Compass Rose

Compass Rose was one of the first restaurants I added to my list of places I wanted to try when I first moved to DC years ago. I finally came here for dinner and I'm upset that I pushed this off for so long, Compass Rose was great. The ambience, the decor, the service, the food...everything was top notch. This is the perfect place to take any friends or family visiting the area. The concept is each dish is from a different country around the world so there's something on the menu for everyone. I'm sure even the pickiest eater could find something on the menu that catches their eye. We ordered the Khachapuri, chicken kebab with harissa couscous, fried cauliflower with tamarind chutney, birria tacos. The fried cauliflower was my favorite dish, I could've ordered a second plate. The chicken kebab was second. I don't normally order kebabs because it's fairly simple and you know what you're going to get taste wise, but the spices on the chicken and couscous accompanied with the sauce was such an unexpectedly, unique and wonderful flavor, I was so surprised. Some of the best kebabs I've ever had. If you love cheese, you'll likely like the Khachapuri and the presentation is great for videos. They served this last, but if I could do it again, I'd recommend having this dish come out first; it'd be the "bread" for the table. You want to eat it fresh, and it's big and filling, so when it came out at the end of the night I couldn't really enjoy it since I was almost full. I was only able to have a slice and had to box the rest. I'd pass on the birria tacos unless you're really in the mood for it or that's what you came here to order. I love birria tacos but once you start eating some of the other dishes, the tacos are just too rich and heavy and the flavor profile is lacking in comparison so I didn't enjoy eating it as much as I usually do when that's the sole thing that I order. It was made well so next time I'm in the mood for birria tacos, I'll have to come here again and try it so I can better gauge whether I like them or not.

Vibe: 9.5/10Service: 8/10Value: 6/10Fried brussels sprouts: 9.2/10Pan-fried beef with spring peas: 8.5/10Chicken kebab: 8/10Khachapuri: 8.5/10Overall: 8.24/10 (4.12/5)[To clarify our review system: 10 = we'll never have anything else as good as this in our lives (we use 10 very sparingly!) 9 = extraordinary8 = great7 = above average6 = average Anything below 6 is being critical]

Very vibey restaurant with beautiful decor, fast service, and lots of vegetarian food. I also appreciate that, even though space is a bit tight inside, the tables are located such that every group gets privacy. I've been to restaurants where you feel crammed next to the table next to you and can't really talk, but that wasn't at all the case here! I think it would be a fun spot for a date night.In terms of food, I particularly liked the berebere spiced yams. The cauliflower bezule was so-so - I probably wouldn't get again. The one recommendation I'd have for the future is just that, with all the inclement weather in DC, would recommend they get someone to try to clean up the surrounding sidewalk area (even though it's not their responsibility). I came on an unfortunately bad weather day, and the walk over was rough.

This place was amazing. Tucked out of the way, we walked past it before having to double back. There's absolutely no signage, which made it difficult, but they have the menu behind glass in front of the stairs. I would count that as a sign, except the title of the restaurant is halfway invisibl.Our server, Christine, was personable, though when she said 3-5 dishes serve two people, I definitely think she overstated it. We would have been good with 2-3, but everything was delish.The meat for each dish was so tender, and the spices weren't too overpowering. As the meal pressed, the only thing we regretted, was not seeing the bread dish type thing we'd seen others getting, but it turned out to be the egg dish from Georgia and we had ordered it! Hands down the best of the dishes we were served, though the dip for the Irish spice bag was very good and the corn tortilla soup was so good.

We loved Compass Rose! Not surprised though as Maydan is one of our favorite restaurants in the city. We were running a little late to our reservation so called to let them know and they were really nice about holding the table for us. Food was great, service was efficient (timing was awesome- just enough time to eat and enjoy before our next dish came out), restaurant space is cozy and warm, and the servers were friendly. My only complaint was that I wasn't able to try more dishes as everything on the menu sounds so good. Guess we will have to go back! Most reviews seem to suggest getting the khachapuri, and I would agree, it is really good. Just make sure to listen to them when they say let it sit for a few minutes, otherwise you could end up like me and spill some of that cheesy goodness. Also loved the chicken skewers and the potato varenyky (like a pierogi).

The restaurant is described on google as eclectic and they definitely live up to that description. Each plate in our party of 6 was different and the decoration made me feel like we were in a fun tent. The server was attentive and the food was very unique. I was nervous about the food given all of the different cuisines they served but it ended up being great and there was a healthy variety of options for vegetarians. My personal favorite was the brussel sprouts!

We had a pre fix meal and I must say I loved the conception, and the tents it was all wonderful.The service was average but the ambiance was great!The actual food preparation was average and nothing super exciting this the 4 stars. Solid plating though!

The first time I ate at Compass Rose I wasn't blown away, but after going back, I was much more impressed! The range of dishes is broad but all are executed well. It's great for going in a group because you can cater to different tastes or try a lot of things. I've only sat outside, but their tented area is warm and cozy.

OVERALL: Compass Rose makes dining out fun. It's like you're trying out 10 different restaurants in one. Jam packed flavors. Great presentation. Nice service. Cute venue. FOOD: I would highly recommend doing the world tour menu. I tried the meat option and got full entrees (not tapas sized meals) from 7 countries. Ranked below. On a separate occasion, we tried two proteins and a platter that weren't included in the world tour menu. 10/10Chicken kebab - flavorful, juicy, great sauceAgua chile - spicy ceviche that is manageable for people with low spice tolerance. Fresh. Beef and spring peas - has lots of veggies. Felt like an elevated stir fryWatermelon salad - freshBrussels sprouts - classicCannoli - rich and stuffedkhachapuri - very dairy heavy. Be warned. Dont even try finishing it. Take it home. 2nd visitPork chops - still thinking about the cook on this pork chop. Juicy, flavorful, not heavy and the grilled onions match perfectly House salatim - I can go back for this alone Birria tacos - these were too greasy for me. Venue - huge. Multiple seating options indoors and outdoors. Dim lights. Great for a date setting.

Incredible flavors! A friend brought me here--it's one of her favorites and for good reason! Everything was amazing, fresh, and so very flavorful, from the first bite of watermelon & stracciatella tart to the last bite of tahini tart. The watermelon salad was balanced and playful, hitting every taste note and full of texture. Next came the potato Varenyky, similar to a pierogie but with a pastry crust, savory and homey. This was followed by the kofta, a rustic mix of lamb and beef with fresh greens and tahini, accented with sumac onions. Then came the star--the khachapuri, a flatbread boat filled with cheese and butter and egg and spices that is simply perfection. We topped off the meal with the tahini caramel tart, which was decadent and delicious and a perfect way to end the meal. Our servers were attentive and helpful, happy to discuss the menu and clearly happy to be there and the restaurant is comfortable and funky, with a chill vibe that encourages you to hang out and enjoy. A memorable and delicious time!