For years, earning four stars from The New York Times was considered one of the most exclusive honors in American dining—and one reserved exclusively for restaurants in New York City.
That changed this week when Albi, chef Michael Rafidi’s celebrated Palestinian restaurant in Washington, DC’s Navy Yard neighborhood, became the first restaurant outside New York City to receive the publication’s coveted four-star rating.
The recognition adds another major accolade to a restaurant that has already become one of the most decorated dining destinations in the country.
Albi has earned a Michelin star, helped Rafidi secure a James Beard Award, topped local restaurant rankings, and recently climbed onto several prestigious national and international best-of lists.
For Washington’s dining scene, the achievement is being viewed as a landmark moment that further solidifies the city’s place among America’s premier food destinations.
Why Albi keeps turning heads
Since opening in 2020, Albi has built a national reputation for its deeply personal approach to Palestinian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques and fine-dining execution.
The restaurant centers around a live-fire hearth, with many dishes showcasing ingredients and cooking styles inspired by the Levant.
In recent years, Rafidi has leaned even more heavily into his Palestinian heritage, creating menus that tell a personal story while still feeling innovative and contemporary.
Washingtonian recently named Albi its No. 1 restaurant for a second consecutive year, praising both the food and the restaurant’s evolution following a major renovation.
The restaurant has also received recognition from Michelin, the James Beard Foundation, and North America’s 50 Best Restaurants, helping transform it from a local favorite into an internationally recognized destination.
For many diners, Albi’s success stems from its ability to deliver a world-class fine-dining experience while remaining deeply rooted in culture, heritage, and hospitality.
Other restaurants that have earned four stars from The New York Times
Historically, The New York Times’ four-star rating has been one of the most difficult distinctions for a restaurant to achieve.
Over the years, only a small number of elite establishments have earned the publication’s highest rating, including:
- Daniel
- Le Bernardin
- Eleven Madison Park
- Per Se
- Jean-Georges
What makes Albi’s achievement especially significant is that all previous four-star recipients were located in New York City.
By breaking that geographic barrier, the DC restaurant has established itself in a category previously reserved for some of the most influential dining rooms in America.
The recognition also signals growing national attention toward Washington’s restaurant scene, which has increasingly produced award-winning chefs and restaurants over the past decade.
How to get a table at Albi
With national attention continuing to grow, reservations at Albi can be highly competitive.
The restaurant accepts reservations online and regularly releases new seating opportunities through its booking platform.
Diners hoping to experience the restaurant’s celebrated Sofra tasting menu should plan ahead, particularly for prime weekend reservations.
Flexible diners may find better availability on weekdays or later evening seatings.
