A recipe for Ćevapi (Balkan Grilled Meat) inspired by our time in Clarendon, Virginia! These skinless sausages are grilled until golden and perfect for pairing with lepinja.
Clarendon
Clarendon is a walkable urban neighborhood located in Arlington in Northern Virginia. The area became a favorite stop for us the first time we lived in Virginia and we have enjoyed so many wonderful new additions since moving back.
The neighborhood is only about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) west from Washington DC, 24 miles (39 kilometers) east of Dulles International Airport (IAD), and 5 miles (8 kilometers) northwest of DCA.
Today, I am sharing some of our favorite restaurants and experiences we have come across so far. The Clarendon Metro Station is situated along the Orange and Silver Lines between Court House and Virginia Sq-GMU and within 1/2 mile (800 meters) of everything in this list.
Rocky Run Park
Rocky Run Park is located at the eastern end of Clarendon at 1109 North Barton Street.
This two acre park has an athletic field, basketball court, restrooms, and playgrounds for a variety of ages. When the kids were younger (and even now), they especially loved the climbing structures.
The Crossing Clarendon
The Crossing Clarendon is an outdoor shopping center about 1/4 mile (322 meters) east of the metro station. It packed with restaurants, shops, play areas, and residential buildings.
We have usually planned our trips early on a Sunday morning to get the free street parking, but sometimes use the parking garage here connected to The Container Store as it is fairly easy to navigate.
In April 2023, The Loop opened in the center green space between the shops with an enclosed play area and new vertical, wavy maze-like structure perfect for younger climbing enthusiasts.
Bakeshop
Bakeshop is a small shop in Clarendon located just south of The Crossing at 1025 N Fillmore Street Ste G.
It may be small, but the display area is packed with cupcakes, macarons, cookies, cakes, pies, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. They have additional location in Falls Church and soon to Vienna.
During our latest visit, we picked up the Iced Vietnamese Coffee, Bailey’s Irish Cream Pie (special in March), and a selection of Macarons (Birthday Cake, Cookie Dough, Red Velvet, Galaxy, Funfetti, and Yuzu).
Artisan Confections
Artisan Confections is next door to Bakeshop. My daughter was drawn in by all the beautiful truffles on display.
They have a variety of seasonal and exciting flavors available to mix and match in 4, 9, 15, or 30 piece boxes along with other treats, hot chocolate mixes, caramels, and gift boxes.
We took home the following: Nutella Crunch Truffles, Tiramisu, Salted Butter Caramel, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Heart Shaped Salted Butter Caramel, Earl Grey, Tahitian Vanilla Bean, and Fresh Mint.
Zazzy
Zazzy is located at 1025 N Fillmore St Suite J, just to the right of Artisan Confections and Bakeshop. They focus on Lebanese street food in a casual setting with bright, spacious indoor seating and a few outdoor tables.
Chad and I first visited Zazzy in January on a lunch date. We were invited back by the restaurant to try some of their new menu items, this time with the kids too! It was another fantastic meal and such a highlight of our visits to Clarendon.
Between our two visits, we enjoyed an amazing assortment of the menu:
- Dips Sampler- pita and toasted bread with Mhamara (walnut, roasted red pepper, tomato, onion, garlic, pomegranate molasses), Eggplant Tahini, Fava Dip, and Labne (strained yogurt).
- Beef Spring Rolls- angus beef, onion, tomato, spices, tahini, pomegranate molasses, salt.
- Cheese and Parsley Spring Rolls- string cheese, mozzarella, parsley, nigella seed.
- Loaded Labneh- Labne with pickled eggplant, walnuts, red pepper, garlic, and olive oil.
- All About Hummus- trio of classic hummus, hummus with ground beef and pine nuts, and spicy hummus.
- Spiced Eggs and Beef Bowl- ground beef, cinnamon all spice mix, roasted potatoes, eggs, and sautéed onions.
- Spinach Ousheh- spinach over flatbread with onion, sumac, lemon, and pomegranate molasses.
- Lahme Biajine- flatbread with ground beef, spice mix, tomato, red pepper, and onions.
- Cheese Ousheh- mozzarella and string cheese over flatbread.
- Citrus Spark- orange peel, lemon peel, honey, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper.
- Arak- distilled Lebanese spirit crafted from grapes and anise, mixed with water and ice.
- Beef Shawarma Bowl- beef shawarma with vermicelli rice, hummus, sumac onion, turnip pickles, pickles, and parsley drizzled with honey and alongside a warm pita.
- Beef Shawarma Pita- beef shawarma, hummus, sumac onion, pickles, and parsley with a side of tahini dressing.
- Halloumi Fattoush- baked halloumi cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, radish, onion, mint, sumac, almond, toasted pita, and a pomegranate molasses thyme dressing.
- Chocolate Pocket- warm pocket dough filled with Nutella and served with a fresh strawberry purée.
- Sweet Cheese Pocket- Knefe cheese mix in pocket dough with orange blossom sweet syrup drizzle and crushed pistachio.
All of the flavors were fantastic, but my personal favorites were the Spinach Ousheh, Sweet Cheese Pocket, and Beef Shawarma Pita. The kids especially loved the House Lemonade, Beef Spring Rolls, Cheese and Parsley Spring Rolls, Cheese Ousheh, and Chocolate Pocket.
Kinder Haus Toys
Kinder Haus Toys at 1220 N Fillmore Street is an old-fashioned toy store packed with imaginative toys, hobbies, crafts, clothing, and books.
We especially loved the DC-specific section with coloring books and more. They also host events such as Arts and Crafts activities and story time.
Colada Shop
I first wrote about Colada Shop during our visits to the Mosaic District, but they also opened a location in The Crossing Clarendon at 2811 Clarendon Blvd.
This cafe focuses on Cuban flavors with a collection of sandwiches, salads, bowls, snacks, pastries, desserts, coffee, tea, smoothies, and more. They have indoor and outdoor seating with easy ordering from the table or online.
Our favorites continue to be their small bites- especially Bacon Egg & Cheese Empanadas and all of the Croquetas.
Nicecream
Nicecream is just around the corner from Colada Shop at 2831 Clarendon Blvd.
Our first visit was back in 2018 and we stopped by again recently in 2025. The kids have grown up quite a bit since then!
Nicecream features handcrafted ice cream prepared on the spot using liquid Nitrogen. The kids were such a fan of the smoke drifting down from the mixers (especially if there are a few going at once).
Flavors rotate seasonally and you could even try a few with their sampler. Other options include milkshakes, sundaes, Nicecream sandwiches, and specialty drinks.
Three Whistles Coffeehouse
Three Whistles Coffeehouse is a cozy café inspired by European coffeehouses.
They have a selection of hot and cold specialties drinks, pastries, gluten-free items, small bites, and gelato in a space perfect for working or relaxing.
I stopped by one morning for a Honey Lavender Latte, but definitely need to go back for the gelato sometime.
Ambar Clarendon
Ambar’s Clarendon location at 2901 Wilson Blvd highlights traditional Balkan dishes alongside inspirations with notable flavors.
Since moving back, they have transitioned to Balkan Dining without Limits for brunch, lunch, or dinner. For a set price, you can try a little bit of anything or everything from the menu in small plate portions.
We made reservations for brunch in the spring and the dining room was beautifully decorated for Cherry Blossom Season. The whole family enjoyed a wonderful variety of plates:
- Meat Pie- crispy phyllo dough, ground beef, leeks, and lemon garlic yogurt.
- Ambar Mezze- Olivier, lentils, ajvar, and beet tzatziki with pita, cornbread, sudjuk beef salami, beef prosciutto, and spicy pork salami.
- Cevapi- house made beef sausages with roasted pepper and feta cheese emulsion.
- Blueberry Waffle.
- Cinnamon Sweet Truffle Sourdough with Nutella.
- Strawberry Waffle with Nutella, strawberry jam, and vanilla whipped cream.
- Fried Chicken Slider with almond and walnut crusted chicken, pickled Fresno, and apple wasabi slaw.
- Fruit Granola with blueberry yogurt and seasonal fresh fruit.
- Pork Sausage with Ambar mustard and cabbage slaw.
- Mini Burger with house-ground beef, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, and smoked mayo.
- Beef Prosciutto Benedict with English muffin and ajvar hollandaise sauce.
- Mac and Cheese with golden bacon breadcrumbs.
- Cheese Pie- crispy phyllo dough, aged cheese roasted pepper cream, yogurt.
- Smoked Salmon Benedict- English muffin, crème fraîche, ajvar hollandaise sauce.
Lyon Hall
Another brunch option is Lyon Hall at 3100 Washington Blvd.
Lyon Hall is a brasserie focusing on French and German flavors. They are open daily for dinner with lunch on Fridays, afternoon happy hour, and weekend brunch.
We picked the following:
- L’Espresso Martini- Counter Culture Espresso, espresso infused Tito’s, Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, and Simple Syrup.
- Aperol Spritz- Aperol, French Sparkling Wine.
- Fresh Beignets with Crème Anglaise.
- Kids’ French Toast with Fresh Fruit.
- Short Rib Benedict with shredded potato, spinach, truffled hollandaise, and salad.
- Croque Madame- French ham, Dijon, Gruyère cheese, Mornay sauce, chive, sunny side up egg.
- Kids’ Cheeseburger with Pommes Frites.
Hanabi Ramen
Hanabi Ramen is just steps away from the Clarendon Metro at 3024 Wilson Blvd.
Their menu is filled with an assortment of ramen, appetizers, bento, donburi, udon, curry, and desserts. Online ordering is available through their website.
We stopped by for lunch one day and enjoyed the following:
- Gyoza- dumplings with pork, cabbage, Chinese chive, garlic, ginger, and spices.
- Karaage Donburi- chicken Karaage, egg tartar, chopped green onion, donburi sauce over steamed rice.
- Champon- seafood and pork broth with sliced pork, Naruto, shrimp, squid, kikurage, cabbage, carrots, onion, green onion.
- Chicken Ramen- deep fried chicken in chicken based broth with bean sprouts, menma, green onion, seasoned soft egg.
- Shoyu Ramen- clear chicken broth Shoyu ramen, pork Chashu, Naruto, 1/2 hard boiled egg, menma, and green onion.
Looking for more travel in Northern Virginia?
Check out:
- Kkwabaegi (Korean Twisted Doughnuts) and Centreville, Virginia
- Spetzofai (Greek Sausage and Peppers) and Mosaic District
- Outer Space Bento and Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Ćevapi (Balkan Grilled Meat)
Inspired by our time in Clarendon and brunch at Ambar, I finally made Ćevapi at home!
Ćevapi (ћевапи, ćevapčići/ћевапчићи) are small, skinless sausages with variations found across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and neighboring countries in the Balkans (southeastern Europe).
In the version I am sharing today, beef (or a combination of beef and lamb) is combined with seasonings and baking soda, then refrigerated overnight.
The next day, the mixture is piped into individual sausages and grilled or pan-fried until golden.
Ćevapi Serving Ideas
To make a complete meal, I paired the Ćevapi with Lepinja (Balkan Flatbread), chopped onions, Ajvar (Balkan Roasted Red Pepper Spread), and kajmak (creamy, spreadable cheese).
The kids enjoy them with either the Lepinja or alongside fries. They are also delicious with a salad such as Shopska Salad (Balkan Šopska Salata).
Forming the Ćevapi
There are a few different ways you can form these Ćevapi.
I personally like to transfer the meat mixture to a piping bag with a 3/4 inch (2 centimeter) corner snipped off. This is an easy way to get more even pieces.
Pipe the meat mixture into 3 inch (7.6 centimeter) long logs across a greased sheet of parchment. Keep in mind that the Ćevapi will shrink slightly in the pan as the fat from the meat renders (more or less depending on the type of meat used).
You could also divide the mixture into about 20 pieces and roll each piece by hand into a log about 3/4 inch (2 centimeters) wide.
A Few Ćevapi Tips
Don’t skip the overnight rest. It helps develop the overall flavor and texture. The mixture can be refrigerated from 12 to 24 hours.
The type of meat in the mixture varies based on the region. I personally use ground beef or more often a combination of 70 percent ground beef and 30 percent ground lamb. Some areas include pork.
Seasonings also vary based on the region.
For best results, use a charcoal grill to really infuse that smoky flavor. I unfortunately do not currently have a yard that supports an outdoor grill, so I make them in a greased, cast iron skillet.
I generally include a little sweet paprika, but sometimes use smoked paprika to help replicate that grilled flavor.
Either grate or very finely chop the onion. Bigger pieces won’t blend as well with the meat and may cause issues with piping.
The baking soda will help add a tender, springy texture. After adding the baking soda, mix together the ingredients for about 5 minutes to make sure everything is fully incorporated.
This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd or freeze for future meals.
To freeze (for up to 2 months), place the parchment-lined baking sheet with the piped meat (uncooked) in the freezer. Once frozen through, transfer the logs to a freezer safe bag. Thaw in a single layer in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Refrigerate leftover cooked Ćevapi in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a 240˚F (115˚C) oven.
Ćevapi (Balkan Grilled Meat) Recipe
Adapted from The Balkan Kitchen by Irina Janakievska
Ćevapi (Balkan Grilled Meat)
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef or 70% ground beef and 30% ground lamb
- 1/2 onion peeled
- 2 garlic cloves peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon paprika optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sparkling water
- sunflower oil or vegetable oil for pan-frying
Instructions
- Place the ground meat in a large bowl.
- Grate the onion over the bowl to collect the grated pieces and any resulting juices.
- Add the garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and sparkling water. Add to the meat mixture and mix well with your hands for roughly 5 minutes until completely combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate 12-24 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment. Grease the parchment lightly with sunflower or vegetable oil.
- Transfer the rested mixture to a piping bag with a 3/4 inch (2 centimeter) corner snipped off.
- Pipe 3 inch (7.6 centimeter) long logs of the meat mixture in rows across the parchment to make roughly 20 Ćevapi in all.
- Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil.
- Once heated, transfer a few of the Ćevapi to the pan, taking care to not overcrowd.
- Cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and heated through to 165˚F (74˚C).
- Transfer the cooked Ćevapi to a plate and repeat with the remaining pieces.
- Serve immediately.
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