I can see the appeal of Zorba's. It's a lovely looking building and the patio seems like a great place to sit out with a group. I came in alone of an evening after arriving in town and reading the reviews. It's fast-casual, which appealed, and I haven't had great Greek food for a while. You order inside at the till and they give you a buzzer. The menu options are standard Greek fare, and they have all the drinks laid out in front for you to choose from. I went for the pastitsio, which comes with a side salad and a roll. I also got taramasalata, one of my absolute favorite foods and one which I struggle to find in California. The server was friendly. The service area also has a water station and condiments etc. My buzzer went off after about 10 minutes and everything was presented on a tray with utensils provided. There were plenty of seats inside but the patio was busy. The food was just ok. I think of taramasalata as primarily creamy with a little freshness, but this one was all out tangy. Must be a different style, but it wasn't what I was after. It wasn't bad, and there was plenty of bread. Good portion for the price, and definitely better for sharing. The side salad was also very tart for my taste. The pastitsio had been unevenly reheated so the top was a bit cold in spots and the bottom had an unpleasant crust on it. I get that it's not the kind of dish you make to order every time but it wasn't well presented at all. The meat mixture just kinda fell out and everything crumbled to pieces. It tasted good so I'm sure it's delicious when it's fresh but it didn't hang together properly as a meal. I didn't get to the roll since that was already a lot of stodgy food. It's all a bit of a shame because I sense that they can do much better. I think Zorba's is definitely a better place to go with a group - maybe get a spread sampler and something that's made to order, have a glass of wine or two on the patio. read more

See all

I've been to Zorba's Cafe twice in the last month. It's great that in both instances, I went for early dinners and received my orders very quickly. For the unfamiliar, you walk to the back of the restaurant and place your order. You will be handed a number to designate your order. A server will find you and bring you your food. That's it. I barely sat down and got my food in the second instance, which was awesome because I was starving. I'm pretty predictable and when it comes to Greek food, I like the gyro, avgolemono, and spanakopita, which I had both times. My dining companions had the gyro plate, and to me, they looked like deconstructed gyros with fries. I also like that inside the setting is cozy, warm, and pretty quiet so catching up with friends here is great. It does get louder as the night goes on, but before 6 pm, it's manageable. For the gyro, I wish there was a bit more meat and sauce. It left a little more to be desired. Avgolemono is great. Nice chunks of chicken and vegetables with a lemon flavor. Spanakopita is also excellent although served with a roll, which I wish came with butter. read more

Reliable, cozy place for fresh Greek food. It's not super packed most of the time (haven't been during rush hour which I assume would be Fri/Sat nights) so you can usually get a table without planning ahead of time. They have reusable cups for water that you can refill yourself. The food is tasty, with a homemade vibe in a good way (like skilled grandmother homemade, not hapless college student homemade), not super oily or oversalted. My go-to is the lamb & beef yeero, which is not only tasty but also very reasonably priced. Go early if you want to make sure specials are still available. They often run out, but it hasn't bothered me too much since their regular menu is great anyway. read more

Zorba's is a fairly good Greek restaurant. During "pandemic dining," my wife and I enjoyed lunch, al fresco, at a table with a nice view. I highly recommend the gyro, but the souvlaki was dry. The French fries were, also, quite good. My wife and I were very disappointed to find out that they do not serve Saganaki. Their baklava is quite good, as well and the location is very nice. read more

See all

A homey family-style Greek restaurant at Dupont circle. Super close to the metro and farmer's market for a quick bite. I went for brunch after running errands on a Sunday. A lot of indoor and outdoor seating. I got the appetizer sampler to try everything. Loved the tzatziki and Skordalia, the eggplant was a bit bland, and the pita not as warm and fluffy as I preferred. The calamari was fried very well, light, fresh, and crispy. It came unseasoned but after adding salt and pepper it was delicious. The marinara sauce was nice but I enjoyed even more dipping into the tzatziki. read more

Zorba's Cafe - Appetizer sampler, fried calamari - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The grape leaves are some of the best I've tasted on the East Coast outside of a spot I know in New York. The appetizer sampler is a good choice if you are new to Zorba's. It provides you with a little taste of everything. The skordalia is particularly tasty and packs a garlicky punch. This paired with the Zorba's combination plate will have you stuffed and feeling like you're dining at a restaurant in Greece in no time. read more

Zorba's Cafe - Appetizer sampler platter - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I came here on a Monday night with a friend. It was not super packed and we were able to find a seat after we ordered at the counter. I ordered the Falafel Plate which comes with falafel patties made of ground chick peas, beans, vegetables and herbs, served on pitta bread with Greek salad and hummus. It was good, my two criticisms are that the falafel was overcooked and a little burnt and that the meal felt incomplete... there should've been a little more salad served with the amount of falafel on the plate. Overall, it was neither terrible or amazing.... just average. It is a little pricey for the amount of food you get, but I suppose it is at the same price point as many other restaurants in the Dupont area. If I am in the area and craving Greek, I would come back here, but I would not go out of my way to make it back here. read more

We ordered the Arnaki and the Combination plate to go and it came out within 15 minutes. Usually food on the pricy side ($17) lasts two meals for me but I ate my portion in one sitting. My boyfriend said this was the best hummus he's ever had but that's because it was super rich and oily and he loves that kind of stuff. They have lots of outdoor seating and its quite a nice area. read more

Zorba's Cafe - Zorbas Combination Plate - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

pretty nice place, but the service doesn't seem to speak English very well. Although the food was delicious and seats were nice too.

I very nice sit down causal restaurant. Family/kid friendly with a lot of seating. The food was prepared quickly and fresh. I had the beef shish kebab with veggies, rice and the spicy feta dip. I have dietary restrictions where I can't eat flour or sugar. The staff was very accommodating and nice. Pleasant dinning experience. When I'm back in town I will definitely swing by again. read more

My fingers are Zor from all this typing. I mean I assume it's from that, you may say it's from something more kinky but that is a Bas-less accusation. It's been a very long time since I first went to Zorba's. I was 16 years old and I came here for a Gyro because my Zagat book told me too. Or was it "The Rough Guide To USA" or "Let's Go: USA." I can't remember, but those were the days when people actually used travel books. There were no cellphones, and the internet wasn't anywhere nearly what it is today. What a changed world we live in now. It was then, as it is now, very overpriced, hence the fact it is 4 out of 5. The Gyro is good though, and I've tried the Souvlaki a few times as well and enjoyed it. Nothing like Buffalo area souvlaki, but good nevertheless. read more

Zorba's Cafe - This is a bit of a Zor spot for me - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

So I ordered it from Maryland so it's not their fault it was cold but it is their fault the portions are small. I have never in my life even in Greece been able to close a gyro. You can count the ingredients. It taste good but not worth the price. read more

Zorba's Cafe - ITS ALMOST TAPAS - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

The food is simple and doesn't look like much but tastes delicious! The service was fast and everything on my plate was great. I can't even decide what I liked best, it was all so good! read more

Zorba's Cafe - Zorbas Combination Plate - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I love Zorba's. A place in Dupont with a patio, great food, and reasonable prices for wine?! The dude that's always at the counter is also just always happy--and his happiness makes me happy. It's a gem. My favorites are the stuffed grape-leaves (Dolmathakia) and the Delphi salad. It comes with a roll, but I recommend asking for the pita bread instead. The place is definitely no-frills, so it might not impress anyone who needs that sort of thing, but it's quiet enough to hear whoever you're with speak (which is not the case elsewhere in the 'hood, *cough cough Mission*). You have to wait in line and then are given a buzzer, and the food arrives on a plastic tray at the kitchen area. Don't let that turn you off. Get a half (or full, you do you) carafe of wine. It's cheap and delicious and perfect on the patio. Don't neglect the upstairs--it's a really cute space when it's not nice enough to be outside and gives you a nice view from which to people watch near the windows. read more

Zorba's Cafe - This salad is the best!! - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Stopped by for coffee and a snack. I ordered 2 frappes and a spanakopita. I was given two lattes (not frappes) and a large doughy under seasoned spanakopita. Would not recommend. read more

Zorba's is definitely a cute place. That outdoor area is the place to be, especially at night! Love the idea some people had of buying a bottle of wine with their food, while having a conversation with their friends or family. The food: their gyros (which it seems I will never learn to pronounce it right) were really good. Definitely a good seasoning in their meat. I ordered the moussaka. I'm just ok about this one. But, maybe, because having the experience of having the moussaka in Greece in a more freshly cooked way may tamper my opinion of this dish here. Because the moussaka being cooked in bash (or big amounts in trays) it kind of loose that unique taste the eggplant can have when prepared individually. Same for the bechamel sauce. However, it was good enough! Oh well, I ate it all. The hummus and the baked pastry (stuff with cheese) was delicious! read more

Zorba's Cafe - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

We have visited Zorba's twice now, and I cannot believe it took so many years for us to try it. It does not look like much from the outside, just an old fashioned, blue and white exterior. But when you finally try it, oh baby, what a joy. To order food or drink, you walk to the back counter and order at the register. Then you seat yourself. They have plentiful indoor seating, but it's the lovely patio out front that is the real star. String lights overhead, a cool breeze running across your face, a $6 house wine washing over your palette: can you beat it? It's an incredibly peaceful and pleasant place to enjoy a drink with someone special. I say the drinks on the patio are the star, but the food is solid, too. I say go with one of their specialty pitas, which are really more like large flatbreads. The garlic is terrific, thin and crisp, and seasoned really well. The hummus and souvlaki (grilled chicken) sandwich are good, too. We'll be back. read more

Zorba's is a greek spot in DC, near where I was staying at the Hilton. I was missing homemade food and I wanted some kabob! I got the chicken shish kabob and greek salad. It was delicious. and the staff were nice. read more

Zorba's Cafe - Shish Kebab - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Amazing food it's worth the trip to DuPont Circle Yero is the best Salads are always fresh Get transported to Greece read more

My wife and I finally came here after walking past it for years...and we went back twice before we had to leave town! This place is as charming inside as it looks on the outside, with some of the most flavorful menu items we've had anywhere in DC! The staff are super friendly and you can tell have fun running this place. When it's too cold to eat outside, the interior seating can get cramped...but just order a pitcher of beer and you'll soon make friends with everyone around you! She got the pork souvlaki and I got the Rodos pizza, with both of us sharing a hummus dip. Absolutely amazing!! If you're into greasy food or are looking to watch the game while you shovel down another burger, please go elsewhere. Or, if you're looking for a waiter to serve your every waking desire, go elsewhere. Read the menu ahead of time, go to the counter and order, then take a good seat and enjoy relaxing in a phenomenal atmosphere that has "Greek family" written all over it! Get some drinks so you can be prepared to eat every bite of their amazing food! If you're in the area, or even if you're not but are looking for an amazing Greek/Mediterranean restaurant, I highly suggest going to Zorba's! You won't be disappointed!!! read more

This is a solid fall back for lunch when in the area. Wouldn't necessarily recommend it over other options though. I think I'd give more stars if the dolma weren't so lackluster. I like Trader Joe's canned dolma significantly better. To be fair, those canned dolma are delicious. The bread is pretty good. The babaganoush is so-so. Portions are sufficient and the price is reasonable. read more

Zorba's is a Greek restaurant with a family feel that still manages to be trendy with wonderful food and decor. Food: The menu has quite the selection, and all of it affordable! (A rarity in DC.) I ordered the Combination Platter and a side soup of Fasolada, and I was thoroughly satisified with the different tastes, textures, how filling it was, and fairly priced! All of the different meats were tender and flavorful. It waz crunchy and satisfying like bacon, but without feeling disgusting afterwards (not greasy). It was served on top of a bed of rice that seemed to be infused with olive oil and lime for a real Mediterranean taste. The Olive Leaf wraps were a highlight that had a revitalizing acidic zest that really brought a tang to the dish. Sadly, I ate the bread last, which made it cold at the time, and thus could not taste how it should've been. The hummus was a bit underwhelming however. A good meal nonetheless! The Fasolada was a nice warm lentil soup with a generous amount of veggies. Service: You order at the counter and they give you a buzzer to alert you when your food is ready. After we were done eating, a busboy was passing by and asked if it would be alright to take our plates, which was much appreciated. Atmosphere: The restaurant is a cute with a distinct heritage about it. There are 4 different seating options in the 2 floor restaurant. The ground floor is very much for family dinners with a fireplace-esque feel. On the upper floor, there is a trendy upper floot corridor, and a little more guarded upper platform for more intimate dinner dates. There is also a large hall on the upper floor which must be for large events. The upper floors were a bit dim however. When we were about to go, they started placing candles around though. Finish: Absolutely lovely food in a scenic restaurant that is oh so close to the metro. Would totally recommend to anybody passing through the area! read more

See all

Easily one of my favorite restaurants in the DC area. With so many of the overpriced, tapas-style eateries popping up, it can be hard to find a laid-back, casual restaurant that won't break the bank - but one that offers quality, fresh food a step above DC's quick-serve dining scene. Thankfully, Zorba's is that restaurant. Anytime I have a craving for Greek I end up here, and have yet to be disappointed. Whether you're in the market for quality hummus, babaganoush, or a full-on Greek entree (pita bread included), Zorba's has you covered for less than $20. Between the quick service, ample seating, and good (cheap) food, this is a must-go for a casual meal out. read more

Zorba's Cafe - Zorba's Exterior - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Average Falafel at best (it did not taste as if it just came out of the fryer) and the pita bread does not taste fresh. The Greek salad that comes with the Falafel platter is also just ok. The staff that was taking the order was the only highlight. For the price you can do better. read more

I love Mediterranean food and was happy to try Zorba's when in town for a conference. The food was overpriced and inconsistent interns of quality and flavor. The falafel in the vegetarian plate was tasty, but the hummus lacked flavor; the plate was not enough for a full meal. My party also got a pizza which was just a typical pizza. I was expecting something unique, perhaps a different crust, sauce, or cheese, but it was just a mediocre pizza with skimpy toppings. Great place for appetizers and a drink or dessert, but not for a full meal. read more

Wonderful food! The staff is also fast and friendly. Very laid back atmosphere with seating outside as well as inside. This was the first place I ate at while visiting DC. Great vegetarian options. read more

While in DC the past week for business, I made dinner plans with my colleague Lynda. She's pretty open on food selection so I picked Zorba's because I have a lifelong love of Greek food and enjoyed vacationing there with Chun P. last year. The cafe is clean, cozy and done up in the traditional blue & white with pictures of Santorini and family on the walls. We were greeted warmly at the register and took a seat. Our Aegean Salads ($12.50) arrived in a jiffy! The pork tenderloin souvlaki was incredible, and really took me back to my time in Athens and Santorini. Afterward I got the Baklava which was homemade and really hit the spot. It had just the right ooze of honey, walnuts and crisp phyllo dough. The next day a large group of my colleagues wanted to go out to dinner together and folks were a bit stumped on where to go. We have vegetarians, carnivores, GF people and everyone wanted something a bit different. I hyped up my experience at Zorba's and the group decided to give it a try. When we arrived the attendant at the register greeted me, and said, "weren't you here yesterday?" and I said, "sure was! Food was so great I brought back 11 of my friends this time!" while gesturing to the line that went to the door. He replied, "well we're glad to have you back, and in that case let me thank you" and he gave me a discount on my Zorba's combination plate, which was kind. Everyone on my team LOVED their food! One of my colleagues even tripped on the way up spilling her calamari, and they immediately made her a fresh one and got it cleaned up right away. My GF colleague was ecstatic over her plate - she said it was so great to eat "delicious GF food! So many places don't care and they even told me how they prepare things on separate cutting boards, grill space, etc" And my Zorba's combination plate of souvlaki, gyro slices and kefte, served over rice with two dolmathakia, pitta bread and a side of tzatziki and hommus and greek salad was one of the best meals I've had for $15! No wonder this great place has been in business for over 30 years! I'm definitely looking forward to my next trip to DC and Zorba's! I'll be bringing friends! read more

Zorba's Cafe - Love the Aegean Salad. Get the pork tenderloin souvlaki - it's amazing! - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Zorba's is a Greek fast-casual cafe that I have been walking by for years and never stopped in until yesterday evening for dinner. We arrived around 7pm and it was quite full inside and on the patio (despite it not being warm weather IMO). It makes sense because their HH runs until 7pm and is quite generous ($3 wine and beer and half price on some apps). There were only a few people in front of us waiting to order, so we were taken care of quickly. After ordering at the counter, you are given beverages (if ordered) and a buzzer that will go off once your food is ready to be picked up downstairs. We sat on the second level and enjoyed the cozy, if albeit slightly loud, atmosphere. Our food was ready within 10-15 minutes of ordering. My husband chose the combination plate which is a little bit of everything-pork souvlaki (chicken is an option), yero, and kefte served over rice with 2 grape leaves (vegetarian-friendly), pita, hummus, and a side of tzatziki. It also comes with a greek salad, all for $15.25. I ordered the Pork Yero plate-served on pita bread topped with tzatziki served with fries and a Greek salad for $12.95. The portions are quite generous for the pricing. I really enjoyed my yero-tender and flavorful, well-seasoned. I loved the tzatziki, which is garlicky but that's a personal preference for me. I wish they topped the yero with more, but it was easy for me to use some of my hubby's tzatziki when I needed extra. The fries were disappointing. They were near-cold when served. Clearly fresh-cut, I could tell they would have been delicious if not cold and limp. While certainly not the best Greek in DC, for the price-point, it certainly did the trick. The location is perfect, right off the DuPont metro, and I do appreciate the quick-service which is important when you are not planning to linger over a meal. I would definitely consider visiting again to try other items off the menu. read more

Zorba's Cafe - Combination Plate-a bit of everything (grape leaves, yero, kefte, pita, hummus, tzatziki, salad,rice) - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I really like Zorba's because I really like Greek food. Yero pita, shish kabob, spanakopita, etc... can you really go wrong here?! It's all so yummy and I'd totally come back to stuff my face some more for under $20. The one thing that stumps me though is the tables outside are tiny. For two people you should ditch the trays and only leave the plates on your table. Then, proceed to eat with some body adjustments so you don't knock anything over on your table or your neighbor's. :) P.S. Sadly, they don't make loukoumades :( read more

Zorba's Cafe - Yero pita & fries $12 - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My husband and I had a great dinner here on a nice summer evening. I had the gyro platter which was delicious - a generous amount of meat and a side salad with a tasty Greek dressing. My husband had the pork souvlaki and enjoyed it but felt it could have had more pork (only three pieces). We finished with the Bougatsa for dessert - flaky phyllo filled with custard. It was delicious and generous with two large pieces in one order. The restaurant has a great patio in front and seating over two levels inside. You order at the counter in the back and they give you a buzzer for when your food is ready. Nothing better than enjoying yummy Greek food on the patio when the weather is nice! A great casual dinner option! read more

Zorba's Cafe - Bougatsa - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Meh. It's just okay. We went for happy hour and split the appetizer sampler. It was small for the price (~$12), and I'm not a big eater. We're talking ketchup-size containers of dips. Nothing was very memorable and the baba ghanoush in particular was disappointing. (As some have mentioned, it was bland and the texture was off.) read more

Zorba's Cafe - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Hot food was not at all hot after 15 minute walk. No utensils included! Quality what you expect from company vending

Really delicious dinner. Lovely atmosphere inside and plenty of outside seating. The menu is varied and prices are reasonable especially as you receive an abundance of food. read more

We chose Zorba's Cafe for lunch as it's really well located on DuPont Circle. When walking in, the atmosphere is very comfortable. There is lots of seating both outside and in the 2 stories of tables inside. There are propane heaters set up for the cold months. The Greek music playing truly welcomes you as you walk in. At Zorba's you go to the kitchen counter and order the food from the menu, the staff bring your selections to your table. There is a nice selection of food, from soup to salads, felafel and vegetarian plates, and many meat choices with lamb, beef and chicken. My wife had the Greek chicken soup; unfortunately it was a bit bland. It usually is flavored with lemon, this one was not. I chose the lentil soup; again it was a bit boring. All of the ingredients are fresh and excellent, it's just that the food was not as interesting as I had hoped. The vegetarian platter includes felafel, spanakopita, white beans, grape leaves, hummus, tsatsiki and pita. Again, the dish was not as I had hoped. We did choose a pizza. The pizza was really good with excellent crust, ample amount of cheese and wonderful fresh vegetables on top. It wasn't highly salted as some pizzas can be. It's a nice place for lunch but I probably will look for other choices next time. read more

Completely disappointed with the food over here. As a Greek lady wondering around DC for good nostalgic food, I am saddened by the fact that nothing tasted like home. The Tzatziki was merely yogurt with some slices of cucumber. No garlic in there whatsoever. The Kalamarakia were over fried and tasted old. The Greek salad had lettuce which was something unheard of in Greece. I must admit, the music was good. read more

Zorba's Cafe - Re-fried fries - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The owners & staff are very friendly. Food is consistently delicious. Weather permitting, we enjoy sitting outside and regularly take out. Definitely recommend! read more

Tonight we ordered delivery, for which I would give 3 stars for the food, but four stars during Normal Times eating in at the restaurant. I think you lose a bit of the freshness of the place with delivery, unfortunately. We had chicken souvlaki with salad and fries, a souvlaki pita, and baklava. The kids ate everything--even the salad. I'm not sure what happened there since they usually don't like mixing veggies in a salad! I missed sitting at their cute outdoor patio this time, but maybe when we get to the After Times. Glad to support this small business! read more

The process is a bit confusing at first. There's no host. You just walk in and stand in line to the counter to order your food while looking at a menu. Pay. Tax included but no tip. They give you a buzzer. You go and find yourself a seat. Pick up your tray with food once your buzzer rings. Once you're done eating, leave your tray with plates to be cleared by staff to clean the table for next guests. A surprisingly quick and efficient system! Plenty of seating for such tiny place. Outdoors and inside, on first or second floor. They take reservations for big parties. Difficult to find a table for a big group just coming in from the street so be aware. Mostly tables for two or four. Prices are more than reasonable, especially for DuPont area. Ordered lamp Yero plate $12.95, which was aaaamazing. Well seasoned fries, fresh salad, and lamb pieces in amazing tzatziki sauce served on fresh, hot, fluffy pitta bread. Highly recommend. My friends got chicken soup and chicken sandwiches on pitta bread (don't know the official names), which were also delicious. Filling portions. Your stomach will be very happy. I was pleasantly surprised with authenticity of taste and freshness of ingredients. Relaxing, calm ambiance. Greek music playing outside on the terrace, which is a nice touch for a meal in the fresh air. Recommend and will be back! read more

See all

This is such a cute Greek food spot. Upon entering I feel like I am in a hole in the wall cafe in Greece. Classic Greek dishes that are bursting with flavor. The best part was the Greek wine!! Half of a carafe was $15 and it was enough to share with my mom and sister. The prices are decent and the service is fast. Highly recommend!! read more

See all

Well, what a delightful little place! Went for a workout and got hungry so stopped by here. Just casually found it and it was a great find! You go inside and order and the wait for the food and grab a seat. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Food is good and the falafels are great! The meat is good too and the Greek salad I loved. I wished they had given pita bread instead of a roll (maybe they had that option and I didn't know?). Regardless, I enjoyed this thoroughly. Definitely go check it out, it's worth the wait and there are lots of options! But, make sure you get the falafels. Great for a casual dinner with friends, family or a first date! Tons of other places nearby too :) read more

See all