The story
Yellow is a Levantine cafe from Chef Michael Rafidi, bringing the flavors of the eastern Mediterranean to three locations in Washington, DC. First opened in 2020 in Navy Yard, it has since expanded to Georgetown and a flagship in Union Market. The cafe earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026, a nod to its good quality, good value cooking.
The menu centers on savory signatures inspired by Rafidi’s Palestinian heritage: mezze, hummus, and wood-fired pita sandwiches. The kitchen also produces a notable selection of Middle Eastern pastries, overseen by Executive Pastry Chef Alicia Wang, who was named Pastry Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington in 2025. Her team blends classic French viennoiserie techniques with Levantine flavors—think Za’atar and Labne Croissants, Chocolate 7 Spice Cruffins, and Baklava Kouign Amanns.
Coffee Director Ayat Elhag, a Counter Culture-trained barista, has built a beverage program that celebrates Arabic coffee culture. Alongside classics, the cafe serves Baklava Mocha Lattes, Coconut Cardamom Iced Coffees, and a house “YELLOW ‘Spro.”
The Georgetown and Union Market cafes offer easygoing hospitality with options for dine-in and carryout. Yellow’s ethos extends to its team: a 3% employee wellness fee is added to all orders to support staff benefits.
Chef Rafidi, also the chef-owner of the Michelin-starred Albi next door, was a 2023 James Beard finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. His cooking here is a direct, vibrant expression of the region’s cuisine—humble ingredients, bold spices, and a sense of warmth that makes Yellow a standout in Washington’s Middle Eastern dining scene.
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