Enjoy Middle Eastern Cuisine at Al-Shami Restaurant

Al-Shami Restaurant is a relative newcomer to Arlington’s already remarkable stretch of Middle Eastern dining along Wilson Boulevard, but it has quickly earned a devoted following for its soulful, halal Syrian cooking rooted in family tradition. Located at 5216 Wilson Blvd in the Bluemont neighborhood — just down the street from Fettoosh and Mejana — Al Shami fills the former Layalina space with a minimalist, welcoming interior and a menu built around the kitchen skills of owner Basema Chouban, a Damascus native with nearly three decades of cooking experience. The name means “the Syrian,” and the restaurant lives up to it: everything is made with organic ingredients and served with the care and generosity of a Syrian mother’s kitchen. Standout dishes include the silky hummus (both classic and topped with spiced meat and pine nuts), crispy Syrian cheese rolls, baba ghanouj ringed with pomegranate seeds, chicken shawarma with a secret marinade Chouban cheerfully refuses to reveal, and richly spiced stew and rice dishes. Arlington Magazine praised the restaurant’s exceptional value and homecooked quality. The restaurant is alcohol-free. Hours are Tuesday–Sunday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (closed Monday). Visit alshamiva.com or call (703) 373-0291