Mama Ayesha's Restaurant
Middle Eastern restaurant · Kalorama Triangle
1967 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Highlights
Authentic Middle Eastern fare, presidential mural & cozy ambiance
Authentic Middle Eastern fare, presidential mural & cozy ambiance
"Mama Ayesha’s, originally called Calvert Cafe, opened in 1960. The founder was Mama Ayesha Abraham who operated 24 farms in the Middle East before moving to D.C. and cooking in the Syrian Embassy in the 1940s. Mama Ayesha’s nephews and great-nephews run the restaurant today. The restaurant is also known for the mural of presidents on its wall." - Tierney Plumb
"As a pioneer of Middle Eastern cuisine in D.C., Mama Ayesha Abraham opened this restaurant in the 1960s. Since then, it has grown into a neighborhood favorite and an icon for its famous presidential mural that features leaders since Dwight D. Eisenhower — minus President Donald Trump — painted on its exterior wall. Mouzat (braised lamb shank) is among the must-order dishes." - Missy Frederick
"Mama Ayesha's, originally called Calvert Cafe, opened in 1960. The founder was Mama Ayesha Abraham who operated 24 farms in the Middle East before moving to D.C. and cooking in the Syrian Embassy in the 1940s. Mama Ayesha's nephews and great-nephews run the restaurant today. The restaurant is also known for the mural of presidents on its wall." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff
"When you walk into Mama Ayesha, a Palestinian restaurant in Adams Morgan, chances are you’ll find neighbors having their weekly standing dinner or playing cards on one of the square wooden tables out back. The tiny restaurant, which you can walk the length of in under 60 seconds, has been a staple in the community since 1960. And the coral cushioned seats and wooden panels adorned with carefully crafted light fixtures are reflections of that. Stick to the basics on the menu. The hummus, charred kebabs, and dessert are all great, but the kibbeh, fattoush, and lamb shanks could be better." - Omnia Saed
"When you walk into Mama Ayesha, a Palestinian restaurant in Adams Morgan, chances are you’ll find neighbors having their weekly standing dinner or playing cards on one of the square wooden tables out back. The tiny restaurant, which you can walk the length of in under 60 seconds, has been a staple in the community since 1960. And the coral cushioned seats and wooden panels adorned with carefully crafted light fixtures are reflections of that. Stick to the basics on the menu. The hummus, charred kebabs, and dessert are all great, but the kibbeh, fattoush, and lamb shanks could be better." - Omnia Saed
