Chef Stories
The journeys, inspirations, and traditions behind the food.
Ever wondered who’s behind the kitchens of your favorite local restaurants? The stories behind the food, the history of the cuisine, and the passion that brings it all to life.
In our new series, we go behind the kitchens to meet the chefs and uncover the journeys, inspirations, and traditions behind every dish.
How it all began
In 1976, Tanios and Marie Abi-Najm along with their five young children, Dory, Dany, David, Gladys and Grace, boarded a cargo ship in the middle of the night to escape the Civil War in Lebanon. Bound for Arlington, Virginia, where other family members had already been living, Tanios, Marie and their children set course for their new life. In 1979, after having worked in several local restaurants, the family had finally saved enough to purchase a humble corner restaurant in the Westover neighborhood of Arlington. Being practical, they kept the original sign, “Athenian Taverna,” but changed one word, and Lebanese Taverna was born.
The Abi-Najm Family
After nearly 4 decades in the national capital region, the Abi-Najm family has won the hearts and taste buds of foodies all over town. Today, the Lebanese Taverna Group owns and operates twelve locations around the Washington D.C. Metro area, and has been recognized by numerous media outlets and publications as a staple in the local region for the very best Mediterranean cuisine.
The family’s favorite is mujaddara—a humble dish of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, served with a bright cabbage salad. It’s something they grew up eating regularly at home, a meal rooted in simplicity and resourcefulness, often referred to as “peasant food.” Over time, they’ve taken care to present it beautifully, but its true charm isn’t in how it looks—it’s in the familiarity and comfort it brings. It’s the kind of dish you have to grow up with to fully understand and love.
Lebanese Taverna
Since 1979, Lebanese Taverna restaurants have been serving classic Eastern Mediterranean cooking in a contemporary setting. The mood is always festive and, as is the Lebanese tradition, dishes are served with sharing in mind. A full spread of mezze might include Lebanese Taverna’s famous hommus, maanek sausages, kibbeh, fattoush salad, shawarma and kabobs.
Good to know:
· Mon-Fri happy hour 3-6PM in bar and lounge with drink and food specials
· Monday Mezza Madness – a bottomless menu of Lebanese Taverna mezza classics
·Large selection of halal certified meats, gluten free, & veg options
