"If someone invites you to dinner at Albi, we’re going to say they’re worth keeping around. The fancy-ish restaurant in Navy Yard is by the same folks behind Yellow, and is like the café’s older, very sophisticated sister. Lamb is central here, from Palestinian-style stuffed grape leaves to barbecued lamb kebabs. This is a meal you’ll remember, and one worth splurging on a bottle of wine for. Their list is prefaced with a one-page spread on the history of Lebanese and Mediterranean wine, which shows how seriously they take their wine. Reservations open a month in advance, and that's when you should book if you want to avoid the early bird 5pm dinner slot. Albi does offer walk-in seating at the bar, but you’ll miss all the action in the dining room and open kitchen." - madeline weinfield