Balos Estiatorio

"Named after the seaside destination, Balos serves up plenty of traditional and new-age Greek plates. Classic dishes include cucumber and tomato-filled Greek salad, grilled halloumi, spanakopita, and spreads like hummus, taziki, and taramasalata. There are plenty of seafood options, with an extensive raw bar, sea bass “plaki” in a tomato fish broth, plenty of butterflied whole fish, and even crudos with accents of honey and lemon. The Mediterranean hot spot also serves up a luxurious brunch, with espresso martinis made tableside in flavors like salted caramel and orange cinnamon." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky

"Dupont’s sleek Greek hot spot tacked on brunch last spring and introduced a new bottomless option in late 2024. The midday weekend brunch (11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) brings crab cake eggs Benedict, omelet, shakshouka, and baklava French toast to the table. Bottomless brunch ($45) includes mimosas, Bellinis, bloody Marys, or tableside espresso martini service with an array of flavors like pumpkin spice, salted caramel, orange cinnamon, and banana. Menu here and reservations here." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky

"Dupont’s newest place to be seen welcomed top German DJ Zedd soon after opening in late 2023. The Grammy winner was seen dancing to his song and waving a napkin in the air while enjoying Mediterranean dishes such as lobster pasta, spanakopita, lamb chops, and the “Filthy Greek” martini. Actor Ryan Phillippe was also spotted here for his friend Patrick Osuna’s 50th birthday party before heading to downtown newcomer Grazie Mille. Select Real Housewives of Potomac cast members celebrated their annual holiday party at Balos with sparklers, shots, cocktails, and Greek desserts." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb

"In episode 7, Mia Thornton and her bestie Jacqueline Blake went to the celebrity-friendly Balos in Dupont Circle. The duo laughed and caught up over oysters, Greek spreads and pita, Greek salad, lobster pasta, lamb chops, and red and white wine." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb

"The year-old Dupont Circle restaurant takes no shortcuts when it comes to Greek island-chic, and the bathroom is no exception. With a neutral palette, curved arched ceilings and a hanging floral arrangement spanning the entire long hallway, you might have to fight for a photo at the full-length mirror at the end. Fear not, however, as each bathroom is private and outfitted with its own sink, mirror, natural stone mosaic accent wall, and monogrammed, linen-feel towels." - Abi Newhouse, Nicole Schaller, Eater Staff