Parthenon | Top/ Most Authentic Greek Cuisine in DC

This well established neighborhood restaurant has been around for a long time. Offering old time Greek favorites, it is consistent. I ordered the lamb slouvaki and it was pretty good. The spinach pie was decent. So was the lemon chicken soup The service was subpar and there is zero atmosphere

We came by to hike at Rock Creek without doing any research on where to eat after. That was a mistake, as we were hungry and needed good options fast. It was either this Greek place or the Thai place across the road. We eat Thai all the time, so the unanimous decision was this Greek! The waiter and all the staff were very friendly. The place and decoration themselves are a little odd. However, it was clean. The highlight is the taste of the food. All the dishes we ordered were spot on. I cannot remember their names, but there was nothing bad I could recall. If I'm ever in the area, I'd come again.

First time here, wanted to try it after I saw the Gordon Ramsay turn around. Food took along time but it came out fresh and hot. From the appetizer to the entree. Would definitely recommend . It seems the locals knew the staff. Junior C- great customer service. The owner even came out and made sure everything was great

I am half Greek and I have to admit this place has the most bland Greek food I ever ate. Look the waiters are pretty nice but the food has no seasoning or flavor. I got the Chicken Souvlaki and the fries had pretty much no salt and the chicken had no taste. Pretty limited selection too in my opinion. There should be more options. I would personally prefer the Big Greek Cafe.

First time here. Our server was slow. He never came back to our table to ask if we needed anything after we placed our order. I had to summon him to get a drink refill for one of our guests. I did not enjoy the gyro as it was dry. We had to order our dessert from a different server whom we summoned because our server was nowhere in sight. Not a pleasant first time experience.

First Time at Parthenon? Prepare to be Wowed! "I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Parthenon Restaurant and Chevy Chase Lounge for the first time, and it was an absolutely delightful experience! Finding parking was a breeze during lunchtime, with ample street parking available (though I'm curious to see how it is in the evenings!). Upon entering, I did wait a brief moment for the host, but from the moment he greeted me , any initial hesitation vanished. And let me tell you, that host? His name is Michael, and he's a true gem. He also served as our server, and his service was nothing short of exceptional. Michael's warmth and genuine enthusiasm made us feel instantly welcome. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offering insightful suggestions and engaging in fantastic conversation throughout our meal. I was torn between two entrees, and his recommendations were so compelling that I simply let him choose for me! He opted for the Bronzino, beautifully fileted prior to coming to the table, and it was divine. However, knowing my curiosity about the lamb shank, he graciously brought out a sample for us to try – both were absolutely phenomenal. Michael had a knack for making sure we were always smiling. He quickly picked up on my preference for positive affirmations and never once uttered the word "no." His attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile were truly remarkable. We started with the crab stuffed mushrooms, which were a perfect appetizer. My lunch companion also enjoyed a delicious fish dish (I regret not remembering the exact type!), which he declared was excellent. We were so full that we couldn't indulge in dessert, but I'm already planning a return visit with my mother. I was thrilled to see calf liver on the menu, a rare find in the city, and I know she'll love it. If you're looking for a lovely, intimate dining experience with outstanding service and delectable food, I wholeheartedly recommend the Parthenon Restaurant. Ask for Michael, and tell him I sent you! You won't be disappointed."

Excellent choice for Greek food. Tasty, generous portions and delicious Baklava with just the right amount of sugar. Lovely server, very accommodating to my needs and especially to the needs of my date, who could be the equivalent to Sally from 'When Harry Met Sally'. Highly recommended restaurant! 💜

One of my favorite restaurants in the city, and with some of the friendliest staff. They know me by order (lamb chops) and name, and the food quality has only gone up in the more than 5 years now I've been a regular there. They also have one of the largest, most pleasant patios around, often filled with families and locals and very enjoyable people-watching.

Still very competent at preparing the tried-and-true Greek dishes. I purposely come at lunch time in the warmer months and enjoy myself. It's quiet then; I can sit inside or out, have a leisurely meal and stay as long as I like. Yes, it's a throwback to another time--but that's what I'm seeking. Last visit, I savored a superb, broiled trout with lightly sautéed potatoes and broccoli. I love to indulge in their fried calamari appetizer. I like a bottle of Mythos Greek beer, which is hard to find. It's a little pleasure for me.

Lunch at this neighborhood favorite was good: my friend and I both ordered omelets. The restaurant was very busy, and yet it took an inordinately long time to get our meal. The omelets were large, and were accompanied by fresh bread as well as mixed vegetables and rice. It was a hearty meal for $13.95. The place is not stuffy, and casual. It was a pleasant place to have lunch with a friend. I hope the next time the service will be faster.

After eating here, some years back, a friend suggested we try this neighborhood spot. Big mistake - I have been suffering from some kind of food poisoning for the last 24 hours - beware the Moussaka! Unfortunately, this restaurant disappoints. It's surprising to me that, on a recent Friday evening, the outdoor seating was as full as it is. The food is so mediocre that anyone who has been to Greece or a proper Greek restaurant will cringe biting into the moussaka, a classic comfort food. I'm not sure if it's that the eggplant has not been seasoned, or if there is not enough salt or flavor in the meat, or perhaps the becbamel sauce isn't done right, but it makes for a passable, edible, but not particularly good meal. It comes with some 'meh' string beans in tomato sauce. All this for $21 (and a very upset stomach that has ruined my weekend). It could be that the restaurant is catering to a very well defined demographic. Most of the patrons appear to be on the (much) older side, so perhaps, spicy, zesty, tasty food is less in demand. On this particular Friday, the waiter and service was charmless. Sitting outdoors on the sidewalk is wonderful on a cool evening, but other than that, the ambience is not much to speak of. I don't like or tend to leave such low star reviews, especially for an establishment that is in my own neighborhood. But there was clearly a hygiene issue with the food that needs to be examined. I also wish the owner or chef would reach deep into grandmother's cookbook and bring out some real Greek flavor and charm. Efharisto!

Our favorite neighborhood restaurant for solid Greek food. The seafood linguine is delectable every time, and the stuffed flounder with crab meat is my go-to comfort food dish. I'm always impressed with the wines here--and the wait staff is always great with recommendations. The outdoor seating is in the shade and is plentiful. Other reviews are right about the older clientele, but this is just one of those places that you start coming and then you go to once a week for years. The servers and manager are super friendly and everyone here seems to know each other (perhaps because they've been coming to this place for years). .

This is a solid three star place. Not as a dig or detraction, it hits a balance of good Greek basics without being a particularly noteworthy or remarkable experience. I had a Greek salad and gyro, both of which were good - the exact style and quality most people would expect from a place called "Parthenon". I was in a bit of a rush and was able to have a nice dinner with wine, and on my way in plenty of time. Others were clearly settling in for a long sit. The servers are all very nice and ever-present, you're never left wondering if you've been forgotten. Overall it has the informal air of a neighborhood place where the well-heeled NW locals come to down several glasses of wine on a regular basis. It's nice enough to serve as a special night, particularly if you have kids, but not stuffy. The large patio can accommodate pretty much anything, and the inside is quaint. Prominent signs against bike lanes are posted on the doors, which may alienate some clientele.

This place I will never ever know why it stays open for so many years. It caters to an older clientele so maybe that's why? I've been made to come here over the years due to family who lives nearby. I have tried many items over the 15+ plus years but everything was just horribly mediocre. The only thing I tend to order is the gyro meat but even then it's iffy if the meat is dry or hard. I've tried different sample platters they have had that didn't wow me either. It reminds me of an old Italian place that serves generic Italian food. When I see a menu I want to be wowed. Their menu is large but nothing wows me. The clientele is older too so they probably don't care or notice how mediocre the food is at all. I put off putting a review here to be nice to years. But after a most recent trip I just don't care. I've spent many summers going to Greece and can cook very good Greek food so this is why I'm extra picky. On the plus side the servers are all nice and the place is clean. It's a pretty basic looking Greek restaurant. Also to be fair no Greek restaurant in the DMV area has ever wowed me at all.

I've gotten the salad, the beans and an omelette. All were good! I also like the bread and olive oil.

We were a party of 10. Went for a birthday party. The service was great. The staff accommodated us very well and they were really nice. Appetizers were okay. However, the entree I had wasn't great. I had baked lamb with orzo. It was soggy. The fat wasn't trimmed at all and it was a wet mess and not the best combination for either the spaghetti or the orzo.

I'm very disappointed in what was at one time a classic appetizer at what was thought of an iconic restaurant In Chevy Chase. How the mighty have fallen! The Parthenon restaurant located on 5510 Connecticut Avenue at one time had the best Greek snack imaginable - an aluminum circular container filled with with both tentacles and tubular pieces of Kalamarakia Tiganita with slices of lemon and bread. It's been a while since I ordered from this restaurant and discovered the Parthenon eatery now serves the hot appetizer in a Styrofoam container with no ventilation and cocktail sauce. Since when is cocktail sauce needed for this dish? For over a decade this restaurant never utilized cocktail and had vents in the aluminum containers so the food could vent. Now with styrofoam containers the two calamari orders resulted in a pure unadulterated soggy mess. I didn't think it possible but the condimental made one order even soggier since it spilled over the squid. We tried some of both orders but they were quickly deposited in the trash receptacle. Signed, Very Disappointed! Maria

The food was good and the portions were generous but every meal I've had here takes far longer than expected as the service is very slow, even when it's not crowded. The outdoor patio seating is really quite lovely on a nice day. I definitely recommend coming here for traditional Greek fare (including taramasolata - the roe dip) but just plan on a long meal.

Wow, we have been going here for decades and while prices steadily increased, they have really jacked them up far beyond inflation. It's now $14.50 for a bowl of soup, I am not kidding. So for a bowl of lentil soup, including tax and 20% tip you pay $19. Nuts! And you may want to ask how much the specials are, they don't mention the price. We got the pasta with scallops, pricey and average.

Excellent food, great service! The Parthenon is an absolute gem. We were visiting Chevy Case for 10 days and went twice!

Our go-to restaurant. Always great service & food, and quiet enough you can hear each other talk. We have been going there since it opened, I think.

This is a no-frills hole-in-the-wall place with excellent Mediterranean food and a friendly staff. My salad was really good, and my wife and daughter liked their dishes as well. Highly recommended for a casual meal.

We joined friends for dinner here, and although it's a restaurant that's been around a long time, I have never been there. Several reviews mentioned slow service, but our reservation was honored by immediate seating and our waiter came right to the table to get us started. My husband ordered the Lemon chicken soup to start, which was creamy and delicious and featured large pieces of chicken. Each person at our table ordered something different and all were happy. I had the flounder stuffed with spinach and feta. A delicious and enormous portion. My husband had the lamb with orzo which I tasted and it was tender and tasty. The presentation of each dish was attractive. We ordered 2 desserts to share. The creme caramel and rice pudding were both delicious. As always in this part of the city parking is a little challenging. This is a restaurant worth revisiting. We love Greek food and this was very enjoyable.

The SPOT! Amazing amazing place. A neighborhood favorite. It does seem local celebs like to frequent here too. You'll see the photos on the wall. We actually watched them turn away Jake Tapper because it was too full! Arrive closer to 5pm if you don't want to wait. Outdoor seating is so pleasant in the warmer months. Their baked feta is iconic. Anything lamb is great. Greek salad is also a must! The manager, I'm afraid I don't remember his name, is wonderful! They were so swamped and honestly food was a bit slow but he made it so much better by checking on us constantly. We didn't even ask but he overheard it was a birthday and brought us a birthday treat. So thoughtful! Above and beyond and will definitely be back.

My fav go to spot never fails to deliver! Carlos and friends...a great, efficient and friendly bunch. They make one feel at ease Thank you guys and will see you soon!

I had a wonderful dinner here last night with a few friends. I lucked out with street parking, but I can see how it could be a pain with the lack or parking lots and garages for restaurants. There was bread at the table when I got there (my friends had been seated earlier), so I started snacking immediately. The waiters were attentive after we ordered (refilling our water, checking in), but it took some time for someone to initially come over and take our orders.it was fun watching the waiters serve the saganaki (flaming cheese) exactly how it should be served -flaming! It's always disappointing when we order it at a Greek restaurant and they don't set it on fire in front of us. I got the gyro salad, which I'd happily get again and again. Everyone else at my table seemed to enjoy their meals too and didn't have any complaints. My only complaint is that the restroom is freezing. Brr!!

The Parthenon has been one of my families favorite restaurants for around 8 years. The staff are always doing their best to make your dining experience enjoyable, while being helpful and kind. The restaurant includes inside and outdoor seating. Inside, the restaurant has a cozy and amazing interior. The outdoor seating is another great place to eat. You are allowed to bring your pets with you to accompany you as well. Not to mention the delicious Greek food. In general, it's a great restaurant that you should totally check out if you have the time.

Great food and enjoyable service! We hosted a baby shower there and the owner were very accommodating.

I love Greek food . I had good time before pandemic. The food was wonderful authentic original Greek food. After pandemic we came back for Mother's Day this restaurant with my sister in law and kids. l was a little disappointed about my sister in law order. She was order specifically lamb kabob style with salad . The lamb was almost the size of tennis ball But It was not well done . She didn't enjoy it her meal . We told him the waiter. He did do nothing. The chair was peeled need update over all ok

Delicious delicate fish row dip, loved my open gyro sandwich and partner enjoyed his souvlaki open sandwich. Take home Baklava! Can't wait!

Good food. Service is not attentive. No one came to wait on me or even say hello. After more than 10 minutes I asked for a waiter. Anytime I needed something, including ordering an entree, had to wave down staff. This had not happened in the past. They seemed moderately busy it not completely full. I felt ignored. Evrn when it came time to pay. I almost wanted to dine and dash. Carol Ann

Great bar and restaurant in Chevy Chase. I visited the BR this trip and the service as excellent. The bartenders were engaging and the appetizers were delicious. Looking forward to my next visit real soon.

TThis is by far the most amazing restaurant I have ever been to we went there two nights ago and ordered carry out we bought two bottles of Greek wine a bottle of Santorini and a bottle of Nemea we ordered crabcakes lamb kebab shrimp kabob two kids chicken tenders and an order of fries when we brought the the food home and heat it up perfectly it tasted amazing the line was amazing they had on their masks their gloves it was no contact pick up they offer delivery now the place is just amazing, This is by far the best Greek food in DC,,keep it up Parthenon you guys are amazing #parthenonrestaurantDC

We had a pleasant but decidedly ordinary meal sitting outside at the Parthenon this past Friday night, dinner before a movie at the Avalon. The beer list was not great, so I just had water. My wife was content with her glass of wine. She had calamari, which was OK, and spanakopita which was good (including mint was a nice touch). I had an avgolemono soup, which was a bowl of glop, and a trout stuffed with the same material as the spanakopita. The fish was a bit overdone but the stuffing was fine. I used the email address on the web site to ask if reservations would be needed for dinner. I never got any response...why have an email address on your site if you don't monitor the mailbox? The outside seating area was packed, but it looked pretty empty on the inside. Not a place to which I look forward to returning.

On Saturday my daughter and husband took me out to celebrate my 62nd birthday. They had selected Parthenon- close to our home. We did not make an reservation thinking it would not be difficult to seat three adults. We arrived at 6:30. It was busy , but we noticed there were two open tables. The owner, whose photo is plastered over the entrance with various celebrities like Bill Clinton, greeted us, told us there was a table for four and another for two. He refused to seat us at the table for four even though it was not reserved asking us instead if we wanted our supper at the bar. We told him we would prefer a table to celebrate my birthday. He still refused us a table. We will never return to this restaurant. The owner's actions that evening was based on racism. I have no doubt. We later had a lovely meal at La Ferme, which had bustling business but still managed to seat us.

Amidst the columns of the Parthenon we had an absolutely wonderful dinner. I most highly recommend the Branzino, Saganaki, Tzasiki, Pasta dishes, and dessert. The Galactobouriko is sooooo very good! The ouzo was terrific and I have nothing to say but wonderful dinner. The staff was professional, polite, and courteous. Love it, just go

This place looks like a real dump. You walk in and take a seat anywhere you like. It is strictly for locals who are regulars. The bread and butter was ok. The butter pat was at room temperature and was spreadable. I had the large Greek salad that came with two slices of feta cheese ($13.50). The salad greens were fresh. My date had the Cold Appetizers For Two $24.50 yogurt tzatziki, Hummus, Greek caviar tarama, Greek fasolia beans, emam baildi, feta cheese, olives and pita. He must have liked it since he asked to take the rest of the meal home and the waiter did box it up promptly. I had a glass of Kidonitsa wine that was light and refreshing on a hot summer day. The wait service was prompt. The waiter did refill our water glasses. We ate inside because it was too hot to eat outside on the patio that is in front of the place with all the street traffic and noise. This place is just for the locals. The interior is a mess. It is 3 narrow townhouses connected to each other. One of the narrow townhouses is the Chevy Chase Lounge. The other restaurants in the area really looked like a better deal with better interiors. I will try those other ones next time I am in the area.

So, I am something like a crab cake snob. The crab cakes here are flavorful with no filler. All lump and all happiness. Parthenon has some of the freshest seafood found in D.C. From the fish that is flown in fresh down to the feta imported from Greece.

Good classic greek dishes. From the soups to the Apps. I especially enjoys the fried Eggplant and Zucchini. I've been going for years. I have not tried many of the dishes because there's too many. It's very good and most likely the Best in DC! I will keep going and the staff is so diversified. This is the Best Greek place in DC!

This is such a cute restaurant from the outside and I'd always been curious about it passing by on Connecticut Ave. Well, I finally tried it. And let me just say...GROSS. I don't say that very often. But really, just gross. I had the chicken souvlaki platter w/ rice and green beans ($19). My husband had the lamb special w/ pasta ($24). Several pieces of my chicken were completely RAW when I cut into them -- literally flesh pink inside a charred crust. I have no idea how they managed this. Maybe it was partially frozen when cooked? This was after I explained to our server that I was pregnant and could not eat any undercooked meat. The rice was old and sad tasting. The green beans looked and tasted like green bean mush they plated straight from a can. I piled the raw chicken pieces to the edge of my plate. The server must have noticed them when she came to clear our plates, but didn't say a word. My husband's lamb entree was pretty terrible, too. When he saw my raw chicken, he offered to give me some of his meal. The lamb was both bland and gamy, and the pasta was just overcooked, congealed mushy spaghetti. We filled up on the standard mediocre restaurant bread and cold butter pats while swatting away several flies (The only other living creatures in the restaurant, apart from the servers). Service was pretty disinterested, though I give them credit for not letting my water glass sit empty. Definitely come here if you want to overpay for canned, mushy food and raw chicken.

I have never written a review for the Parthenon before but have been eating their food for years. It's always good! Thoughts going out to the staff and injured patrons after the crash yesterday.

This is a one star for me. Menu prices online and out front are different from the menu you are given at the table. The menu at the table has higher prices. It's misleading, deceiving, and unethical. White tuna salad is canned tuna. Would be good to let the consumer of the food know the ingredients of a canned tuna being passed as fresh tuna. Chemicals found in canned food are harmful and fatal.

I have only been to Parthenon three times for lunch, but I can say that so far the service is good for take out. The staff are welcoming and hospitable. I have been ordering the gyro salad, and the salad leaves are always fresh/nicely chopped and the bread warm! The gyro also tastes great! The portions are big, and I end up always saving half for dinner later. I highly recommend this place for lunch!

My husband and I love coming here. It's a family feel, and almost like Cheers where everyone knows your name. Gale has been taking care of us at the bar since we moved here last January. She's an absolute doll and works her butt off behind that bar. The food is amazing. Highly recommend the hummus and the Greek salad. Both are fresh and DELICIOUS. :)

A very mediocre Greek restaurant - consistent with their food, but nothing that will blow your socks off. Service was good, and the interior of the restaurant was well kept. We've been here a couple of times, and tend to order their deep fried calamari, saganaki flambe, Arnisio Souvlaki, and Glosa Skaras. Their appetizers were far better than the entrees- the meat and fish dishes seemed a bit too bland.

I am from Detroit where Greek food is a religion and there just aren't many affordable Greek restaurants in the area. I am not talking about Cava or similarly quality pita stations, but sit down mom and pops places. I have found this place friendly and while not close to the places back in Michigan, it approximates on some levels if you stick to the basics. This is not a foodie place, but a decent family-style restaurant where you're probably going to be full if not astounded. The Saganaki is great and the traditional dishes such as the baked lamb or gyro platter get the job done. The Avgolemeno is good as is the bread. Wish they had some more Greek beers on the menu. If your expectation is Kapnos, don't bother. This is real food without pretense. I would advise Kapnos if you're looking for that "wow" foodie experience but if you just want a solid sit-down in the neighborhood, this is it.

The Gyro was so good! The girl on the phone was super friendly and accommodating when I asked for specific things such as extras and how to cut the meat. The only thing I would change is how they package it to go. When I go back I will ask for everything separate because by the time it was time to eat, the fries and pita were soggy. yuck! The flavors were great tho and the fries that were on the top of the pile were so crispy and delicious!! The sauce was great too!

Friendly welcome, boded well. I wish our original greeter had been our server. We stumbled in hungry one day between meal times, as we were around the corner. It felt nice but a little bit dingy. Service had that weird "order more of our expensive items" feel, although there were a couple solo diners around us eating casually and lightly. The salad had a nice dressing but like other reviewers said the price points don't match the dishes. The dish was okay but pretty uncharacteristically small with a flavorful small bit of creamy feta. We had a crab stuffed flounder, not a traditionally Greek dish - that must be an East Coast thing - I notice stuffed fish, meat, even veggies on menus all over town- but it was a mild, pleasant dish. Bathroom was yucky, shared m/f with old broken toilet. Kid's spaghetti very tasty but with tons of canned chunky salty tomatoes ...and it was extremely messy! Overall I liked it it was satisfying but I worked at a Greek restaurant for a long time and am used to more robust servings, as well as tastes and service. (Btw if you have not been to Santorini, put it on the Bucket List. )

The lounge attached to the actual restaurant is where all the locals go for drinks and/or food. I came here last week and met a ton of friendly neighbors and the drink prices aren't bad at all either. Now I just need to try their food.

Parthenon is absolutely top-notch. I found them on a whim online and returned a couple weeks after my first visit. The Branzino and Eggplant were both great, the service is friendly/prompt and the staff really care about making sure you have a great time. Parthenon has quickly become a favorite of mine. Bonus: they don't skimp on booze when making drinks.

Ordered food from Parthenon through Uber Eats. The food was poorly packed and very overpriced, The appetizer for two was extremely greasy and soggy. The calamari were sour and soggy. The Dolmades tasted so fishy. The gyro platter consisted ofmostly soggy fries because they packed the fries with the meat and sauce, awful! The meat was not substantial, looks like they tried to hide that with the tons of fries. I expected more of this well established restaurant!

They put no TZAZIKI sauce in my food this is so unacceptable and they took no responsibility for their mistake every time in the past it automatically came with tzaziki sauce. that is the main ingredient in the food now what am I supposed to do? It's so dry without it I am sick with the flu and I have no way of going anywhere and my friend brought it to me not knowing that they didn't even put the main damn ingredient

The food here was solid. Ordered two souvlaki dishes but received the kabob which was odd. The lamb is better than the chicken, and the green beans and rice sides were good. But the prices here are outrageous. I understand it is in Chevy Chase, but the amount of food you get here is not worth the prices. Lots of other better dining choices in the area.

The gyro meat was severely over cooked and dry; the French fries were coated --- a sin for French fry aficionados.

From freezer to table in 35 minutes. Nice people at a restaurant that opens many days a week, maybe all.

Excellent spur of the moment choice. We needed to done at 4:30pm and most restaurants do not open for dinner until 5! Luis took great care of us. Steak cooked medium to PERFECTION! Seafood pasta delicious. We will return. Thanks Luis!

The food here is absolutely delicious. I come here every Wednesday for dinner and entertainment in the bar. Gail is by far the most amazing bar tender I have ever met! Her high energy is contagious and will put you in the best mood. I highly recommend the crab cake, steak, and chicken kabobs!! All pair super great with their Prosecco.

Totally won us over as a family. My sister-in-law picked Parthenon simply because it was Greek, and it's become an instant favorite to which we'll return in the future. We were visting DC from all over, and needed a quick lunch on a Saturday. We ordered family style and the first dishes came quickly.