Where modern Israeli cuisine meets Washington D.C.'s discerning palate, Sababa transforms Cleveland Park into a vibrant Mediterranean haven that redefines Middle Eastern fine dining. This pioneering restaurant, whose Hebrew name means "cool," delivers exactly that—an effortlessly sophisticated interpretation of Israeli street food elevated through contemporary technique and impeccable sourcing.

Renowned restaurateur Ashok Bajaj, the visionary behind D.C.'s acclaimed Rasika, partnered with chef Ryan Moore in 2018 to create the capital's first full-service Israeli restaurant. Part of Bajaj's prestigious Knightsbridge Restaurant Group, Sababa represents a bold culinary evolution, introducing Washington diners to the complex, multicultural tapestry of Israeli cuisine. The restaurant has earned Michelin recognition for its innovative approach to traditional flavors, establishing itself among Washington D.C.'s finest dining destinations.

The menu celebrates Israel's diverse culinary heritage through meticulously crafted small plates and robust entrees. Signature dishes include carrot falafel with herbed tahini and radish salad, fried cauliflower elevated with tahini, golden raisins, and dill, and the restaurant's legendary daily hummus specials that transcend ordinary expectations. The salatim—a five-salad starter—showcases the kitchen's mastery of fresh, vibrant preparations, while larger plates like whole Mediterranean sea bass roasted in grape leaves and harissa-marinated chicken thighs demonstrate the cuisine's sophisticated depth. Each dish reflects chef Moore's training at celebrated establishments like Zaytinya, bringing authentic Middle Eastern techniques to Washington's fine dining scene.

James Beard-nominated designer Martin Vahtra created an interior that seamlessly blends Middle Eastern aesthetics with contemporary elegance. The bay window lounge, draped with bedrolls and furnished with plush ottomans, evokes a luxurious nomadic tent, while the 12-seat bar features wood slats and grape arbor-inspired ceiling details illuminated by warm string lights. Antique floor tiles with traditional Middle Eastern motifs anchor the space in cultural authenticity. The beverage program, crafted by veteran bartender Max Hill, incorporates regional spices like sumac, cardamom, and rosewater into inventive cocktails that complement the cuisine's complex flavor profiles. Signature drinks like "Halva World Away" feature torch-lit garnishes and unexpected ingredients that mirror the kitchen's innovative spirit.

Sababa offers an essential Washington D.C. fine dining experience for gourmands seeking authentic yet elevated Israeli cuisine. Reservations are recommended for this intimate 12-seat bar and thoughtfully designed dining room, where sharing plates and exploring unfamiliar flavors becomes a sophisticated culinary adventure that defines modern Middle Eastern dining in the capital.