Banana Leaves Asian Restaurant

Nice place, was very slow so we were a bit concerned as this was our first visit. However, food was good and service was good.

While in DC for a conference, I was looking for a new place to try close to the hotel. This place popped up on the maps and I decided to give it a try as I wasn’t that familiar with Asian fusion. The large menu was a little intimidating, but decided to try something new. So I settled on the crispy tangerine beef. I was pleasantly surprised when the meal showed up it was a generous portion and looked scrumptious. The flavors lived up to the visuals and I was treated to a nice citrus flavor with the beef. This is a great little place, with Little being a keyword. The service is pretty much digital you order and pay all from the app. Worked out well and everybody in my group was taking care of in a timely fashion. The place was good enough that I decided to come back the second day and try a different dish. I decided to try the mango chicken. Wow good, it wasn’t as flavorful as the tangerine beef from the previous day. A couple people in my party tried the General TSO chicken and it was really good. During both visits, everyone in our party, enjoyed their food, and felt like it was a good value and had excellent flavor.

Es excelente lugar para compartir y disfrutar de su exquisite comida. Un lugar muy bonito

I ordered based on pictures and accidentally ordered a “funky roll” and boy was it funky. Disgusting! It smelt like a fish market on a hot muggy day. It just tasted bad and was the worst sushi I’ve ever tasted. If I ever visit DC I will not be going here again.

Some really decent vegan options! I got the Edamame, and the Eggplant/Green Bean dish with a side of steamed rice, and they were both really good!

Seating on main level and upstairs.

I wanted to love it. So many varieties of Asian cuisine. It fell flat. My sushi was dry and the rice was undercooked. It was flavor neutral and just lacked inspiration. The combo fried rice was okay at best. Lacking in originality and flavor. The vegetables were inconsistently cut and in some cases under cooked. It has promise. The service lacks a personal touch. Order from an app. Items missing or taking way too long for a table. Just leaves you longing for that personal touch. In a pinch, it's better than a chain. I do think supporting local businesses is completely necessary. I would go back, sample other items. But, for now, I will continue to explore.