Rooftop Middle Eastern restaurant Yalla opens on U Street

Middle Eastern eats and drinks at Yalla. Photo: courtesy of The Kota Agency Yalla, a vibey Middle Eastern restaurant and bar, just opened on U Street. Why it matters: After years of working in some of the city's best kitchens, including Maydan and Annabelle, chef Marcel Chehaieb is channeling his native Lebanon for a breakout project. The vibe: The lush rooftop is designed to be more than just a restaurant, with weekend entertainment — DJs, belly dancers — and elaborate hookahs. Dig in: Chehaieb riffs on Lebanese dishes like hummus...