The Habibi Project
is a collective of passionate culinary and hospitality professionals dedicated to the creation of singular moments, flavors, and experiences rooted in the traditions of Arabic cooking and generosity.
The Habibi Project began with Albi, opened in early 2020 by Chef & Founder Michael Rafidi - an acclaimed restaurant conceived as a tribute to the continuation and evolution of Arabic and Palestinian traditions in diaspora - and in the years since has grown to include YELLOW, and La’ Shukran, as well as connected brands (not) Pizza and All the Kebabs, and the forthcoming Bizzeria.
While food, drink, and hospitality are the medium in which The Habibi Project frames our work, our true subject is ultimately the exploration of ideas, the pursuit of conversation, and the celebration of culture. It is through this lens that The Habibi Project seeks to create spaces where creativity and genuine care can bring about a welcome and an experience that is singular in its expression, and where there is a singular focus on hospitality - diyafa. More than simple ‘hospitality’, diyafa is a central tenet of Arab culture - hospitality in this sense is not only bound up with one’s honor, but is in itself an honor. It’s from this starting point that The Habibi Project approaches each venture, and seeks to build upon a new vision of hospitality.
Press
-
ACCOLADES
Michelin Star. 2022 Washington, DC New MICHELIN Stars. Michelin Guide, 2022.
#1, Albi Is Washingtonian’s #1 Restaurant in 2025. Washingtonian, 2025.
The 25 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C., Right Now. New York Times, 2025.
Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America. Esquire Magazine, 2020.
#5, The 10 Best New Restaurants in America. Robb Report, 2020.
The 11 Best New Restaurants in America 2021. Eater, 2021.
PRESS
D.C. chef Michael Rafidi’s Beard Award is a ‘huge moment for Palestinians. The Washington Post, 2024.
William Simons of Albi is The MICHELIN Guide Washington, D.C. 2024 Sommelier Award Winner. Michelin Guide, 2024.
At long last, Albi gets to the heart of Levantine cooking. The Washington Post, 2020.
-
ACCOLADES
Michelin Bib Gourmand. YELLOW – Washington - a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant. Michelin Guide, 2024.
The 100 Very Best Restaurants in Washington, DC. Washingtonian, 2025.
Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year: Alicia Wang. The RAMW, 2025.
PRESS
A Playful Cafe in Washington D.C. is One of America’s Best Restaurants. Food & Wine, 2024.
Where to Grab the Best Bread in the DC Area. Washingtonian, 2025.
PHIL'S Washington DC LOCATIONS. (Somebody Feed Phil, Netflix.) Phil Rosenthal World, 2024.
D.C.’s Acclaimed Levantine Cafe YELLOW Unveils Its Largest Location Yet. Eater DC, 2024.
YELLOW Opens Its New Flagship Cafe in Union Market Next Month. Washingtonian, 2024.
YELLOW Cafe Is Adding a Fancy-Fun Evening Kebab Menu in Union Market, Washingtonian, 2024.
-
ACCOLADES
The Restaurant List: Here are the 50 best places in America right now. The New York Times, 2025.
#1, The 20 Best New Restaurants in the D.C. Area. The Washington Post, 2025.
#5, The 10 Best New Restaurants in America. The Robb Report, 2025.
#1, Best New Restaurant in the D.C. Area. The RAMW, 2025.
PRESS
Michael Rafidi’s swank new spot, La’ Shukran, is a French-Levantine dream. The Washington Post, 2024.
Inside La’ Shukran, a Levantine Bar and Bistro in D.C. From One of the Country’s Best Chefs. Robb Report, 2024.
La’ Shukran Opens With a Middle Eastern Take on a French Bistro and Bar. The Washingtonian, 2024.