The food is delicious- beautiful presentation. The Maqlooba and Musakhan are some of the best I’ve ever had. I asked for white meat after receiving my meal with dark meat any they brought me an extra chicken piece for free (very generous and welcoming). The place dates back to the 1960s you can read more about Mama Ayesha’s story at the entrance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kibbeh
Wassim Z
Nice place Good food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Starr Bowie
Food excellent, variety and portions ample; service friendly, courteous, efficient, prompt, inobtrusive ; atmosphere warm, comfortable, relaxed; decor pretty; location easy to access by public transportation. Wish they were open for lunch as well as dinner!
Jeremy Schatten
Food was depressingly bland. It was like someone with no taste buds and who has never heard of salt made the bamya stew.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Sahara s
Finally tried this place after hearing about it for long. Everything we ordered was perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jon
We shared several appetizers which were quite good, I had the lamb shank which was a little sweet sauce for me, the lamb reheated without the sauce was much better. Portions generous. The service was stressed because huge Saturday crowd. It's a cozy spot to dine and reasonable prices for dc. Decent wine selection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Dan Murphy
A spot where cleanliness seems to stray, with mice as guests who've come to stay. Health standards in question, a worrisome sight, as servers stumble in culinary night. Descriptions falter, knowledge quite thin, leaving patrons wondering what's within. Dust gathers, adding to the scene, a layer of neglect, not quite serene. And the food, alas, lacks its rightful zest, far from the flavors one would expect as best. A dining experience that leaves much to desire, in need of improvement, and a spark to inspire.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Nicolas d'Arros
20% gratuity (no choice)+ Additional $10 if you pay by card (no choice and even with a debit card)= A very hefty bill for the kind of food they
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
E Jimenez
Awesome place. Small and quiet. Food is great and the attention is paramount.No kids menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
katherine baer
Dolmas, falafel and tabouli salad are all excellent! I order from Mama Ayesha’s regularly and it’s always fresh and delicious.
I loved the food but I found the plates a bit small and simple, too little rice and just a little bit of onions. Dishes should have more rice, onions, some bread and a some kind of sauce like yogurt for the price. Beef, lamb and chicken is amazing, recommended.Parking: Parking is very difficult. You have limited parking next to the restaurant in front of the dumpsters but it’s not allowed . So there is always the risk of getting towed or a ticket. However, waiters are aware and I believe they get notified if the police or tow truck comes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Mushakal Mashawi
Mlungisi Theodere Cade-Mnisi
The Mural outside was absolutely beautiful!! The atmosphere inside Mama Ayesha's was beautiful, warm and authentic. The music was also authentic and soothing! The service was attentive and warm and hospitable!! My wife had the Mouzat and the lamb was cooked to perfection!! I had the Musakan and the flat bread and half chicken was amazing both me and my wife cleaned our plates!! I strongly recommend everybody try Mama Ayesha's. We will definitely be back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mouzat
Nyuma Waggeh
Warm & friendly atmosphere! The food was absolutely delicious! I came with my friends, we all had a lovely time! I will be coming back when I am back in D.C.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kebab
Scott Graham
I’ve been going to Mama Ayesha’s for almost 20 years. It continues to be amazing, authentic homestyle middle eastern food at affordable prices. If this place actually knew how to market itself on social media (IG and TikTok) as a “hidden gem” to the new generation it would be packed since the food, atmosphere and service are all great.Here’s hoping for another 60 years in business!
The food is delicious- beautiful presentation. The Maqlooba and Musakhan are some of the best I’ve ever had. I asked for white meat after receiving my meal with dark meat any they brought me an extra chicken piece for free (very generous and welcoming). The place dates back to the 1960s you can read more about Mama Ayesha’s story at the entrance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kibbeh
Nice place Good food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food excellent, variety and portions ample; service friendly, courteous, efficient, prompt, inobtrusive ; atmosphere warm, comfortable, relaxed; decor pretty; location easy to access by public transportation. Wish they were open for lunch as well as dinner!
Food was depressingly bland. It was like someone with no taste buds and who has never heard of salt made the bamya stew.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Finally tried this place after hearing about it for long. Everything we ordered was perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We shared several appetizers which were quite good, I had the lamb shank which was a little sweet sauce for me, the lamb reheated without the sauce was much better. Portions generous. The service was stressed because huge Saturday crowd. It's a cozy spot to dine and reasonable prices for dc. Decent wine selection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
A spot where cleanliness seems to stray, with mice as guests who've come to stay. Health standards in question, a worrisome sight, as servers stumble in culinary night. Descriptions falter, knowledge quite thin, leaving patrons wondering what's within. Dust gathers, adding to the scene, a layer of neglect, not quite serene. And the food, alas, lacks its rightful zest, far from the flavors one would expect as best. A dining experience that leaves much to desire, in need of improvement, and a spark to inspire.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
20% gratuity (no choice)+ Additional $10 if you pay by card (no choice and even with a debit card)= A very hefty bill for the kind of food they
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Awesome place. Small and quiet. Food is great and the attention is paramount.No kids menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dolmas, falafel and tabouli salad are all excellent! I order from Mama Ayesha’s regularly and it’s always fresh and delicious.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grape Leaves, Falafel
Restaurantji Recommends
I loved the food but I found the plates a bit small and simple, too little rice and just a little bit of onions. Dishes should have more rice, onions, some bread and a some kind of sauce like yogurt for the price. Beef, lamb and chicken is amazing, recommended.Parking: Parking is very difficult. You have limited parking next to the restaurant in front of the dumpsters but it’s not allowed . So there is always the risk of getting towed or a ticket. However, waiters are aware and I believe they get notified if the police or tow truck comes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Mushakal Mashawi
The Mural outside was absolutely beautiful!! The atmosphere inside Mama Ayesha's was beautiful, warm and authentic. The music was also authentic and soothing! The service was attentive and warm and hospitable!! My wife had the Mouzat and the lamb was cooked to perfection!! I had the Musakan and the flat bread and half chicken was amazing both me and my wife cleaned our plates!! I strongly recommend everybody try Mama Ayesha's. We will definitely be back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mouzat
Warm & friendly atmosphere! The food was absolutely delicious! I came with my friends, we all had a lovely time! I will be coming back when I am back in D.C.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kebab
I’ve been going to Mama Ayesha’s for almost 20 years. It continues to be amazing, authentic homestyle middle eastern food at affordable prices. If this place actually knew how to market itself on social media (IG and TikTok) as a “hidden gem” to the new generation it would be packed since the food, atmosphere and service are all great.Here’s hoping for another 60 years in business!
Recommended dishes: Falafel, Shish Taouk, Kebab
Best service, best food. So kind as well. We got
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5