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202-387-8555
Picture for Zorba's Cafe
City's Best

1612 20th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
Fax: 202-387-7070

Average Rating 5 (11 Ratings)

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Find this business under: Restaurants, Restaurants-Greek

  • Business Hours: Mon. 11:00 AM-11:30 PM, Tues. 11:00 AM-11:30 PM, Wed. 11:00 AM-11:30 PM, Thu. 11:00 AM-11:30 PM, Fri. 11:00 AM-11:30 PM, Sat. 11:00 AM-11:30 PM, Sun. 11:00 AM-10:30 PM
  • Credit Cards Accepted: American Express

With plastic checkered tablecloths and kitschy decor, Zorba's delivers a homey atmosphere with its traditional stuffed pitas and platters. Don't be fooled by the devotion to Anthony Quinn, the Mexican-American actor who starred as the restaurant's namesake in the 1964 film that would forever stereotype Greeks. Zorba's food is much more authentic. The falafel is crusty where it should be, and the oregano-flavored chicken reganato is as succulent as it gets. Relatively cheap prices lure a neighborhood crowd away from the swankier restaurants nearby.

The outdoor patio on a prime people-watching route gets jammed with a loud, casual crowd. Maze-like corridors inside have tables tucked in corners for a less boisterous dinner, or if you're in a rush and can't wait for a patio spot. The wait is rarely too long, though. Since the food is quickly served and too tasty to linger, turnover is as quick as Zorba the Greek's temper. -- Janice D'Arcy

11 Ratings and Reviews

  • Zorba's Cafe is Great

    Review rating : 5out of 5   RitAnnBaker - 07/17/2008

    We had a great experience at Zorba's Cafe. The service was good, the crowd was fun and the food was delicious. The price was surprisingly good for all of the food we got. We highly recommend this restaurant for all out-of-towners, and local folks, too. Loved it!

  • I love my Zorbas!

    Review rating : 5out of 5   JimmyVa1 - 06/05/2008

    I have been eating here for over 3 years now, Raul and the staff know me when I walk in and I always look forward to going back each week for my weekly fix of my chicken reganatto!

  • We love eating there!

    Review rating : 5out of 5   VaspapD - 05/31/2008

    Every Friday night we eat there as a group. We love the food, the atmosphere, the fast and friendly service, the music and the low prices. Where else around Dupont Circle can one get food so dilicious and at such prices? The patio full of flowers is just the place to be during the spring and summer months. A month ago we tried their catering and it was excellent, as expected. I hope they stay there forever!

  • Grrreat food, excellent (low) prices, clean, homey, and my family LOVES it!

    Review rating : 5out of 5   BPanseli - 05/31/2008

    I don't know what...ebnzpoet is talking about! Every single dish tastes soooo good! Their daily specials (not on menu) are wonderful! My grandchildren have allergies and at Zorba's they can eat anything! Nothing bothers them. The pictures on the walls are great, their service is fast and friendly, but the number one item: THE FOOD! Again, it's sooo good! Try it!

  • We love Zorba's!

    Review rating : 5out of 5   DPiGi - 05/17/2008

    I used to eat at Zorba's Cafe as a student back in the late 80s. After being away for years, I am now back in DC and back to Zorba's. I am glad it's still here. I love it. The food is so good. The best yero and souvlaki sandwiches anywhere! Their spanakopitta is another favorite. My husband is vegetarian and enjoys all their vegetarian specials. He actually brags about them...By the way, the tablecloths are not checkered...Maybe your reviewer should visit Zorba's again. It's worth it.

  • Review rating : 5out of 5   SmiEd42 - 05/15/2008

  • Review rating : 5out of 5   DespinaDC - 05/15/2008

  • Very good cheap Greek food

    Review rating : 4out of 5   dalban13 - 08/08/2007

    Have been going to Zorba's for years now and always enjoy it. The skordalia is a real treat. The gyros, pork souvlaki, and Keftéthes are also highlights. Very reasonable prices for the area. The patio seating is nice so long as the weather cooperates.

  • You HAVE to eat there!

    Review rating : 5out of 5   cgs7usa - 12/20/2006

    I have been going to Zorba's for over 15 years and it just keeps getting better. I love their spanakopitta and their souvlaki. Another reason I keep going it because their food is all fresh and authentic, they have also made the portions larger than before. They have been doing some gradual upscaling over the last few months, which is nice, but the main reason it's my favorite place is the food, the food, the food. I meet my friends there almost every week. Nobody comes close to the quality, especially at the low prices they charge.

  • edible...

    Review rating : 2out of 5   lebnzpoet - 02/03/2005

    The food tasted ok but the portions were ridiculously small. I ordered the souvlaki platter instead of the sandwich, thinking I'd get more chicken. No, I got one puny, skinny, chicken stick. It was very dissapointing. As was the egg lemon soup, which I've had a much much better version of at Amrbosia in Rockville, MD. Not recommended.

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