Balos Estiatorio
Restaurant · Dupont Circle ·
Energetic dining room serving grilled octopus, lobster, lamb
Energetic dining room serving grilled octopus, lobster, lamb
"Brunch brings a roaming espresso martini cart that bartenders use to mix cocktails on demand—an attention-grabber that’s blown up on social media—and the drama continues at dinner with a tomahawk steak carved tableside." - Adele Chapin
"A who’s-who Greek hangout that woke up a Dupont block in 2023." - Tierney Plumb
"Friends and industry vets Stefanos Vouvoudakis, Tom Tsiplakos, and Joe Ragonese — all grandchildren of Greek immigrants — brought their idyllic country’s vacay and party-starting vibes to a once-sleepy Dupont corner in late 2023. It’s the place to be at midnight, when a lively napkin toss gets the whole restaurant involved alongside a DJ. The local celebrity magnet was the celebratory venue of choice for NHL star Alex Ovechkin after his record-breaking goal. Named after the gorgeous Greek lagoon, Balos honors its watery muse with a plentiful seafood selection, raw bar, and whole fish flown in daily. Weekend brunch is also a fun affair." - Claudia Rosenbaum
"Balos has become a go-to for brunch in Dupont Circle, where the upbeat ambiance feeds off bottomless brunch cocktails ($45 per person) that include tableside espresso martinis (made with strong For Five espresso). But don’t sleep on the actual food menu while deciding between a matcha, fig, or salted caramel version of the popular coffee cocktail. Appetizers include the spinach and leek-stuffed spanakopita, comforting avgolemono soup, and a light grilled octopus dish with a crispy exterior and caper sauce topping filled with acidity. Entrees cover every decadent brunch dish imaginable, from lobster in eggs Benedict and between buttered rolls to baklava French toast or steak and eggs. The three-course brunch option ($45) can be paired with bottomless drinks for a lavish and memorable weekend meal. --Emily Venezky" - Tierney Plumb
"A napkin-throwing Greek hot spot in Dupont known for its celebratory atmosphere; it gained broad attention as the site where Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal was celebrated." - Tierney Plumb