Melina

"As a surge of Greek restaurants continue to open in D.C., Cava group’s contemporary ode to the idyllic Mediterranean country continues to impress Pike & Rose diners three years in. Aris Tsekouras helms its open kitchen after years cooking in upscale eateries in Greece, bringing a passion for homemade breads and tangy cheeses. A year-round bounty of fresh vegetables are celebrated on the table, as seen in a gem-hued beet salad accompanied by yogurt, pickled blackberries, smoked walnuts, carob, and basil. Other lunch and dinner highlights include slow-roasted lamb neck kleftiko, cheese pie, grilled octopus, beef tartare, stone crab bucatini, and portobello mushroom souvlaki. Kick off weekend brunch with a crowd-pleasing mezze plate of smoked salmon, soft-boiled organic eggs, sourdough koulouri, tarama cream, and smoked trout roe. A stucco interior framed with wooden beams augments the transportive meal." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky

"At Melina, the cozy Old Fashioned is smoked tableside with Basil Hayden bourbon whiskey, thyme pomegranate brandy, and orange bitters. Another options is the Bouboulina, which features Ilegal Joven mezcal, roasted beets, lime, honey, and fennel." - Vinciane Ngomsi

"As a surge of Greek restaurants continue to open in D.C., Cava group’s contemporary ode to the idyllic Mediterranean country continues to impress Pike & Rose diners two years in. Aris Tsekouras helms the kitchen after years cooking in upscale kitchens in Greece, bringing a passion for homemade breads and tangy cheeses. A year-round bounty of fresh vegetables are celebrated on the table, as seen in a gem-hued beet salad accompanied by yogurt, pickled blackberries, smoked walnuts, carob, and basil. Other lunch and dinner highlights include slow-roasted lamb neck kleftiko, cheese pie, grilled octopus, beef tartare, stone crab bucatini, and portobello mushroom souvlaki. Kick off weekend brunch with a crowd-pleasing mezze plate of smoked salmon, soft-boiled organic eggs, sourdough Koulouri bread, tarama cream, and smoked trout roe." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

"Named after the daughter of Cava co-founder and chef Dimitri Moshovitis, Melina’s modern Greek menu showcases salads, meze, skewers, fresh tuna crudo, and mains like braised short rib with creamy orzo, thyme, and mizithra cheese. The Pike & Rose complex, also home to the team’s French brasserie Julii, will add an American steakhouse sibling called Bouboulina next year." - Tim Ebner

"A Greek restaurant focusing on veggie-forward dishes and Greek specialties, located inside a new office building at Pike & Rose complex." - Gabe Hiatt