José Andrés & Lebanese Taverna

Open since 1979, Lebanese Taverna is a family affair. The restaurant was founded by the late patriarch of the Abi-Najm family, Tanios “Tony” Abi-Najm, who fled Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War and moved his family to Virginia, where they opened Lebanese Taverna just a few years later. Tony’s five children — Dany, Dory, David, Gladys, and Grace Abi-Najm — now run Lebanese Taverna’s 12 full-service and fast-casual locations throughout the D.M.V. 

Lebanese Taverna has been part of the D.C. restaurant scene since well before Andrés arrived. “I’ve learned so much of what I know about Lebanese food from the Abi-Najm family,” he says. “They were so welcoming to me and my team when we first opened Zaytinya, teaching me so much and being so generous with their knowledge, recipes, and kitchens to help us understand the food of the region… I always love visiting the restaurant and seeing what they’ve got cooking.” If you’re a fan of Andrés’ Mediterranean spot Zaytinya, then dining at the restaurant that taught him about Lebanese cuisine is a must.” Food & Wine