Taverna Cretekou

Greek restaurant · Old Town

Taverna Cretekou

Greek restaurant · Old Town

5

818 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

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Highlights

Authentic Greek eats with a garden patio & weekly bouzouki music  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

818 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 Get directions

tavernacretekou.com

$30–50 · Menu

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818 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 Get directions

+1 703 548 8688
tavernacretekou.com

$30–50 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 18, 2025

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@eater

The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Old Town Alexandria | Eater DC

"Taverna Cretekou is as consistent as they come — this family-run, Greek restaurant has been in business for nearly half a century. Its spacious garden patio should be particularly appealing in warm weather." - Tierney Plumb

https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-old-town-alexandria-restaurants-bars-guide
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@infatuation

The Best Restaurants In Old Town Alexandria, Virginia - Washington DC - The Infatuation

"Taverna Cretekou has been an Old Town fixture since 1973, and is as perfect for a souvlaki with your grandma as it is for splitting spanakopita with a date. It’s family-run, and has kept a steady stream of loyal diners for over 50 years with stellar staple dishes. Come here to experience Greek dishes that’ll make you feel closer to the Aegean than the Potomac, like the rich and cheesy lamb exohiko and the creamy, lemony glossa aegeou stuffed flounder." - madeline weinfield, mekita rivas

https://www.theinfatuation.com/washington-dc/guides/best-restaurants-old-town-alexandria-virginia
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@infatuation

The 10 Best Restaurants In Old Town Alexandria, Virginia 2024

"Taverna Cretekou has been an Old Town fixture since 1973, and is as perfect for a souvlaki with your grandma as it is for splitting spanakopita with a date. It’s family-run, and has kept a steady stream of loyal diners for over 50 years with stellar staple dishes. Come here to experience Greek dishes that’ll make you feel closer to the Aegean than the Potomac, like the rich and cheesy lamb exohiko and the creamy, lemony glossa aegeou stuffed flounder." - madeline weinfield

https://www.theinfatuation.com/washington-dc/guides/best-restaurants-old-town-alexandria-virginia
View Postcard for Taverna Cretekou
@eater

Where to Eat and Drink in Old Town Alexandria

"Taverna Cretekou is as consistent as they come — this family-run, Greek restaurant has been in business for nearly half a century. Its spacious garden patio should be particularly appealing in warm weather." - Missy Frederick, Eater Staff

https://dc.eater.com/maps/old-town-alexandria-restaurants-guide
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@eater

Where to Drink Outside in Alexandria, Virginia | Eater DC

"In Old Town, Taverna Cretekou’s lush side street garden is a beautiful spot for a glass of wine and a meze platter." - Adele Chapin

https://dc.eater.com/maps/drink-outside-alexandria-virginia-bars-restaurants-patios
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Jason Flanagan

Google
Good food - (mostly) good service - good ambiance Think of going to someone's house and their grandma make you a plate of food. That's this place. The good isn't fancy looking or delicately made. It's hearty and all-around good. My wife had what is essentially their sampler platter, and it's a good dish to get for your first time. Comes with five spoonfuls of different dishes; the moussaka was especially good. I had the kotopoulo kalamata, which was tasty and felt home-cooked. The service was good, but I think we had a new server because while he was nice and eager, he was not as skilled: We had to ask for refills and the check. But you can tell by the other servers there that service is good. He'll get better with time. The walls were plastered white, and there was a false fireplace hearth that reminds of picturesque Greek tavernas. They had a lighted tree, too. It's a bit cramped, so be prepared for bumping. Good place for a date night! Definitely recommend.

Yagmur Toraman

Google
Authentic Greek restaurant with a lovely mix of indoor and outdoor seating. We ordered the mezze platter for two and shared a lamb dish—everything was absolutely delicious. The spanakopita was a standout, generously filled and full of flavor. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the outdoor area is perfect for enjoying a meal on a nice day. Highly recommend!

Moore Insight

Google
Ok! If you are missing Greece or are curious about authentic Greek Cuisine- then this is the place! The food is over the top delicious check out the pictures. They speak for themselves

Mark Benitez

Google
The last time I was here was nearly 20 years ago. My palette had not evolved quite yet. Quite a warm greeting coming into this place. Everyone appeared genuinely sincere. We had the saganaki as an appetizer. Didn't realize the flaming act was done tableside. We had the traditional beef and kebabs and pastitsio with bechamel. Surprised how flavorful the kebabs were. The beef was medium well but still tasted good. The chicken was slightly dry but it was also good. Will certainly return for the seafood options.

Αγάπη Σαβίνα Βλάχου

Google
We had an amazing dinner experience! The staff were amazing kind and with the authentic Greek/Cypriot hospitality old school which was much appreciated and that I missed this days . Food was spot on the best Greek food that I have ate in the states, you have to give it a try and you will see what I’m talking about but one of the things too is that its authentic! Overall our experience was awesome thanks to Luis who went above and beyond our expectations ! The only thing is it was a bit hot but could be from the today’s weather as well which was messy .keep it up guys you are doing a fantastic job!

Alondra Beltrán-Chavarria

Google
This was my first time trying Greek food, and I am so glad I chose Taverna Cretekou! The restaurant is beautiful and charming, especially the patio! The staff are wonderful and attentive, constantly refilling our water. Our waitress, Joanna, was absolutely amazing—she recommended the best dishes and made sure to take extra care of us since it was our first time trying Greek cuisine. The lamb chop was incredible, and everything was just perfect! ❤️ I’ll definitely be coming back, and I would happily travel across the country for this food. Thank you, Joanna, for making the experience unforgettable!

James Wagoner

Google
Used to love this place until I hosted a party of five, family visiting from LA, and a surly manager refused to take a sub-par yet expensive fish dish off the bill. He claimed too much of the dish had been consumed (two of us sampled the dish after my son noted it’s soggy , tasteless consistency). This rude encounter occurred after we had three bottles of fine wine, expensive entrees, dessert, and cocktails- a $500 bill. It was a special occasion so I was expecting a big check. What I wasn’t expecting was an obnoxious manager doing all he could to ruin a great night out. Diners beware!

Honest Reviews Gal

Google
Went to dinner here with the family on our spring break trip to DC. The staff were all warm and welcoming from the moment we walked in the door. They made us feel comfortable in a new city and restaurant. The menu had lots of options and everyone ordered something different. The portions weren’t huge but everything was delicious. Unfortunately for us, there wasn’t enough for leftovers to enjoy for another meal but don’t let that hold you back from an great meal in a friendly family run location.
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Kyle H.

Yelp
Really solid Greek food. We had the lamb shank with orzo and the branzino special--both were very good and cooked well. The Satyrikon appetizer was a standout, especially the hummus and tzatziki with the hot pita. Probably my favorite part of the meal. Dessert was also strong--we tried the baklava and the Verikoka Aphrodite, which were both sweet, light, and satisfying. The back patio had a great vibe. Nothing over the top, but it gave off an authentic, relaxed Greek feel that added a lot to the experience. Overall, definitely one of the top Greek spots in the area--probably top 5. That said, with so many great options in DC, we're not rushing back immediately, but it's a place I'd happily recommend and revisit.
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Stephanie S.

Yelp
We enjoyed our lunch at Taverna Cretekou. The garden was a beautiful place to eat our meal. Service was okay as well. The food was really good, but the portions weren't very big, especially for how expensive each item was. The presentation of our meal was very well done, from the server pouring the oil for the bread to the piping of the hummus & tzatziki. It was an elevated dining experience that's great for a date night, but I would say it's definitely overpriced. I'm not sure if we'll be back since we can get delicious Greek food elsewhere for a lower price.
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Lindsey J.

Yelp
Let me get this out of the way first by saying the food is delicious. We were a group of four (plus a dog) and ordered the following mezze and entrees, all of which were spectacular! - Satyrikon (mezze platter) -Moussaka - Tiropita - Pastitsio - Kotopoulo Kalamata What a beautiful little restaurant with an inviting outdoor patio. I was so impressed by the hospitality and welcoming nature of (I think) the owners. I called on a Saturday night to ask if they allow dogs on the patio. The woman graciously said of course and recommended a reservation so she could ensure the best table to accommodate space for the dog. We made the reservation for Sunday evening and they had the perfect table waiting. Shortly after our arrival she brought our four legged boy a bone and another staff member brought him a bowl of water. It's lovely to enjoy the company of good friends, over a delicious meal, in a perfect setting in a family owned establishment where they go out of their way to make you feel welcomed and accommodated. We will absolutely return!
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Ali C.

Yelp
This is a gem in Old Town. The servers are knowledgeable and so funny and great. The inside is adorable, and the courtyard outside feels like you're literally on vacation and not in Old Town, Alexandria. The food is SO good. We've been twice now, and both times it has been amazing. If you like your meat medium rare, though, make sure you ask for that when you order. This place is a fave of ours. The owner spoke to us both times while we were there, and she was so lovely and a great host
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Kahla B.

Yelp
Anytime I am back in Alexandria, Virginia. I always make a point of going here. This is a family run restaurant that has been in business, gosh for at least 40 years - probably more. Best Greek food anywhere. You can tell the servers have been with the family for a long time and are very proud of what they do. There's also a beautiful garden patio in the back.
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Soo C.

Yelp
Every part of my visit was wonderful. From the hosts, to the server to the bussing staff, everyone was provided wonderful service. We ordered an appetizer platter with many dips and spreads along with the flaming cheese appetizer and everything was sensational! Our server Louis provided the best recommendations including dessert and a 1/2 liter of wine and it was all fabulous! The place had a lot of personality and since it was a rainy night we sat indoors. Was the right volume to speak easily and enjoy our food. I cannot wait to head back! Wonderful Greek food with exceptional everything!

Charles C.

Yelp
Went for lunch. Traveled all the way from Bowie. The food was excellent. The service superb. Highly recommended.

Peter S.

Yelp
One and done. Lived in Old Town for over a year and my wife asked to try this restaurant. The garden patio is nice. Very attentive to your water glass which is appreciated on a hot day. Food was excellent and good quality. I know Old Town comes with a premium yet the quantity of food is not in line with the price. Server did not get two of our three items ordered correct. Offered to compensate which was appreciated. Lastly as we were getting ready to leave my wife noticed we didn't get any oil and bread yet it seemed like every other table did. Oversight? Do you need to ask for it? I'm happy for those who enjoy this spot and are repeat customers We won't be back.
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Kareem T.

Yelp
I hate to give low ratings, especially with inflation and a bad economy! It's a tough time! I'd still go there again, but here is what I didn't like , prices were so high compared to quality and portions! However, the place has an amazing, warm, and Greek ambiance! Anywhere you sit, it's amazing! The patio is phenomenal whenever the weather is good! Very nice staff and great customer service! Keep in mind this is at the heart of Old Town Alexandria! Everything is expensive here, but honestly, I enjoyed it and had a great time! Try it, vote for the review , message me, or compliment me with any comment or question, and don't forget to ... Pray for me ;)

Charles U.

Yelp
The food was awesome and staff and ownership made sure we were extremely satisfied. We liked it so much that we ate lunch here twice on our weekend trip. This place has been owned by same family for 50 years or so. And check out their beautiful outdoor dining area with humongous hydrangeas.
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Jeff C.

Yelp
I was so excited to try this place right next door to the Air BnB I was staying at. Smelled great. Was excited for some Paidakia lamb chops but those aren't on the lunch menu. Was seated with a glass of water and a menu and never greeted or asked if I'd like to order for ten minutes. 5 waiters and waitresses wandering around helping other customers. None even acknowledged I was there until I went and got their attention. Great looking garden. Service dropped the ball. Walked out. Patience may be a virtue but patronage is a choice. Went right across the street to sweetgreens and had an awesome custom salad with salmon.
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Fatu D.

Yelp
Came here after a recommendation from a friend and so worth it! We were greeted by the owner. She was in a gorgeous green and blue dress and it blended so well with the decor of the restaurant which felt like you were transported out of Old Towne and into Greece. We sat outside in their covered patio and enjoyed the nice summer day. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave stellar recommendations. We ordered the hummus for the table which was absolutely delicious! The main event was the lamb shank / Arni Youvetsi and it did not disappoint. The meat was falling off the bone and seasoned so well. Would definitely recommend!
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Michael E.

Yelp
Today was a very hot and humid day in old town Alexandria. As it got to be around cocktail hour, we just wanted to find a nice quiet restaurant to sit outside in the shade and have a glass of wine and maybe an appetizer. We had been to this Greek restaurant in the past, but we've never sat in their outside patio in the back. We are very pleased with how beautiful it is in the back patio. We ordered an appetizer sampler, which had numerous items on it including Hummus, fava, Kalamata olives, Anchovies, tzatziki. Very courteous and knowledgeable staff.

Tim T.

Yelp
Ivan, our server, was delightful and attentive. He made an incredibly delicious recommendation, chef's special, branzino. You must try it, if it's available on your visit. This family owned business has an upbeat vibe with music at just the right volume that still allows engaging table conversations. The staff here, clearly love their craft and have a desire to make your meal memorable. This was our first dinner in the area after arriving from CA. It certainly won't be our last!
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Christina T.

Yelp
This is my new FAVORITE date night spot. Lovely service from the moment we walked in. We started with a bottle of the house red which was delicious. We got a shared appetizer sample, the lamb shank, and flan. The orzo with the lamb was fall apart good. We saw some fish go out and would like to try that next time too. If it's a nice day, make sure to sit on the patio.
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Hemanth D.

Yelp
We came here on Christmas Eve for dinner. The best part of everything - their service! Full of energy, pleasant, attentive - loved it! Food was great too. You will see some pictures. But it wasn't one of the best hummus we had. Other items on their platter apps, expect grape leaves and tzatziki sauce (which were great) were average too. Lamb that my wife ordered was really good. Squid calamari was good too. But the overall festive spirit and how well were received and treated - exceptional.

Diane V.

Yelp
Four of us visited this authentic Greek restaurant on January 23, 2025. The atmosphere places you in an actual small Greek island, missing the water view though. There is a very nice outside for spring and summer also. We shared the cheese Saganaki which was flamed at the table, and very tasty. The Greek salad was very fresh and full of ripe tomatoes, feta, and all the other delicious veggies. The grilled octopus appetizer was fabulous. We split the fish of the day Bronzino with lemon potatoes and Veggies. We added a side of the famous green beans with tomatoes, which was excellent. The lamb shank was enjoyed by our other friends and also was delicious. This is our second time dining here we specifically drove from another state to visit this restaurant. My only suggestion would be to Add a few more potatoes to the entrée. Service was excellent too. Diane V
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Nilly O.

Yelp
An Old town favorite; Always welcoming to families with small children- no matter how wiggly they are. Carries amazing bottles of Greek wine.
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Justin L.

Yelp
Service - The service and ambiance here makes you love the experience. The people are really great and I always enjoy going. Food Quality - the food quality was average and the prices were outrageous. I ordered lamb shank and my wife ordered the sampler plate and both were small and bland. The lamb was cold and fatty when it came out. I realize that we are seeing inflation and some changes after the pandemic, but I was very disappointed as I felt the dinner was something I could have prepared at home for a fraction of the cost and with more flavor.

Avalon S.

Yelp
I absolutely love this restaurant!! The service here is wonderful everyone is so nice and understanding. The food is gorgeous and flavorful! I had the salmon and it was so fluffy and flavorful. The restaurants ambiance is adorable. When I came it was so cute and dressed up with Easter eggs to celebrate and I love all the colorful murals on the wall.
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Annette I.

Yelp
As Honeybun said, dinner was fan-freakin-tabulous! People talk about a heart attack on a plate. Maybe it's time to open a conversation about an orgasm on a plate. The Greek Salad was fresh and crisp. It was served with bread and a special olive oil blended with parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic... a real contender for best bread dip ever. Both my Moussaka and his Lamb Lemonato arrived steaming hot. The lamb shank was a falling-off-the-bone combo of tender meat and smooth, toothsome collagen connectors. The creamy top of my Moussaka wasn't bland like most places but tasted faintly of lemon and nutmeg. This was savory comfort food cooked with a gourmet twist. My one criticism is the high price of the Greek Salads. They were too expensive at $16.95 each for one cubed cucumber, one sliced tomato, four black olives, six capers, and a 3/4 teaspoon of crumbled feta. Yes, the check smarted a bit, but this was a treat for date night. I recommend this restaurant and I'll be back. Five stars for food, decor, owner friendliness and staff friendliness; minus one star for price/value equals a high 4-to-4.5 star score.

Dtn B.

Yelp
Great dinner with outstanding service! Beautiful Greek decor in a historic atmosphere.

PX K.

Yelp
The Greek erasure menu was delicious & the vibes were amazing with the live music! As a pescatarian I was happy to see that there was salmon and wow it was delicious. The tsoureki was also great and so was the dessert- might I say best baklava I've had in a long time. Thank you Taverna Cretekou for a great Pascha in Alexandria!
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James N.

Yelp
Fantastic spot in the heart of Old Town. Make sure you get the Saganaki when you go. It's a mom and pop restaurant that's been around for decades.
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Kul K.

Yelp
We are taken aback by the type of service we received here, this being our second visit. Every staff member displayed a welcoming demeanor upon our entrance. When we received our receipt, we inquired about being charged for three separate refills of Diet Coke. We were first told it was the waitress's mistake and then the male manager/owner apologized and informed us that we could refill our drinks as many times as we liked, given the hot weather. However, the older female staff member, assumed to be the wife or manager, clarified that the first three glasses of Diet Coke were considered one order, but since we had four glasses, we would be charged for two orders next time. She mentioned that they had to make money to pay the rent and that she had changed the price, informing the male manager. We felt disrespected by her tone and that she fabricated stories as she went along. We will not be returning due to their unprofessionalism. Our food bill came out to be close to $100, and we generally leave a 20% tip, but this time it was 15%. We will not return.
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Casey E.

Yelp
I came here with a larger group of family on a Friday evening. We made a reservation and had to push it back last minute. They were very accommodating. On arrival, they took us to sit in the back covered patio space, which was gorgeous, intimate, and would make for a lovely date night spot. Although, there were kids sat at the table next to us so keep in mind that families come here too. We enjoyed an appetizer sampler that came with hummus, tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, fava bean salad, and spanakopita. It was meant for four, but was the perfect app for six. We also enjoyed a Greek white wine that was fantastic. Definitely recommend a bottle for the table. Overall, would come back and recommend the place!
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Mike C.

Yelp
In short, I will be going back. Had no clue this place existed until my mom recommended it. The unsuspecting facade leads to a simple, Greek-style interior set in one of Old Town's historic rowhouses; but, the hidden gem within this hidden gem is actually its back courtyard. The space is secluded and comfortably shaded by a huge magnolia and other trees. Oh yes, the food in three words: authentic, simple and delicious - how Greek food should be. The service, excellent. There when you needed it, and not when you didn't. We had one of the best waiters I've had in a while, who was friendly, patient, knowledgeable, and offered recommendations and wine tastes when indecisiveness struck. Need a "new" place to go? This is it.
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Michael S.

Yelp
Very good destination dining for Greek food if you are in the Old Town area. This is my go-to for many early evening meals prior to entertainment plans, especially if I plan to remain in NOVA for the evening and not go into the District. Excellent service, well prepared food, interesting and extensive and authentic menu. The owners are ever-present to make sure every detail is correct. If you want brief but traditional tableside entertainment and love cheese, I recommend the traditional saganaki as your appetizer. As for your main meal, anything you can think of in the way of traditional Greek cuisine, from seafood to lamb to filo wrapped whatsits, you'll find here and enjoy. Word of caution -- the restrooms are on the second floor. This place has been here a long time and the building much longer, so longstanding accessibility issues cannot be overcome.
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Kelsey C.

Yelp
Our server was very kind and helpful giving the specials and helping us decide on a dish with so many delicious options. The olive oil and bread were fantastic start. My husband got a Greek beer Mythos which tasted very refreshing. We ordered dolmades and the flounder which were very filling but light. For desert we had the lemon creme desert which was also light and very flavorful. Our water glasses were never empty. Highly recommend!
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Kat P.

Yelp
We've been coming here for more than 7 years - and I think our recent visit was the last. The restaurant has the same warmth (literally, it was roasting hot), energy, and beauty (minus the dead poinsettias in the window) as always. However, the prices for the bland food were insane. One of the only discernible vegetarian entrees, vegetables with feta, consisted of 3 slices of zucchini, 2 mushy overbooked slides of tomato, and 3 coin-sized pieces of eggplant. All was mushy, watery, and devoid of seasoning. A tablespoon of feta and a Kalamata olive (pit intact) topped it. No rice, no potatoes, NOTHING. It was $24. LUDICROUS.
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Tine K.

Yelp
The best Greek salad we've had outside of Greece! We tried just about every vegetarian option on the menu and will certainly be back. The flaming cheese dish had a great presentation and taste. Service was fantastic and it really does look like a Greek restaurant inside. There's a year round Christmas tree lol. Highly recommend!
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Josie V.

Yelp
One of the Best Mediterranean restaurants in the DMV, from the minute we walked in we are greeted by the entire staff and owners. We were seated fast without any wait, our waiter was extremely helpful and friendly he suggested some dishes that were his favorite which is so important. Sometimes you go into restaurants not knowing what to order. He asked what I liked as far as food and I told him chicken and he recommended the Chicken Kabob which was absolutely amazing, the chicken had been marinated overnight for sure, you can taste the flavors one your 1st bite. The pita was warm and fresh, the feta was super delicious tasted like it was home made which I haven't tasted in a long time. The rice was perfect and the carrots were sweet and complimented the plate perfectly. Let's not forget about the salad, THE DRESSING is home made and to die for, we asked if they sold bottles because this is a dressing I would pour all over my foods. One of the Best experienced I had here is the service and how friendly the Owners are to everyone that come and eats here. They deserve 10 stars for their amazing Food and service. I recommend this place to everyone in town and visiting. I will be coming back and have been talking about it to my friends and family. I'll be back soon!!!
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Morgan H.

Yelp
The food was good, but they didn't have Gyro's as an option. Which I feel is a classic. They are a true Mediterranean restaurant.
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Andrew K.

Yelp
"Spot on" per a legit Greek person. I loved the atmosphere personally even though some may say it screams touristy Greek. I assure you the food we had was legitimate. The ouzeris mezedes includes two small shot glasses of ouzo. Let me say the tarama was on point and better than that of some of the fancy Mediterranean places in DC. The tzatziki and fava were great as well. Very much like how they piped these on cucumbers with a side of bread. No dip goes to waste. Dolma was decent. The village salad (horiatiki) didn't strike a chord with me, the sauce was a bit creamy. The arni youvetsi was amazing and served on top of orzo. The staff was pleasant. For the price, the flavors were good, but the atmosphere and trueness to Greek food really make this place special. I will certainly be coming back to try the rest of the menu.
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Jay W.

Yelp
My sister, a long-time area resident (20+ years) selected this spot when I asked for "Greek" and wow, just wow! SO happy she knew about the Taverna Cretekou! We both had one of the no-doubt, tastiest, healthiest meals I've enjoyed from a kitchen besides my own in years. The amount of food and the presentation of our dishes was perfect and exactly right. The staff (hostess and waitress) were amazingly friendly and I could tell that this place has a cherished place in many a local's heart. Remember that scene near the end of Love Actually when the writer travels to the waitress' restaurant to ask her to marry him? OK, that didn't happen while we were there, but the whole place FELT like it might have happened just yesterday. . .wow, what a wonderful spot for dinner!
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Meeka A.

Yelp
Gorgeous decor! Sit in the back courtyard if you can. It's the perfect place for a romantic date. Quick service with good food. I love that they have a sampler so that you can try a few different Greek dishes. The apple dessert was okay but overpriced.
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D C.

Yelp
Absolutely fantastic meal and atmosphere! Our first time here, and we were so impressed. Our server was wonderful and knowledgeable. We ordered the chicken skewers and pastitsio. Both were fantastic. We had plenty of leftovers. The garden atmosphere was just lovely. We were surrounded by flowers and music. This place is a gem.

Michele W.

Yelp
An utter disappointment after frequenting what had been our go-to place to eat out in Alexandria over several decades. We started with Saganaki me garides, described as shrimp with crusty fried feta cheese. The shrimp were butterflied, which cleverly filled the plate but was so overcooked and dried out it was unable to absorb the oil; the feta was barely heated and had no crusty exterior. Second we had Braised lamb, Taverna specialty, described as with olives, dried tomatoes, and wine. The meat was meager, largely tasteless and dry, the flavors of the components did not merge. Finally, Moussaka--the ground meat was dense and there was barely eggplant. The customary richness of home cooking was gone. It felt like leftovers. One hundred dollars later, our lunch of three dishes shared by two, was a dismal experience. The upside is the staff is kind and attentive.

Rdg R.

Yelp
Well, I'm not sure where to start. Salad was good. Wine was OK. It was a mouse looking at me while I was eating my overcooked lamb.
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Stuart W.

Yelp
Good service, okay food for a vegetarian. I had the Vegetables Tis Imeras, and was disappointed. The sautéed wild mushrooms were very good, as well as the combination of Greek appetizers. Was a bit pricey.
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Penny M.

Yelp
Best Greek food in the area! Always fresh and delicious. Amazing staff! The garden in the back always reminds me of Greece always a pleasure

Sijal A.

Yelp
A few months ago, we encountered this restaurant on the streets of Old Town Alexandria and were astonished by the welcoming ambiance. The two male store owners also welcomed us with anecdotes and funny jokes and we decided that this would be a wonderful place to celebrate my son's 18th birthday. Upon arriving we were welcomed by the front desk female manager who had questioned our being a group as we had our elderly family members along with us, and her demeanor came out as rude initially, but nonetheless, we took our seats. We arrived at a nice seating outside next to some flowers and the rest of the guests and we were waited by lovely and attentive staff members who tended to our needs. We ordered a plate of appetizers that had a variety of delectable Greek dishes which we were excited to taste. The rest of the dining experience was relatively peaceful and exciting as we received several platters of lamb shanks and kebabs. As the cake came, it felt rushed as they had not cleaned our table and was a little scattered, but moreover, the experience was nice as the staff wished my son a happy birthday. Afterward, we were again approached by the older female store owner who demanded us that we wrap up our stay even though we had only been there for an hour and thirty minutes as she had other customers coming along and singled us out from the rest of the customers who had stayed longer than us during that time. We were frustrated and confronted her about this situation before we left. We expressed our displeasement with this portrayal of the restaurant and it was honestly a shame since they had such a welcoming environment with nice staff members and delicious food. I honestly hope they do a better job to enhance this experience especially since it is a wonderful restaurant.
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Song Y.

Yelp
Our first time here on a Friday evening about 8pm w/o reservationsWe were seated right away outside. We order grill octopus, kotopuolo kalamata (sautéed chicken), and taverna cretekou special (traditional entree sampler). Everything was delicious! Grilled octopus was tender, well seasoned, a little tangy, all flavors were perfectly balanced. Everything on the taverna cretekou special was delicious too. Just enough of each to appreciate each one. I'm not sure which one I'll order next time bc they were all so good. Service was great. Very friendly and our server checked on us just enough. Menu prices are noticeable higher than menu photos we saw on Yelp for example the taverna cretekou special was about $28. The three dishes were about $75-80. We had a lovely dinner and look forward to coming back soon.

Cyndi O.

Yelp
We are regulars at Taverna Cretekou, however last evening as we were sitting on the patio we noticed two rats moving under the tables and one climbed up the stairs onto the balcony. I told the waiter, he said they have a problem and the rats are there often. I called him over again and he repeated it. I believe that if there are rats outside and the doors are open, there are rats inside!!

Josh S.

Yelp
The service was solid, and the food was above average. Then the credit card machines went down, and I was double-charged. They agreed to fix it but tried to keep both tips as gratuity was included because we had a large group. The owner finally stepped in and fixed it.
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Pete V.

Yelp
We've enjoyed many great meals here and the staff is always wonderful. In fact, the owner is almost always there and will stop by your table to say hello. Make sure you request a table on the garden patio in back, it reminds me of al fresco dining at a European cafe. Especially now over the summer, they have some fans, which help a bit with this horrible heat wave. Make sure you order a carafe (1/2 liter) of greek wine to start your meal with. My recommendation is to start with the Ouzeri Mezedes, which is a sampler platter of tarama, tzaiziki, fava, and dolmades. Most importantly it is served with two chilled shot glasses of ouzo! They also provide some complimentary pita bread, which is perfect to eat with the tarama and tzaiziki. For starters I am also a big fan of the saganaki, and almost always order when entertaining friends as the flaming cheese never ceases to be crowd pleaser. I've tried most of the traditional dishes and you can't go wrong with the Cretekou special, mousakka (like lasagna), or soudsokakia (like meatballs). All are fantastic, and I often like the specials, especially branzino if it is on the menu. Taverna Cretekou is a hidden gem in Old Town Alexandria. One of the best al fresco dining options in the city. Family owned, wonderful food, and lovely staff!
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Michael Y.

Yelp
This isn't your typical Greek restaurant, and instead is a more regional, and homely, comfort food style. That means food will not be as salty and spicy, and rather more smooth and muted flavors. There is a strong use of herbs throughout the dishes, which is unique. I can't quite say it suits everyone, but it is certainly different from the more "familiar" Mediterranean flavors you might get at more mainstream Greek restaurants. The cooking style is mostly boiling and baking. I wish they did more saute, since the vegetables can be a bit boring and some of the meats don't do so well when they are just baked or stewed. For example, the fish can be rather dry, and meats can be rubbery. Overall, an enjoyable experience and a refreshing new style of Greek food.
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Lauren M.

Yelp
We are so happy we checked out Taverna on our day antiquing in old town! They are authentic to a tee- the owner was incredibly helpful with recommendations and checking in throughout our meal. I highly recommend the soup, any of their tasting platters, and the stuffed flounder was superb. Their bread and pita are homemade and taste the same! Probably the best Greek food I've had in the United States. I also recommend their Greek coffee, especially on these chillier days. For Covid safety I would rate them A+ with hand sanitizer throughout, plenty of space between tables due to their large dining area and their outdoor garden is heated in addition to the gorgeous ambiance. We will certainly be back for a bottle of wine in the garden sometime soon!
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Phoenix R.

Yelp
When I visit a Greek restaurant for the first time I always order the Moussaka. The Moussaka here is amazing. If a Greek restaurant can't make a decent Moussaka I probably will not return.