In the District’s culinary landscape Hamza Hadani, a Moroccan restaurateur, has introduced a unique dining experience with his newest concept, Talea in Northwest D.C.’s Cathedral Heights neighborhood. This new venture merges traditional Italian cuisine with a northern African spirit, bringing a fresh and exciting option to the city’s dining scene.
“We noticed a lack of Italian cuisine in this area, so we decided to expand,” says Hamza, who has been involved in Italian cuisine for over 12 years. “Our chef is Italian, and we prefer it. We’ve always wanted to expand Italian cuisine.”
Talea and its sister restaurant Flavio are both African-owned Italian restaurants in the city. Despite their Moroccan heritage, Hadani and his team have chosen to specialize in Italian cuisine without infusing it with Moroccan or African flavors.
The choice of location for Talea was strategic. Hadani seized the opportunity to set up in a spot he had long admired, formerly occupied by Café Deluxe, a beloved establishment in the area for over 25 years.
“When we heard Café Deluxe closed down, we had to jump in. It’s a great location with Barcelona right there. We’re also opening a speakeasy in the back of this place later in September,” Hadani explained.
Hadani is particularly excited about several standout dishes that have quickly become favorites among patrons. “The Lobster Diablo, Mushroom Ravioli, and whole fish are definitely our top sellers,” he noted.
Talea aims to offer more than just food; it promises a unique ambiance and vibe, different from what is typically seen in the area. With plans for entertainment on Saturdays, including DJs and a distinctive Italian décor, Talea seeks to provide a memorable dining experience.
“Our ambiance is different, especially in this location. We’ll have entertainment on Saturdays, and the design inside is very Italian. It’s all about the atmosphere and our menu, of course,” Hadani shared.
Julia Ginger Davies took to social media to share her excitement about the new restaurant.
“Soo excited! My first job was at Cafe Deluxe and I’ve been waiting to see what was opening for soo long,” Davies wrote.
Sammy Catone, another Instagram user, commented: “This is what D.C. has been missing!”
Source: Washington Informer
