The Parthenon is a justly beloved traditional Greek restaurant in DC. Enjoying a meal on the Parthenon’s attractive outdoor patio is a rite of spring and rightly so. Portions are generous and service friendly. Some restaurants never seem to change and the Parthenon is one of them. That’s the point.While I’ve been less enamored of a few of the traditional entrees post-pandemic (I’ve found the baked lamb and moussaka duller than previously, although my companion loved the latter), there is some delicious Greek food to be had here.My latest visit yielded the following excellent preparations: fried squid (light, tender with a crisp exterior), lamb souvlaki (beautifully grilled with a hint of char, also available in chicken or pork) and baklava (not overly sweet, a symphony in flaky philo, walnuts and cinnamon.) The traditional Greek coffee makes a delicious end to a meal (choose your desired level of sweetness: bitter, medium or sweet.)Enjoy!
I was visiting Washington a few weeks ago and ate the Parthenon. We were seated outside on a covered patio on a nice cool evening. For appetizers we the Saganaki Flambe and the Manitaria Gemista (mushroom stuffed with crab). Both were delicious. In addition, we had three shots of Ouzo to celebrate our upcoming Greek main courses. In between the meals one of the owners Mike came over and had a long conversation about the history of the restaurant and the food. There were three of us and for the main course I ordered the Broiled Pork Chops with potatoes and vegetables, my friend ordered the Glosa Gemisti with Crab Meat and vegetables, (stuffed Flounder), our third person had a Greek salad. As you can see by the pictures the portions were generous. The food was delicious, and the service was out of this world. There was the metered street parking, and this restaurant is dog friendly on the outside patio section. So, when in the Chevy Chase area and looking an authentic Greek restaurant for lunch or dinner the Parthenon is the place to go.
I love Pathenon because it is reliable and unpretentious. It feels warm and hospitable. The portions are solid and worth the price. They don't put sugar in their sauces and dressings. I love that they have liver on the menu, which is not easy to find these days. I like to eat at a table with a tablecloth. And you always get a table even without a reservation. It's a perfect neighborhood restaurant.
Elegant classic Greek fare. Lovely dining room, courteous staff.
We had a great meal, and we really appreciate the Parthenon and the Lounge as a great part of the community. For a full review, see https://johntannersbbqblog.wordpress.com/2022/01/19/the-parthenon-upper-connecticut-avenue-washington-dc/
We hadn't been in a while and forgot just how good the food is. For awful review, see John tanners bbq blog and search "parthenon"
Grape leaves and lamb dish were delicious ?
Got a gyro, salad, and drink as take-out. It was pricier than it should have been. The gyro was good but the side salad was just a small portion on the gyro. The soda was in a small cup, not as much as a can or bottle. I like their bread, but I will look for a better deal elsewhere.
We heard it was first-rate, but we had a disappointing delivery meal: my wife's Moussaka ($20) was good, but my Large Greek Salad ($13.25) with "lettuce, tomatoes, spring onions, dill, olives, and feta cheese" was 95% chopped lettuce, two wedges of tomato (so, half of one tomato), a couple of pieces of onion, there was dill? three olives and two pieces of feta. If we had eaten there, I would have returned it. Should have looked at the Trip Advisor reviews. Has the owner given up?
Have been to this restaurant lots of times always very good