Taste Test: La' Shukran is one of the vibiest restaurants in D.C.
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You'll have to game getting into La' Shukran, Albi chef Michael Rafidi's latest Levantine hotspot near Union Market.
- Reservations, dropped Mondays at 10am, vanish quicker than seats at sister cafe Yellow on the first floor, and the back-alley entrance takes some sleuthing — but persistence pays off.
Why it matters: The bistro-bar is a refreshing and lively (dare we say, vibey) addition to D.C.'s food scene — perfect for date nights, late nights and group outings.
The big picture: Rafidi's on a roll— a major James Beard Award, his Union Market expansion — but this latest project with barman Radovan Jankovic (Residents, Bar Cana) feels more like dancing to his own tune (cue the Arabic hip-hop) than chasing more Michelin stars.
- "We want it to be fun, unconventional, a little weird," he tells Axios.
Yes, but: Your food-obsessed friends will be impressed. Rafidi, a local Palestinian American chef, trained in French fine dining with San Francisco's Michael Mina. He always wanted to open a bistro.
- La' Shukran marries the best of both worlds with playful dishes like escargot hummus and must-try duck confit fried rice.
🎵 The vibe: Buzzy, hip and welcoming. The lighting is moody, the seating is comfy (especially deep booths), and the Levantine funk on the stereo prompted a diner sing-a-long when we visited.
What to try:
- Lamb kibbeh naya: A sleeper hit! Crispy seeded lavash, to scoop up lamb tartare with egg yolk and toum.
- Lush hummus topped with escargot swimming in garlicky Arak butter or shawarma-spiced beef tongue (the hot offal du jour).
- Falafel with briny pops of trout caviar.
- Crispy hot quail dunked in tahini ranch.
What to drink: Bedouin Coffee, like a spiced-up espresso martini with mezcal, rum and cardamom cream.
- Also: Dangerously smooth off-menu martinis, shaken with Lebanese gin and aromatic olives.
What we're eyeing: Larger shares for next visit like the steak kebabs au poivre.
The intrigue: The small bar and roomier open-air roof terrace are first-come for drinks and dining, so take advantage of the mild weather while it lasts.
If you go: La' Shukran, 417 Morse St NE 2nd Floor.
