ala
Dupont Circle, Washington DC
Restaurant in Washington DC, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Dress
Smart Casual
Why go
ala is worth booking for modern Levantine cooking in Dupont Circle when the priority is shareable food, flexible timing, a lively but polished room. Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition gives it credibility, while the smart-casual setting and $50-per-person signal make it more useful for brunch, dates, small groups than for a formal tasting-menu night.
About ala
Book ala in Washington, D.C. for Modern Levantine & Eastern Mediterranean cooking at about $50 per person. The details point to a smart-casual restaurant with a menu anchored by dishes such as za’atar labneh, seeded falafel, mushroom kebab, short rib gyros, shakshuka.
The clearest reason to choose ala is its range within Modern Levantine and Eastern Mediterranean flavors. It is a practical pick when you want recognizable dishes, a moderate premium price point, hours that include weekday service from 11:30 AM as well as weekend brunch and dinner windows.
Service timing, weekend brunch, planning basics
ala’s schedule makes it useful for several dining plans in Washington, D.C. It is closed Monday; open Tuesday–Thursday from 11:30 AM–10 PM; Friday from 11:30 AM–11 PM; Saturday for brunch from 10 AM–4 PM with last seating at 2 PM and dinner from 5 PM–11 PM; and Sunday for brunch from 10 AM–4 PM with last seating at 2 PM and dinner from 5 PM–10 PM.
For dress, plan on smart casual. Brunch is specifically listed on Saturday and Sunday. If you are choosing between times, use the schedule first: weekend brunch has a defined last seating, while Friday and Saturday hours run later than the rest of the week.
Why the basics matter, where expectations should sit
Think of it as a Washington, D.C. option for Modern Levantine & Eastern Mediterranean cooking at around $50 per person.
The strongest grounded read is direct: ala serves dishes such as za’atar labneh, seeded falafel, mushroom kebab, short rib gyros, shakshuka, with a smart-casual dress code and a schedule that covers weekday dining, weekend brunch, weekend dinner.
How to make the meal work
For a first visit, build the order around the signature dishes. Za’atar labneh, seeded falafel, mushroom kebab, short rib gyros, shakshuka are the clearest known anchors for the meal. That approach keeps the choice focused on what is known about the restaurant rather than on menu formats.
For planning, check the day and seating window carefully: ala is closed Monday, brunch is limited to Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM–4 PM with last seating at 2 PM, weekend dinner runs later on Friday and Saturday. For broader planning around the city, use Our full Washington, D.C. restaurants guide, or pair the meal with Our full Washington, D.C. bars guide and Our full Washington, D.C. hotels guide.
Planning details
- Location
- 1320 19th St NW, Washington, DC
- Website
- ala-dc.com
Venue details
Ambiance
Stylish, modern Levantine restaurant with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, attentive hospitality, and a lively neighborhood feel in Dupont Circle, featuring both indoor dining and a terrace-style outdoor seating area.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
View
Accessibility
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Smart Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Upscale Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Standard
- Capacity
- Medium
Signature Dishes
- Za’atar labneh
- Seeded falafel
- Mushroom kebab
- Short rib gyros
- Shakshuka
Planning details
Location
1320 19th St NW, Washington, DC · Directions
Explore Washington DC
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full ala guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a first-timer know about ala?
ala is a Modern Levantine & Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in Washington, D.C. at about $50 per person. The dress code is smart casual, signature dishes include za’atar labneh, seeded falafel, mushroom kebab, short rib gyros, shakshuka.
What are alternatives to ala in Washington, D.C.?
If you are comparing ala with other Washington, D.C. dining rooms, use the basics: Modern Levantine & Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, about $50 per person, a schedule that includes weekday service, weekend brunch, weekend dinner.
What should I order at ala?
Start with the signature dishes: za’atar labneh, seeded falafel, mushroom kebab, short rib gyros, shakshuka. Those dishes are the clearest grounded guide to the restaurant’s Modern Levantine & Eastern Mediterranean style.
How should I plan a visit to ala?
For planning, use the known price of about $50 per person, the smart-casual dress code, the published hours when deciding whether ala fits your plans.
When is ala open?
ala is open Tuesday–Thursday from 11:30 AM–10 PM and Friday from 11:30 AM–11 PM, with weekend brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM–4 PM with last seating at 2 PM; dinner runs Saturday from 5 PM–11 PM and Sunday from 5 PM–10 PM. ala is closed Monday.
What is the best way to choose dishes at ala?
Base your visit on the known Modern Levantine & Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, the roughly $50 per person price point, signature dishes such as za’atar labneh, seeded falafel, mushroom kebab, short rib gyros, shakshuka.
