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Mama Ayesha's Reviews List
Mama Ayesha's
Founded by Ayesha Abraham, Mama Ayesha's opened for business in 1960. We are a family owned and operated restaurant serving authentic Arabic cuisine. Enjoy a fresh fattoush salad, some hummus, or some falafel to open you appetite. Main dishes include lamb, chicken, and beef dishes cooked over our charcoal grill. Or try one of our stuffed specialties such as our stuffed yellow squash or grape leaves. Plenty of vegetarian as well as vegan options also available.
With dishes prepared daily from scratch you can be sure you're getting the closest thing to home cooking. We are glad to be moving forward into our 5th decade of serving the Washington, DC area. Many of our guests can tell you that when you’re here at Mama Ayesha’s, you’re family!
See more Mama Ayesha's details
71 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 71 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(37)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(50)
- fit for foodies(30)
- romantic(24)
- special occasion(19)
- good for groups(15)
- great for outdoor dining(6)
Mama Ayesha's Reviews List
Review 1 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Exceptional Food Lackluster Service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We dine at Mama Ayesha's frequently because we love the food and the ambiance. We are always greeted promptly and friendly. The wait comes once we reach the table. On this last visit we were seated for atleast 15 minutes before the waiter arrived and asked if we were ready to order. When we ordered drinks and apps., we waited another 15 minutes for the drinks and a little longer for the appetizers. Before we had finished the appetizers, the main courses arrived. When we finished our meal, we waited agaain for the check."
Dined on 5/17/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I brought my parents and sister here during my graduation and it was fantastic. The food was absolutely divine. I especially recommend the babaganoush. Everyone in my family had a lamb dish except me, and they all seemed pleased as well."
Dined on 5/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Grape leaves and mixed grill were astounding. Good service and nice ambiance."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Middle Eastern Comfort Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is the best Middle Eastern comfort food in the city. Bring your Teta!"
Dined on 6/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Cute Dinner Date
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Beautiful restaurant. I wish the food had been more flavorful but it may have just been our orders. Our waiter (an older gentleman) was slightly rude and diminished the experience a little."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Lebanese Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I moved to DC a year ago and was so happy to find this place. I have dinner here regularly as I love Middle Eastern cuisine. I like the ambiance, which is warm and inviting. The food is very good and the prices are reasonable."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful food and service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As wonderful as I remembered! The charcoal chicken is fantastic. Service was wonderful: friendly and efficient. I always feel like I am the guest that this restaurant was waiting for. A truly special experience (and very reasonable prices!)"
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Unique both in food and atmosphere
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great place for either a romantic evening or a fun night out with a group of friends, Mama Ayesha's is slightly off the beaten path but well worth the trip. The decor is beautiful, the servers treat you like old friends, and the food is outstanding. Especially if you like "Mediterranean" or "Greek" or "Middle Eastern" food (stuffed grape leaves, lamb, kabobs, couscos, baklava, etc.) you will LOVE this place. Instead of hummus, order the Foole M’ Damas (think salsa with fava beans). As for entrees, they're all fabulous! They also have great cocktails and coffee, and an outdoor patio where you can almost always get a seat. Nuff said!!!"
Dined on 5/29/2013
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Review 9 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I remember Mama
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been going to Mama Ayesha's since Mama was alive and it was called the Calvert Cafe. The ambiance has changed, but the food remains wonderful. I didn't have my usual charcoal grilled half chicken, so must go back soon to remedy that."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 10 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My friends and I have a FINER DINERS meal every month. This gem was recommended by an Adams Morgan local and proved to be a god choice. Good food, excellent Martinis, and a older full waiter."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Kifta Kabob brought back memories when I was a younger man, and my friends and I would eat at Fetoosh in Georgetown. Just as good."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 12 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun mid eastern food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I grew up in the middle east. It's difficult to replicate the fresh ingredients that are used locally in that cuisine, so usually mid eastern food in the US is different in that it lacks the abundance and variety of fresh vegetables. Mama Aisha's is no different. The salads are a reminder that you are still in the mid atlantic, and are generally disappointing. However, in spite of this, most of the dishes still manage to be fun and flavorful, the ambience is pleasant and unique, and the service is always very professional. The restaurant location, in the heart of Adams Morgan, but still away from 18th street, makes it even more appealing. Fun to be back here."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 13 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was good, but the service was surly and the waiter arrogant."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our waiter was a real grump. When we asked for help choosing a bottle of wine he responded " they're all the same." There were four in our party, all in our late 50's (old enough to know know good service vs. bad) and for the first time EVER we left just 15% for a tip. Too bad since the hostess and other waiters seemed very friendly and the food was pretty good."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 15 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"very nice dinner. interesting decor. excellent Middle Eastern food."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a great experience!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Every time I go to Mama Ayesha's I have a great experience. I brought friends here from out of town because the restaurant is such a special spot. The wait staff and ambiance cannot be matched.
The food, starting with falafel hummus and spinach and feta pairs were delicious. The table shared grape leave rolls, cous cous, and lamb shank. We paired it with a wine from Lebanon.
You can't get food like this anywhere else in the city! Thanks Mama Ayesha's!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Oh Mama...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food. Excellent location and free parking. Recommended."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Still wonderful after many years!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been a fan of the restaurant since I lived in D.C in the 70s and 80s. Back then, it was a small basic middle eastern restaurant known as the Calvert Cafe. Mama herself sat outside the kitchen and greeted guests, also reading tea leaves on occasion. My daughter began college in D.C. last Fall, and I immediately introduced her to Mama's. It is now much larger, and beautifully decorated in rich Middle Eastern style. Although the menu has expanded and the prices increased a bit, the food remains the same-- delicious homemade specialities, prepared and served with love. the atmosphere is terrific, great for catching up with family and friends. It has become my daughter's favorite restaurant in D.C., and the tradition continues!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is a constantly fine presentation of Levant cooking, well presented with a courteous and friendly staff"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 20 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Delicious food and terrible service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Hello! I dined at Mama Ayesha's on Saturday night. We were a small group and paired with a sulky waiter who didn't smile at us once the entire night. He was rushed and impatient in our encounters, and was the biggest deterrent to our dining experience. The first 15 minutes after being seated we weren't greeted or brought water. My friend teased that we were begging to eat. We had to flag our server down for everything, he wasn't checking on us. And after the wrong dish was sent out, he removed it from the table, rather than giving it to us as a complementary dish, the way that most restaurants do. The food was delicious, unfortunately our take away was the service we received and not the great food we were eating. Wonderful ambiance."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 21 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First Middle Eastern Meal a Hit
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My first true foray into Middle Eastern cuisine was not a disappointment. Far from it! Started out with Mahshi - grape leaves stuffed with lamb filling with a homemade yogurt sauce. Delicious. Per my server Hanie's suggestion, I abandoned the safe play of lamb chops for Musakan. It's a half chicken on toasted pita bread. Excellently spiced with caramelized onion and pine nuts on top. The sumac season gave it a lemony sourness that played well with the onion, pine nuts and other flavors. The food was fabulous and very reasonable price-wise for a tremendous value!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, great service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, great service. A bit loud for our tastes but we are older!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 23 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A great surprise find in DC,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great surprise find in DC, a few blocks from the subway in a neighborhood setting just off the beaten path. Staff was very helpful in explaining the menu and making up samples. We ended up sharing several main dishes. Outdoor seating would be fun when the weather is warm."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This long standing neighborhood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This long standing neighborhood fixture has only gotten better with age. Middle Eastern food with a gourmet touch, and an elegant and interesting decor, this restaurant always manages to impress."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 25 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Third time there, and I keep
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Third time there, and I keep on ordering the same thing--the lamb shank. Unbeatable."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always consistently good Lebanese
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Always consistently good Lebanese food, one of the best in DC, and very reasonable prices."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had not visited Mama Ayesha's
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had not visited Mama Ayesha's for some time, but it's just as we remembered. The food is good, but not gourmet. Go when you're in the mood for middle-eastern fare, because that's what they serve. The service is very good with the right amount of attention from the wait staff."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2003
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 28 for Mama Ayesha's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Pretty average experience.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pretty average experience. I think when the restaurant opened many years ago it was unique, today you can get the same type of food in lots of places, and better quality."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Mama Ayesha's
Based on the average of (43) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
11 out of 12 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate