woman that shares my grandmother’s name only adds to the charm for me. Unlike other Middle Eastern restaurants, this one offers the home-cooked stews that are almost always lacking. I would eat here every day if I could.

Great atmosphere and service. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, and leaves plenty room for conversation. I got the Arak, Mashawi and Arabic Coffee to end with. Each meal left me wanting more. Although the portions are relatively smaller, the flavors are refreshingly authentic. For those from a middle Eastern background, it will take you back home. Highly recommend!

A spot where cleanliness seems to stray, with mice as guests who've come to stay. Health standards in question, a worrisome sight, as servers stumble in culinary night. Descriptions falter, knowledge quite thin, leaving patrons wondering what's within. Dust gathers, adding to the scene, a layer of neglect, not quite serene. And the food, alas, lacks its rightful zest, far from the flavors one would expect as best. A dining experience that leaves much to desire, in need of improvement, and a spark to inspire.

Food excellent, variety and portions ample; service friendly, courteous, efficient, prompt, inobtrusive ; atmosphere warm, comfortable, relaxed; decor pretty; location easy to access by public transportation. Wish they were open for lunch as well as dinner!