Girls’ Night at Alara: A Mediterranean Gem in Georgetown
For International Women’s Day, a group of friends and I decided to have a well-deserved girls’ night out to celebrate friendship, laughter, and good food! Alara, a modern Mediterranean restaurant, seemed like the perfect choice for the occasion.
The Location… Alara had been on my list for weeks, so I was thrilled to finally snag a reservation and see what all the TikTok buzz was about. Located in the heart of Georgetown at 1303 Wisconsin Ave NW, it truly sits in the center of all the action. That being said, parking in this area is notoriously tricky—if you're driving, be prepared to hunt for street parking or opt for a rideshare instead.
The Vibes… Stepping into Alara, I was immediately struck by how stunning it is! The décor leans heavily into Mediterranean aesthetics, with a soothing palette of whites, beiges, and light greens. It’s clear a lot of thought went into the design, making it feel effortlessly chic.
The space itself is on the smaller side—expected for Georgetown—but it’s cozy and intimate rather than cramped. There’s no formal hostess stand, so be prepared to navigate the entrance if it’s busy. To the right, you’ll find a sleek bar, with booths to the left and additional tables in the center. If you love an Instagram-worthy setting, this spot definitely delivers!
The service was decent overall, though a little slow at times, which is understandable given it was a packed Saturday night.
The Drinks… Our group ordered a variety of cocktails, and I decided to (sort of) switch it up this time.
Mediterranean Margarita (Tequila, lime juice, ginger simple syrup) – I really enjoyed this, especially the little kick of ginger. I’d recommend asking for it served up.
Mon Cheri (Gin, lemon, Griotte syrup, sparkling wine) – My friend found this one a little on the sweet side but still enjoyable.
Kangaroo Kicker – I had to sneak in a martini somehow! This one packed a punch—perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Moscow Mule – A classic, but nothing out of the ordinary.
The Food… Alara starts you off with complimentary bread, which was on the denser side. I personally prefer lighter, airier bread, but it paired well with our dips.
Starters
Classic Hummus & Tzatziki Dip – Both were flavorful and satisfying. A great way to kick off the meal.
Entrées
Grilled Lamb Chops – My best friend and I shared this dish, but we had to send it back initially because it was undercooked (very rare). Once corrected, the lamb was delicious! It came with sautéed vegetables and a smoked eggplant purée, though I skipped the purée.
Branzino – My friend found her fish a bit too charred and needed to add some hot sauce (lol). However, another friend loved the crispiness, so I’d say this comes down to preference. If you order it, you might want to specify how much char you’d like.
Chef’s Mix Grill – This platter is meant for 2-3 people, but my friend went for it solo! (Sharing was supposedly an option, but… not really.) It came loaded with lamb chops, Adana kebab, chicken shish kebab, kofte kebab, and lavash-wrapped Adana kebab. I managed to try a bite of the accompanying Beef Pide, which reminded me of Turkish Lahmacun—so good! I’d return just for that.
The mix grill was also served with two types of rice: white rice and a tomato-based red rice. Both were tasty, but I preferred the white rice.
Final Thoughts… I had a great time at Alara and would absolutely return to explore more of the menu. The $54.95 “Taste of Alara” four-course option has my attention, and I’m already planning to come back for brunch and more of that Beef Pide.
If you visit Alara, let me know what you think!
Cheers! 🥂
