The story of this intimate Turkish tapas and wine bar began ten years ago when the Bolukbasi brothers opened Mezè in Adams Morgan. Shortly after its opening Mezè became a neighborhood favorite as a spot for authentic Turkish cuisine and lively entrainment. Mezè’s success and loyal customers inspired the Bolukbasi brothers to open a new venture in the Capital city.
The answer was not too far from Mezè in Dupont Circle. Dupont has always been an area focused on food, friendly atmosphere and healthier living. At Ezmè, our customers will taste this combined experience one bite at a time.
"I don't understand the rave reviews other diners have written about this restaurant's food. They must not eat out much or appreciate what good food is. Not one item we ordered was anything better than mediocre--baba ganoush, zucchini pancakes, grilled octopus, a meat dish, etc--all were bland; barely seasoned, not tender, etc. Even the bread was just ok. The restaurant is very pretty, and due to its small size, rather intimate and good for conversation. The service was fine. Without good food though, what's the point. I won't be coming back here, ever."
Dined on 5/21/2013
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"We were in DC for a conference and wanted something that we wouldn't get at home. Between OpenTable and Trip Advisor, we found Ezme, which had great reviews on both sites. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the staff and service was outstanding (fun, friendly, just the right amount of attention) and the food was fantastic. None of us had tried Turkish tapas before but we all loved it. Many were from family recipes and were clearly prepared with love. They had an impressive wine list but we ended up trying a Turkish Shiraz which was excellent. We finished with some Turkish desserts, also very good. We would definitely go back to this wonderful little restaurant."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"We've eaten at Ezme a half dozen times, and we have never had a dish that was not tasty and well-prepared. The menu is extensive and features dishes not to be found around the DC area. Service is timely and cordial. Occasionally Ezme can be a bit noisy, since space is limited. Mondays bottles of wine are half price, a good value. The tasting menus are good, and the wine pairings are interesting.excellent for a special evening."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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"Better than some food I've had in Turkey! My Turkish friends here in the States cook like this when they invite me to their home for dinner. The tasting menu, for $35/person, was the perfect way to enjoy different dishes. We were there on a half-price bottle of wine night."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Good food. They have a very nice vegetarian tasting menu which we have every time $35//person. Plenty of food and each course is nicely presented. Plenty of choices for everyone. Nice wine choices including Turkish wines. Service and atmosphere is always pleasant. Highly recommend for a Turkish food experience."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"A chance inquiry seeking small, personal dining experiences in DC brought this gem to my attention. Having a preference for small places where very good food is prepared and served with pride and attention to their customers, I will add this place to my list when in DC."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"I went to ezme on a thursday night for dinner. The small plates were very good and the wines were excellent. However, our wait staff was surprisingly non-attentive for how few other tables were there."
Dined on 5/09/2013
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"This was a pleasant find. The food was tasty, served hot and in good amounts so that you could try many different dishes. The servers were helpful with suggestions and very attentive. No complaints. I'd return to Ezme."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The food was very good - our group tried lots of small plates and enjoyed all of them. One recommendation is to try the red or white Turkish wine flights - you will be pleasantly surprised. Will definitely return when back in the area."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"A little cramped, but the tables were at least evenly spaced apart so you didn't feel like you were crowding your neighbor table or vice versa. The waiters, maitre'd, and runners were courteous and helpful explaining the Turkish cuisine to our group (most of whom were unfamiliar with the food choices).
Very quaint and highly recommend for reasonably priced - delicious "tapas" style Turkish fare."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"My husband and I had a date night and decided to venture out somewhere new and chose Ezme. Turkish Tapas. It was wonderful. There were a few tasting menus with optional wine pairings and so we each picked a different menu so that we could try many different items. That was the way to go. We got wonderful little portions of salad, 4 appetizers each, my husband got an extra plate with 3 different seafood, then 3 entree and finally dessert. The best baklava I have ever had in my life. And I am not a fan of the sticky treat - but this was melt in your mouth heaven. The waitress was wonderful, our water glasses never went dry, she selected wonderful wines for each plate. It was a perfect 2 hours that reminded us of Paris"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This was my first time at Ezme. It is much more serene and quieter than the few other Mediterranean small plates restaurants in the NW area. The dining room is small but didn't feel too crowded. The only issue was it took a long time for a waitress to come to our table and take our drink orders and then to come back for the food order. Once it was less busy the food and service were better."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"This is a great, quiet spot for a relaxing dinner. The wine (and Raki!) list is extensive and interesting (and apparently half priced on Mondays). Despite the tapas style portion sizes are reasonable and most of all, you must have the baklava. Despite being a unrepentant carnivore I wasn't wild about the lamb kebab or the icli potatoes but the durum adana was very good. I've been to Divan, Cafe 8, Meze, Levantes and Tash. If you want tapas style Turkish with lots of variety, Meze is the only strong competitor. I'd say Mezes meat dishes are stronger but Ezme has much better vegetarian dishes and desserts and a ritzier atmosphere with better service."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"I was very impressed with both the food and the staff. Extremely helpful in selections and pairings.
I was however upset to find out that my fortune was not read by the eldest Turkish woman available with my finish Turkish Coffee. This is apparently a thing that I found out through some Turkish friends. And if anything needed guidance on how to eat or drink it, it's Turkish coffee.
Great place. Great international wine list. I don't mean they have a decent assortment from France and Germany. I mean they have a really decent international list, that spans from Turkey to surprisingly New Zealand and even Lithuania."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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"I adore this restaurant. The staff is exceptional. They really care about their customers which seems to be harder and harder to find in the city. I've dined here nearly a dozen times and have never ordered a tapas I didn't like. I definitely recommend it for a good meal at reasonable prices."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Our group of 5 arrived 10 minutes early. Table was ready. Server was helpful but seemed a little inexperienced. She got someone else--maybe the owner--to come answer a couple of questions. The food really was good and the place has good ambience. I will go there again."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Combination kebap platter is a great choice for indecisive carnivores to try a little of everything. Good for two people. Salmon bruschetta was delicious. Octopus was not my favorite, not because of the flavors, but because it was more of a calimari versus a true octopus dish.
Very charming restaurant and atmosphere."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Great food--whether you think you like Turkish or not. Get 4-5 dishes per person and share. The cooking style is pure and means you won't full stuffed--just full. The wine list is outstanding and has lots of selections by the glass and half-glass that make it ideal for pairing. I will go back soon."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Try dessert: I had an incredible dessert that was made of phyllo dough, home-made cream, honey, and pistachios. Forget the name, but I highly recommend it."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Loved this restaurant and. The restaurant week menu was just as it should be - a good overview of the cuisine and restaurant's capability. Very nice meal with nice Turkish wine pairing recommendation."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: notable wine list
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"Outstanding decor (the walls are covered in bottles of wine) and extensive wine list from a dozen different countries, including Turkey, the focus of the restaurant's cuisine."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Tapas - Turkish style. Food is good/authentic as it can be, but pricey. Now I say this because I spent four years in Turkey, but have to remind myself a steak and good burger were just as expensive there, soI suppose it's all relative. We will likely go back, I recommend you give it a try."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Ezme is an extremely pleasant restaurant. The food is delicious. Sometimes the portions are extremely small but overall it is good value for money. However, the very best thing about it is that it is possible to have a conversation with one's dinner companions. It is quiet and relaxing. To me this is its main selling point mostly because it has become so rare in DC restaurants.
By the way Opentable should allow one to find restaurants by noise level. This is not just a "romantic" issue!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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