Lapis

Lapis is a modern Afghan bistro in the heart of Adams Morgan, opened by husband-and-wife owners Zubair and Shamim Popal, who fled Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion of the 1980s and built a celebrated D.C. restaurant group that also includes Lutèce and Pascual. Chef Shamim Popal — once an Afghan refugee who arrived in 1987 not knowing how to cook rice — anchors the kitchen with family recipes passed down through generations, and Lapis has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in every D.C. guide. Below the restaurant sits Lapop, a subterranean speakeasy-style cocktail bar and vinyl lounge with a marbled bar and curated bookshelves, where guests can drink before dinner over small plates from upstairs. The non-alcoholic program is led by the Anar, a refreshing spirit-free drink of pomegranate juice, rose water, soda, and lemon zest meant to pair with the restaurant's dumplings and lamb stew. Washingtonian highlighted Lapis in its 2024 Dry January roundup of great non-alcoholic cocktails, noting that Lapop added further spirit-free options during the month. The setting reflects the family's broader mission of celebrating Afghan hospitality and culture in Washington, and the restaurant serves only halal meats. With its homestyle Afghan cooking, intimate downstairs lounge, and thoughtful zero-proof choices, Lapis is a welcoming option for non-drinkers seeking a real meal-and-bar experience.