Growing up in a Greek-American household, food wasn’t just sustenance; it was the heart of every gathering. Memories of summers spent with my yiayia in Greece are intertwined with the rich aromas and communal joy of Greek meals. Food was a language of its own, spoken fluently even when Greek words escaped me. Moving to D.C. for college, I longed for those authentic Greek flavors. Searching for “Best Greek Food Near Me” often left me disappointed with the limited and sometimes lackluster options. I often relied on care packages of ingredients from family to recreate those cherished dishes myself.
Then, in 2023, the culinary landscape shifted. Washington D.C. welcomed a wave of new Greek restaurants – Balos, Limani, Meli, and Philotimo 2.0 – each promising a unique taste of Greece. As a lover of authentic Greek cuisine, I embarked on a delicious mission to explore these newcomers. My goal? To discover which restaurants truly capture the essence of Greek food and culture, and importantly, which ones would earn my yiayia’s discerning approval. For anyone searching for “best greek food near me” in D.C., this guide will help you navigate these exciting new options.
Balos
Vibe Check
Stepping into Balos from the Dupont Circle streets is like being transported to a chic restaurant on a Greek island like Crete or Santorini – the very islands that inspire its decor. The design blends modern minimalism with classic Greek architectural elements. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with napkin-throwing encouraged and music ranging from traditional Greek melodies to contemporary club beats. It’s no wonder Balos attracted Zedd for a pre-show dinner – the vibe is undeniably vibrant.
Must-Try Dishes
The whole fish at Balos is an absolute must-try. One of the greatest pleasures of dining in Greece is the accessibility of fresh, affordable whole fish. While it comes at a higher price point in the US, the flaky, white Dorado, simply dressed with ladolemono (a classic lemon and olive oil dressing), is worth every penny. It tastes exactly as it should – like what you’d find in a Greek taverna or upscale restaurant by the sea. The pita bread here stood out as the best among all the restaurants I visited, and it was the perfect accompaniment to their creamy hummus. For dessert, Balos excels with spot-on renditions of galaktoboureko (a luscious custard pastry soaked in syrup) and karidopita (a fragrant walnut cake with orange syrup). The baklava was also commendable, though perhaps a bit light on the walnut filling compared to the phyllo pastry.
Yiayia’s Verdict
While my yiayia maintains that her baklava reigns supreme (as yiayias often do!), she, like me, has a deep appreciation for fresh, flaky fish. She would undoubtedly be charmed by Balos’s decor and the overall ambiance.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25432320/D85_9531_HDR_Edit.jpg)
Limani
Vibe Check
Limani, a grand newcomer to The Wharf, shares a similar upscale and modern aesthetic with Balos. However, Limani’s design leans more towards American fine dining, incorporating nautical elements and crisp white linens. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning Potomac River views. The music selection, featuring Greek love ballads, added a pleasant and distinctly Greek touch to the dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes
The gigantes at Limani are a standout. This classic Greek dish of large white beans in a rich tomato stew was excellently prepared, although with a slight twist from traditional recipes. While typically seasoned with oregano, spearmint, and parsley, this version had a hint of basil, which was still delicious. The horta, a quintessential Greek side dish of boiled leafy greens simply dressed with lemon, olive oil, and salt, was the most authentically prepared horta I’ve encountered at any Greek restaurant in the United States. This humble dish, a staple in Greek cuisine, was a testament to Limani’s commitment to authentic flavors.
Yiayia’s Verdict
I can almost picture my yiayia humming along to the Greek love songs at Limani, completely captivated by the breathtaking waterfront views.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25432323/DSCF1242_Enhanced_NR_1.0.jpg)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25432462/limani.png)
Meli
Vibe Check
Meli Wine & Mezze offers a unique and intimate dining experience, reminiscent of a traditional Greek taverna. Tucked away at the base of a stylish apartment complex in AdMo, Meli exudes a quiet neighborhood charm. While the decor is modern, the ambiance evokes the feeling of visiting local tavernas in less touristy Greek islands like Ikaria or Samos, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes
Meli describes itself as “Greek-ish,” indicating a creative approach to classic Greek dishes. However, a genuine appreciation for Greek cuisine is evident in every dish. The green cabbage salad with scallions, olive oil, and lemon is a testament to this. Created by Head Chef Keri Wieczorek, who draws inspiration from her Polish heritage and love for cabbage, this tangy and refreshing salad is reminiscent of the classic Greek maroulosalata. Maroulosalata, a romaine lettuce salad with green onions, dill, olive oil, and red wine vinegar, is a staple in Greek homes, often served with grilled meats like lamb or souvlaki. Meli also offers incredibly addictive crispy pita chips, perfect for scooping up tzatziki and other dips like htipiti (a roasted red pepper and feta dip).
Yiayia’s Verdict
Knowing my yiayia’s penchant for pocketing bread from restaurants, I have no doubt she would have discreetly wrapped a few of Meli’s crispy pita chips in a napkin to enjoy later!
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25432405/421569705_17924114507830426_7080868146126754083_n.jpg)
Philotimo // Kaimaki
Vibe Check
Chef Nick Stefanelli’s Philotimo, along with its adjacent sister bar Kaimaki, offers a dramatically different experience. Philotimo is extravagant, sleek, and sultry, featuring net-like chandeliers, plush seating, and abundant candlelight. Kaimaki bar next door maintains a similar sophisticated feel but with a more playful musical vibe, often featuring club tracks.
Must-Try Dishes
The cocktail program at Philotimo, spearheaded by Beverage Director Joseph Kocjan, is exceptional, creatively incorporating Greek ingredients and flavors in a way unmatched by the other restaurants. The EOS cocktail, a tequila-based drink featuring mastika (a distinctive resin from the mastic tree in Chios, Greece), was a highlight. Mastika, frequently used in Greek desserts and drinks, can be easily overpowered, but Kocjan skillfully showcased its unique flavor. The Yiayia’s Nightcap dessert cocktail was another standout, perfectly capturing the essence of baklava in liquid form. Food-wise, the dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) were excellent, although prepared in a style more reminiscent of Lebanese dolmades, with a slightly lower filling-to-grape leaf ratio, they were nonetheless delicious.
Yiayia’s Verdict
While my yiayia isn’t much of a drinker, she would have eagerly finished the Yiayia’s Nightcap and probably reached for mine too!
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25432401/Kaimaki_Interior3.jpg)
For those seeking even more Greek food options “near me”, consider fast-casual Greco in Georgetown, and pop-ups like Tarátsa at Top of the Gate and Mediterranean fish Fridays at Gerrard Street Kitchen, further enriching D.C.’s burgeoning Greek culinary scene. Whether you’re searching for an elegant dining experience or a casual bite, D.C.’s new Greek restaurants offer something for every palate and preference.
