Anonymous wrote:I live in the neighborhood and I would say Cuba Libre is a good lunch place - quick, easy, and no crowds. The food is average, nothing special and more like a chain "Ruby Tuesday" kind of vibe.

Zaytinya is lot better, they are always improving on the menu, the food is always great and it's a fun place to get a good meal.

Are you stuck on between those two places or are you looking for other neighborhood recomendations?

These selections were near the hotel and metro for those of us traveling in from MoCo and NoVa. If there are other great places, do share, and I will pass it along to my friends who are visiting. They're here for a few days so I'm sure they would love to check out some more local cuisine.

I live in the neighborhood and I would say Cuba Libre is a good lunch place - quick, easy, and no crowds. The food is average, nothing special and more like a chain "Ruby Tuesday" kind of vibe.

Zaytinya is lot better, they are always improving on the menu, the food is always great and it's a fun place to get a good meal.

Are you stuck on between those two places or are you looking for other neighborhood recomendations?

Ok, I think folks are being a little too harsh on Cuba Libre. For a meal, I agree, Zaytinya is better. But for drinks, I like Cuba Libre's capirinhas and mojitos. There are few spots to get good ones, and I like the atmosphere inside along with the drinks.

OP here, thanks everyone! I will definitely go with Zatinya!

Not even in the same category! Cuba should be skipped by all.

NP here. Thank you all for the call on Cuba Libre. I walked past it the other day and thought "that looks new and interesting, I'll have to try it." Now I can move it WAY down my priority list.

Zaytinya is much, much better than Cuba Libre. Some of the most delicious dishes are the simpler ones you wouldn't expect...a mushroom medley simply sauteed, cauliflower that was roasted exactly right. Mmm.

Had a group lunch there recently where the menu was set ahead of time--two dishes for each course, I think. The dishes just kept coming out and everyone tried everything. It was fantastic. We were on the mezzanine too.

Cuba Libre is terrible. Terrible.

Zaytinya any day. Cuba Libre was like a Faux-version of a Cheesecake Factory (and I'm not saying that in a good way). Plus it was super expensive. I love Cuban food and was so excited for it to open and I really didn't like it at all.

Zaytinya on the other hand... amazing food, great ambiance (though loud) and interesting wines.

As others have said, not a close call.

For your group, try to get a table on either the upper level or on the mezzanine (where there is just one table -- can't remember the size, 8 might still be too small but that would be a good place for a group). I have sat with a big group at the big table on the first floor and it was loud and hard to hear people.

Was not impressed with Cuba Libre, but love Zatinya.

Ditto 16:37

Cuba Libre has a late-night party atmosphere with dancing - the food is "ok". Zaytinya is more of a regular restaurant with tapas.

Zaytinya. Not even a close call.

Which would you recommend? I'm way out in the burbs and have never been to either. A friend is bringing his wife to DC for an anniversary weekend and dinner with some old friends. We will have a party of 8. Is either better at accommodating a larger group?