Vera

Vera, named after a region in Mexico with a large Lebanese community, seamlessly mixes the two cuisines into dishes full of flavor—like the labneh leche de tigre that makes their oyster ceviche one of the best ceviches we’ve ever had. On any given night, the Ivy City restaurant is full of friends and coworkers splitting the shrimp-stuffed reides fritters served in a tentacle-like filo dough that tickles your mouth as you chew. The dining room is a little cramped, including tables so small you have to play a game of tetris to fit all your food, but don’t let that keep you from ordering as much of the menu as your heart desires. One thing to know is that Vera isn’t consistent, and while the food is never bad, it can be disappointing on those days when it's not as good as you remember.

photo credit: Romin Andy Shahpouri

photo credit: Romin Andy Shahpouri