Albi; Arabic for ‘my heart’ is the acclaimed debut restaurant from chef/owner Michael Rafidi. Opened in February 2020, Albi has received continued local and national attention, earning mentions on Best New Restaurant lists by Eater, Robb Report, and Esquire, Eater DC Restaurant of the Year in 2021, and first earning a Michelin star in 2022.
Chef Rafidi takes inspiration from his family’s roots in Ramallah, Palestine, bringing to the table an experience that melds the ancient tradition of the region’s coal-fired cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients and a refined culinary acumen. In 2024, Chef Rafidi was named Outstanding Chef by the James Beard Foundation.
The heart of the restaurant is Albi's wood-burning hearth, and the Hearth Table which guests can reserve for Chef Rafidi's Sofra - a semi-improvisational tasting menu - and an intimate view of the open kitchen.
Wine Director William Simons curates an eclectic, international wine program with extensive offerings from throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Constantly evolving, the wine list features categories such as Savory Whites, #UnapologeticallyClassicWhiteWines, Donnie Darko, and Smoky Reds - all selected to complement Chef Rafidi’s menus.
Press
Michelin Guide 2022
2022 Washington, DC New MICHELIN Stars
/ Read More
Voices: Maze Row Wine Merchant
The Spirited List
/ Read More
Esquire Magazine
Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America, 2020
/ Read More
Robb Report
The Golden Age of Restaurants
/ Read More
The Washington Post
At Long Last, Albi Gets to the Heart of Levantine Cooking
/ Read More
Brightest Young Things
This is Your Excuse to Order Food from Albi
/ Read More
Eater
At Albi, a Rising D.C. Chef Offers a Modern, Personal Take On Middle Eastern Cooking
/ Read More
EdibleDC
Updated Classics for Winter Entertaining
/ Read More
Eater
Albi Pop-Up Offers First Taste of Former Arroz Chef’s Solo Project
/ Read More
Washingtonian
The Top 12 DC-Area Restaurants Coming in 2020 (Ranked!)
/ Read More
Washingtonian
Rising Stars Chef Michael Rafidi and Sommelier Brent Kroll Will Open a Restaurant and Wine Bar in Navy Yard
/ Read More
Capitol
Chef Michael Lee Rafidi Dishes on the Inspiration Behind His New D.C. Restaurant, Albi
/ Read More
DCist
The Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2020
/ Read More
