Top 10 Greek Restaurants to Try in Washington, DC

Washington DC is a city of embassies, diplomats, and a deeply international dining culture, and the Greek food scene here reflects that cosmopolitan appetite. From a historic carriage house turned romantic dining destination in Dupont Circle to a no-frills deli on 19th Street that has earned a cult following among downtown workers, DC offers Greek food at every level and for every occasion. Please note that the restaurants below are not listed in any particular order. Every spot on this list is worth a visit in its own right.

Balos Estiatorio

A Michelin-recognized restaurant in the heart of Dupont Circle, Balos Estiatorio is one of the finest Greek dining experiences in Washington DC. Named after a lush lagoon on the outskirts of Crete, the restaurant features two elegant rooms dotted with olive trees, wall hangings, and fine pottery that make you feel genuinely transported. The menu is built around fresh seafood flown in from Greece, regional fish grilled with ladolemono and capers, spanakopita, citrus-toned avgolemono, lamb kleftiko, and a raw bar that is among the best in the city. The Greek fries are legendary, the baklava with iced Greek yogurt is the only way to end a meal, and the bottomless weekend brunch has developed its own devoted following. Greek wines round out an experience that is hard to beat anywhere in DC.

Zaytinya

One of the most celebrated Mediterranean restaurants in the country, Zaytinya is a DC institution that draws on Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese culinary traditions to create a mezze experience that is hard to match anywhere in the city. The menu of small plates is endlessly shareable, the space is beautiful and lively, and the combination of bold flavors and refined technique makes it a destination for locals and visitors alike. It consistently ranks among the best Greek-influenced restaurants in DC and has done so for years.

Iron Gate Restaurant

Housed in a historic Dupont Circle townhouse with a former stable and carriageway, Iron Gate is one of the most romantic and atmospheric dining destinations in all of Washington. The raftered dining room with its massive fireplace and the trellised garden patio heated and open almost year-round make it as much an experience as a meal. The menu blends Greek and Italian small plates with a tasting menu option, and the fava bean salad, short rib, and fresh seafood dishes are consistently outstanding.

Taverna Cretekou

A beloved institution in Old Town Alexandria just across the river from DC, Taverna Cretekou is one of the most authentic and long-standing Greek restaurants in the greater Washington area. The menu is a faithful tour of Greek classics executed with genuine care, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere has kept locals coming back for decades. It is the kind of restaurant that feels like it has been there forever because it essentially has.

Nostos

Located in Tysons Corner in McLean, Nostos is one of the most highly regarded Greek restaurants in the DC metro area and consistently praised for its fresh, contemporary approach to Mediterranean cooking. The branzino, grilled octopus, and moussaka are all phenomenal, the mezze including zucchini fritters and Greek beans are outstanding, and the Aegean-inspired dining room adorned with nostalgic Greek photography creates a genuinely transportive atmosphere. It is a go-to for both romantic dinners and lively group gatherings.

Parthenon Restaurant

A neighborhood anchor in Chevy Chase that has earned a loyal and devoted following, Parthenon is one of DC's most beloved authentic Greek restaurants. The menu covers the classics with consistency and generosity, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff treat regulars like family. It is the kind of restaurant that people call their go-to Greek spot and mean it.

Greek Deli and Catering

A cult favorite among downtown DC workers and one of the most talked-about Greek spots in the city, Greek Deli and Catering on 19th Street punches well above its weight for a takeout and catering operation. The chicken in green sauce on pita, the orzo with green beans, and the generous portions across the board have earned it a reputation that extends well beyond its modest setting. Even the Greek Embassy is said to order from them, which tells you everything you need to know.

Mazi DC

A cozy and intimate Greek spot that feels like a genuine escape from the city, Mazi DC is one of those places that wins you over immediately with its red mood lighting, wall of wines, and warmly executed menu. The pork souvlaki and chicken kababs are perfectly cooked, the antique Greek salads are refreshing and bright, and the espresso martinis are a fine way to finish the evening. It is a neighborhood gem that has developed a devoted following for good reason.

Mastiha Taverna

A well-reviewed Greek taverna in the DC area that earns consistent praise for its authentic dishes and genuine hospitality, Mastiha Taverna brings a welcoming and personal energy to traditional Greek cooking. The spanakopita, calamari, and lamb dishes are all executed with care, and the atmosphere is comfortable and inviting for both casual meals and longer celebratory dinners.

Zorba's Cafe

A charming and unpretentious Greek spot that functions as DC's answer to a cozy Athenian taverna, Zorba's Cafe has been satisfying the city's Greek food cravings for years with its famous souvlaki platters, grilled chicken souvlaki, authentic Greek wine, and airy outdoor seating with Greek-inspired decor. It is an approachable and reliable neighborhood spot that delivers exactly what it promises every time.

Our Mom Eugenia

A standout for vegetarians and vegans looking for authentic Greek cuisine, Our Mom Eugenia in the Mosaic District offers a plant-forward menu of Greek dishes that earns raves from meat eaters and non-meat eaters alike. The kolokithokeftedes stuffed zucchini fritters are a highlight, the spanakopita has been called better than versions tasted in Greece, and the commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in every dish. It fills a genuine gap in the DC Greek dining scene and fills it beautifully.

Conclusion

Washington DC's Greek dining scene runs deeper than most people expect, spreading from the city itself out into Alexandria, McLean, and the Mosaic District. The eleven restaurants here give you a strong foundation, but there are plenty more authentic Greek tables across the metro area waiting to be found.