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The Top 10 Greek Restaurants to try in Washington DC

It’s all Greek (food) to Me!

Those living in the Washington, D.C., area know that one advantage is being surrounded by high quality restaurants that provide culinary experiences representing a global scale.  Greek food is no exception to a host of other cuisines that you should try when you find yourself in Washington, D.C.

a variety of delicious greek cuisine served at a restaurant in Washington DC

Whether or not you are looking for a casual takeout spot to grab a gyro from, or a sit down restaurant to enjoy the full dining experience with live Greek music, this article will be your go to guide! 


Our Mama Eugenia

2985 District Ave Suite 185, Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 434-339-4019
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With two locations in Northern Virginia, Fairfax and Great Falls, Our Mama Eugenia is hailed as a favorite by many who live in the Washington, D.C. area.  This Greek restaurant, loved by many, is named after the matriarch of the Hobson family – none other than Chef Eugenia. Born in Western Greece, she has been a chef for over 30 years.

Our Mama Eugenia offers a variety of authentic Greek dishes including vegetarian appetizers. I recommend ordering the Grilled Halloumi and a variety of Spreads to start, followed by the Whole Branzino, the Lavraki.

If you are a carnivore, give the Arni Giouvetsi a go. This oven braised Lamb dish is a true fan favorite!  Our Mama Eugenia has been given many accolades, including receiving Diner’s Choice awards and nods from The Washington Post’s Tom Sietsema.

Of note, Our Mama Eugenia allows customers to bring in their favorite bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner for a corkage fee, and they allow cakes to be brought in for a cakeage fee. Our Mama Eugenia also offers catering services.


Zorba’s Cafe

1612 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-387-8555
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Located in the heart of Dupont Circle this Greek Restaurant has been a mainstay in Washington, D.C. for 38 years!. This upscale casual dining restaurant offers tasty dishes in a renovated rowhouse. Diners enjoy this dining experience no matter where they are seated – in their upstairs dining room, which has a view, their main floor, and even on their outside streetry with heaters on the patio, perfect for people watching!

Their Souvlaki and yeros are a true hit amongst customers, and I also recommend trying the Fasolia Plakee as well! All of the ingredients are fresh, and it will not be hard to find your new favorite dish at Zorba’s while enjoying authentic Greek music. 

Zorba’s Cafe is happy to offer customers dishes that are vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free. Their friendly staff is engaging and knowledgeable. Their streetery is wildly popular in the Dupont Circle area, so be sure to get there early, and enjoy! 


Taverna Cretekou

818 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-548-8688
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A staple in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria, Taverna Cretekou has been serving regional Greek food since 1973! Taverna Cretekou is an upscale dining restaurant that features an intimate ambiance, perfect for special occasion dinners.

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They also have a patio for those who wish to dine outdoors. While dining at Taverna Cretekou, it is suggested that you enjoy the “Greek Lifestyle” – enjoying a bottle of wine with multiple small plates to share.

I recommend ordering a bottle of Greek red with Fava, Feta Saganaki, and the Kalamari Salad to start. Ordering the Korfu Dava, Veal with tomatoes and eggplant is considered by some to be the next obvious choice.

Recognized by Zagat Survey as one of the region’s top Greek restaurants, Taverna Cretekou is a wonderful place to gather with family and friends in the Washington, D.C. area. In addition to their delicious food,Taverna Cretekou also offers live music on Thursday evenings. There is a break in service between lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended. 


Kellari Taverna 

1700 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-535-5274
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Located in the downtown area of Washington, D.C., many Washingtonians consider Kellari Taverna to be their go-to restaurant for solid Greek food.  As an upscale dining establishment specializing in seafood, Kellari Taverna places great emphasis on the importance of the history of fishermen in Greece.

Their focus is on sustainability, as well as fresh ingredients that are locally sourced from farmers and ranchers alike. I highly recommend going to Kellari Taverna on a date or with a friend and ordering from their Dinner for Two menu, which includes a bottle of wine. Diners can choose from a number of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

I recommend the Oysters and the Artic Char. If you are looking for something lighter, order the Lavraki and the Kellari Chips.  Kellari Taverna serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week and brunch on the weekends. They also host private events, including corporate dinners, brunch events, catering, and cocktail events. Reservations are encouraged. 


Cava Mezze

527 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
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Spread out across the Washington, D.C., area, Cava Mezze has several locations including in Capitol Hill, Clarendon, and Rockville. They also have locations in Maryland, including Baltimore and Olney. Cava Mezze is an upscale casual restaurant that offers a variety of opportunities for customers in the Washington, D.C. area to enjoy Greek food – offering Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, and Happy Hour, you really cannot go wrong.

The team at Cava Mezze is wonderful, and many team members have been with the Cava Mezze restaurants for over ten years. In fact, the team at Cava Mezze fosters such positive relationships amongst one another that many consider themselves lifelong friends – several marriages have even emerged from meeting at Cava Mezze!

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This is only fitting, as Greek food is often centered around family and family gatherings. Do not skip out on the Grilled Octopus or Hummus at Cava Mezze!  Cava Mezze offers half priced wine bottles on Tuesday nights! They also offer a very popular prix fixe menu each Saturday and Sunday with $0.25 mimosas! Talk about a deal!

Their Clarendon location also has a very large patio in the back, so make sure to ask to sit outside when it is available. 


The Athena Pallas

556 22nd St S, Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: 703-521-3870
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Located in Crystal City in the Arlington, Virginia area of Washington, D.C., The Athena Pallas has been a hit amongst locals.  The Athena Pallas is an intimate restaurant that is family friendly with a joyful atmosphere. As a family owned and operated restaurant, this is also one of the most authentic Greek restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area.

The Saganaki Makedonias, the roasted red pepper appetizer, is the epitome of Greek comfort food. For a hearty finish, try the Fileto Lemonato, the tenderloin.  Open Monday – Saturday, The Athena Pallas offers lunch and dinner daily. The Athena Pallas is known to not only Washingtonians, it is on many lists of people visiting the Washington, D.C. area for consistent, authentic, and delicious Greek food.  


Nosto’s Restaurant

8100 Boone Blvd, Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: 703-760-0690
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Nestled into the Vienna area of Northern Virginia, Nosto’s Restaurant is a Greek restaurant not to miss in the Washington, D.C. area.  With stone walls and a modern decor, Nosto’s is a beautiful restaurant, ideal for a date or to celebrate a special occasion.

In addition to delicious Greek food with the freshest ingredients, Nosto’s Restaurant also has an extensive wine list. The staff are knowledgeable, and will be able to stir you in the right direction for choosing a wine pairing with your meal.

I suggest ordering a few of the Mezedes, or small plates, and then sharing two entrees – go with the Salmon Filet and the Mousaka, sliced eggplant and zucchini with potatoes and ground beef. The Mousaka is a favorite of regular diners. 

Nosto’s will post deals on their website, so be sure to keep an eye out for them! They are currently offering 50% off of Greek wine with orders to go, as well as a percentage off of to go orders. Nosto’s Restaurant is absolutely one to try. They have received many nods for their outstanding Greek food in the Washington, D.C. area, including reviews from The Washingtonian and The Washington Post. 


Alfa Piehouse

1750 H St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-846-7122
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Alfa Piehouse is a beloved Greek restaurant located in the downtown area of Washington, D.C.  Alfa Piehouse is a casual dining restaurant serving up delicious handmade Greek pies. One to try – the Santorini Pie with Cheese and Green Pepper.

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In addition to traditional Greek Pies, Alfa Piehouse also serves unique items, including breakfast pies and spreads! Their Empirius breakfast pie is one to order. Made with flaky Fyllo layers, it also features feta cheese and authentic Kalamata extra virgin olive oil. 

Alfa Piehouse is completely transparent with all ingredients used in all of their dishes, and they hold pride in the quality of their meals. They also believe in sharing information. Therefore, you can find some absolutely spectacular recipes right on their website, as well as blog posts. Alfa Piehouse also offers catering and online ordering. 


The Greek Spot

2017 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-265-3118
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The Greek spot is situated in the heart of the lively U Street Corridor in Washington, D.C.   The Greek Spot is a casual dining eatery that is family owned and operated. This family friendly restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying delicious Greek food regardless of the weather.

The Greek Spot offers lunch and dinner six days a week. Start with ordering their falafel, as well as a Gyro sub. They also have unique offerings including Tuna Pitas and Grilled Cheese Pitas. Do not forget to save room for dessert! Koula’s Carrot Cake is an absolute must have. 

The Greek Spot is a solid choice for Greek food in the Washington, D.C., area – whether or not you are looking for a casual dine in experience, or you are interested in getting takeout. The Greek Spot also offers catering services, and requires four days advance ordering. 


Souvlaki 

1917 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-652-1693
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Located in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C., Souvlaki consistently serves up fresh Greek food. Souvlaki has a casual, intimate dining area with shabby chic, coastal decor. They also offer patio dining with heaters. Souvlaki is as authentic as it gets for a fast casual Greek dining experience!

Souvlaki offers create-your-own pitas and platters, with customers choosing their own protein, sides, and sauces. Try a Shrimp pita wrap, and don’t forget to order it with the fries inside! I also highly recommend getting Any Three Spreads – and make sure one of those spreads is their Spicy Feta! 

The staff at Souvlaki are always courteous, friendly, and knowledgeable. Feel free to ask them for recommendations, they are always happy to help. Souvlaki also offers catering and online ordering. 


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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