Upscale pick for Mediterranean fine dining in a sophisticated space at the historic St. Regis Hotel
Address and Contact Information
Address: 923 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 509-8000
Website: https://www.alhambradc.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
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Alhambra – Washington, DC
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Reviews
The scallops were very good, as was the branzino. Very well cooked and presented very well. The short rib was also excellent.
On desert the Tiramisu desert was recommended, it was good but not great.
In summary an excellent place to have a great meal.
rack of lamb ****
Aleppo Chicken *****
lobster on rice ***
A Glimpse into History and Timeless Decor
Originally opened in 1926 as the Carlton Hotel, designed by Mihran Mesrobian in the elegant Beaux-Arts and Neo-Renaissance styles, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. has a storied past. It has famously hosted numerous U.S. presidents, royalty, prime ministers, and iconic celebrities, solidifying its status as a landmark of sophistication. Renamed The St. Regis in 1999, the hotel has consistently maintained its commitment to unparalleled luxury. The recent renovations in April 2024 have seamlessly blended its historic charm with a fresh, modern aesthetic, featuring a palette of clean cream, blues, soft grays, and rich gold tones, evident in the carpets, plush furnishings, and finishes.
The hotel’s design ethos is immediately apparent from the moment you step into the magnificent grand lobby. The soaring 16-foot ceilings, adorned with ornate Florentine gold coffered ceilings and dramatic two-tiered crystal chandeliers, evoke a sense of timeless opulence. Plush velvet armchairs invite you to linger, and the well-kept washrooms, with their attractive tiled walk-in showers and thick paper towellettes, speak volumes about the hotel’s attention to detail and guest comfort. The elegant chairs throughout the hotel, coupled with intriguing elements like Gucci gear thoughtfully displayed in antique wooden showcases, add unique touches to the sophisticated ambiance.
Alhambra: A Culinary and Romantic Oasis
Alhambra, the hotel’s modern Mediterranean restaurant, is consistently lauded in online reviews for its impeccable service, delicious dishes, and sophisticated, quiet ambiance – truly ideal for celebrations and intimate evenings and as experienced first hand, the personal semi-circle booths, cloistered behind plush drapery, indeed offer a wonderfully romantic and private dining setting.
The dinner was a testament to the culinary artistry at Alhambra. The scrumptious Hummus and Pita, with its fluffy, za’atar-infused bread, hummus elevated by extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts, sumac, and unique accompaniments like date butter, shakshouka, and feta in sauce, were absolutely delightful. The Mom’s Borek, shaped like a cupcake and served with apricot jam and a refreshing watercress onion salad, showcases an innovative and refined approach to traditional dishes.
The main courses were equally impressive. The butterflied Branzino, beautifully presented with its head and tail intact alongside radish and watercress, echoes the praise found in online reviews for the chef’s masterful preparation of this dish, highlighting its brilliant simplicity. The Aleppo chicken, with its dramatic presentation on a platter of dried red chillies, smoky dome, and carving by the chef onto peri peri sauce, a true theatrical and flavorful experience. The skinny to perfection second-take Mojitos were undoubtedly the perfect complement to such a memorable meal.
To top off the evening, the complimentary pistachio ice cream on an olive oil cake, lit with a candle and adorned with Birthday Wishes in chocolate cursive, was a truly personal and heartwarming gesture. This level of personalized service, from the paid valet to the attentive waiting staff and the talented chef, truly sets The St. Regis and Alhambra apart.
Alhambra at St. Regis, DC, was a truly wonderful and memorable quiet evening, a sentiment am sure is echoed by many who have experienced the hotel’s legendary hospitality and the restaurant’s exquisite offerings.
During my visit, I was fortunate to have an outstanding server who elevated the experience. He went above and beyond by calling me personally to share a memorable moment where he expertly popped a bottle of champagne using a sword, adding an element of excitement to the evening.
The ambiance of Alhambra is just as noteworthy as the food. The restaurant is situated in a stunning red salon, where the vibrant décor and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere. The overall energy of the space is uplifting, making it feel like a special occasion from the moment you step inside. While the prices can be on the higher side, the exceptional quality of the food, combined with the stellar service and enchanting environment, makes every penny worth it. Alhambra is not just a meal; it’s an experience that you’ll remember long after the last bite.
I couldn’t fault any of the 3 courses. From the beautifully presented and delicious 100 layer patatas brava , the juicy and delicious Aleppo smoked chicken and not to forget the baklava cheesecake “yummy goodness”.
And yes, my Algerian waitstaff, Sofiane was very courteous and friendly. Also, the manager, Michael is very personable. They both made my experience memorable with the top notch service. First time here and I shall definitely revisit. And thanks, for recommending the Cucumber mule.
I highly recommend if you want to experience Mediterranean cuisine at its best.
Culinary elegance ✅
Great Service✅
Food presentation ✅
Lovely Ambiance ✅
Excellent food ✅
Very Friendly and Courteous Staff✅
️ Valet parking ✅
ATM ✅