Roti, DC #2

The fast casual restaurant concept is booming in DC. With local favorites like Cava Mezze Grill, Sweetgreen, Amsterdam Falafel, Chipotle, and Buredo, there's no shortage of options. Roti -- Modern Mediterranean is one in my mind that had fallen behind and frankly, I had stopped going to the one closest to me in Foggy Bottom.  A few weeks ago, their marketing team informed me that they had renovated and had new options, so I decided to give it another shot.

I wasn't expecting a full-on overhaul, but that's really what they did with the Foggy Bottom location. It's absolutely beautiful! From the fiery orange floors to the handpainted white wall, this cafe screams chic and hip. Modern white lamps are suspended from a metal structure that hangs over the new communal table setup. And if communal tables aren't your thing, then you can have a seat at one of the individual tables instead.

But, that's not all that has changed. One reason I didn't really like it here was that they just offered rice plates or pitas. Instead of rice, you could have plain, boring romaine lettuce. Now, the choices are spectacular! First you choose a base--either a rice plate, laffa wrap, pita, or salad. For the salad, they now have four choices--romaine, spring lettuce, arugula, or deep greens (baby spinach and kale).

Then, you choose your protein of which the falafel is the only vegan option. Then, you choose your sauces of which the S'hug, Tahini, and Green S'hug are vegan. Then, you choose unlimited toppings of which all are clearly marked as vegan or not! For my toppings, I got a little of everything. I love the variety. There is hummus, tomato and cucumber salad, lemon oregano pickles, red cabbage slaw, couscous salad, fresh roasted veggies, sumac pickled onions, olives, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds. A list of what is vegan can be found here.

Lastly, you can decide if you want it all tossed together or just on the plate. I love keeping the items separate, so I don't get it tossed. And that's it. You have a gourmet meal for just $10.

Oh, and they serve beer and wine at this location. Heck yeah! Other choices include the San Pellegrino, and sparkling water.

The only two things I don't like are (1) that they mark non-vegan items on the allergen listing online as vegan, but with an asterisk that indicates the item contains honey, which isn't vegan. It's like listing a chicken salad as vegan except that it has chicken. And (2) the salad is the most expensive option! But, the greens are really good.

Roti, you have done well. Nice job on the space. And awesome job improving the menu and adding alcoholic options. I'll be a regular at this location for sure.

Roti
2221 I Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 499-2095

Previous review
July 8, 2013