Surrounded by many other restaurants, don't overlook this tiny Greek fast-casual restaurant with a large menu of all the usual Greek fixings. I ordered their traditional gyro and it was the perfect amount of food and quite tasty. Since they don't give cups of water, I bought two bottles of water. My bill came to over $21. They also have a small fridge area with other goods and drinks. Inside is one table that sits two. read more

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We recently used the Greek Deli to cater an important meeting in Downtown DC. The man I worked with (Kal, I believe?) was super nice and very accommodating when I had last-minute changes. He delivered the food on time and helped us carry it upstairs. The prices were really reasonable for the amount of food we got, which was a LOT. They even threw in a free salad! Everyone seemed to enjoy the food a lot, especially the lemon potatoes. read more

Wow, just wow. My mom used to work downtown pre retirement and recommended this place to me as she used to come here with my dad all the time. Wow, she was not wrong. Costas, the owner was incredibly kind and welcoming. As this was my first time he gave me a lot of recommendations and threw in a few free items to try as well. Man was he not wrong! The chicken in the green sauce on a pita sandwich was AMAZING. The orzo with the green beans were chefs kiss. Will definitely return when I'm back DC! read more

Greek Deli & Catering - Destroyed - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Syntax corrections: "This Greek deli is mostly a take-out counter type place, and they have a table or two if you really need to chow down right away." read more

Part of the ambiance is getting lovingly bullied into ordering at this hole in the wall. You better be ready to tell my mans what you want while people are waiting but it's worth it. I dream of their avgolemano and their gyro is chefs kiss. My favorite work lunch!!!!! read more

Only had the falafel pita so that's all I'm reviewing but hard pass . Don't recommend at all .

Like so many others who live, work or visit in DC, I've been a customer of Greek Deli for many years; more than 25. And, if you spend just 15-20 minutes googling "Greek Deli DC" or its founder's and long-time owner's name, "Kostas Fostieris," you'll find a ton of articles about Kostas, about his food, and about his love for his family and Greek Deli's customers. You'll also find the articles from Feb of this year (2025), which channeled Kostas' IG post announcing his retirement after 35 years. Headline: the new owners of Greek Deli, in control for about 7 months now, are messing around with the recipes and quality that have long been foundational to Greek Deli's success. I ask them to reconsider this strategy, which seems to focus on select cuts in quality and ingredient costs, very carefully. I ask them to reconsider it to keep customers happy and for their own success. Innovation and new ideas are great and expected with any sale of any business. Offering bowls such as those made very popular by fast casual chains like Cava may make sense. Offering half portion sizes are another good idea since not everyone will want to bring home the leftovers from Greek Deli's famous large "specialty" platters. But, quality of the food and ingredients is a different matter. Beyond the headline: We went in today and I ordered the meatball specialty platter. This comes with two sides (typically lima beans and string beans in tomato sauce). Also on a bed of orzo and with a side Greek salad and a slice or two of bread. I've ordered this countless times over 20+ years and it was always the same, always delicious and always a reflection of Kostas, who took great pride in his food and loved his customers. But, today? Four small meatballs instead of the long typical two larger ones. More concerning than that, and as confirmed by the staff, they've changed this recipe, to my taste for the worse. The meatballs have less flavor and moisture than they always have. Similarly, the bread isn't the same anymore either. A bit dryer and less flavorful. We also tried some of the lamb from the hot table. Also seemed different, thin sliced, not the lamb shoulder that always was the coin of the realm for the business. I don't know whether these proteins and bread are even being cooked/baked from scratch as Kostas always did. But, either way, they aren't the same and clearly not as good as the dishes were over all of those years. Those changes aside, my dining companion's "chicken on pita" was tasty and enjoyed. And, even with the meatball platter, the orzo, two kinds of beans and side greek salad were versions Kostas would recognize. I've noticed fewer products (like Kosta's wonderful dolmades and rice pudding) now available for sale. And, while I'm concerned, I can't comment on whether mainstays like the spanokopita, avgolomeno or even gyros have changed in the pursuit of cost reduction. I really hope not. Profit is key but have to maintain and grow revenue to thrive. Myopic and short-term cost reduction is a recipe for failure. To the new owners, who aren't Greek (and that's okay), please reconsider these changes. Quality was a key leg of the stool that has made Greek Deli unique, much loved and successful for more than 35 years. Kostas taught you all the recipes and cooking techniques before he left early this year. New customers won't realize the changes those of us with years of experience patronizing the business will. But quality and customer focus weren't just Kosta's secrets. Those "secrets" are essential for any B2C business. If you continue down this path, Greek Deli's specialness will dissipate and you'll be more similar to the many Greek/Mediterranean fast casual chains around this and every town. Kostas built a huge following of loyal customers like me over the years. That's arguably the most valuable asset you have. Kostas was once quoted as saying "I don't play games with customers." Indeed, he never did. If you continue cooking and serving great dishes that we can't easily get elsewhere, while charging fair and profitable prices, you'll do well inheriting Kostas' legacy and thriving as a business. We'll try it again in a month or so, with some trepidation but also with hopefulness. read more

I personally think the food is overpriced. Over $20 platter, and basically all the food are thrown here,there inside the container together. You got a mix of orzo, veggie, your food selection, a big chunk of bread without a separate container. It came with a separate salad container though, that is a plus. Very messy looking...won't be coming back. read more

What they lack in curb appeal they make up for in taste and quality of ingredients. The fact that this business still hasn't been claimed by the business owner makes me respect it even more. He's busy making these kick ass gyros and probably has no idea how to work a computer, like a true man of Greek culture. I'm pretty sure I was the only person there that was new. The owner (I believe) basically ignored me and my questions about the orzo salad and greeted everyone else in line by name which had me thinking oh ok so it's a small hole in the wall but I'm hungry and love Greek food and it's next to my ENT doctor so I'll order a quick sandwich. Welp, upon the first bite I somehow respect this owner more because, like, STFU you newbie, order the orzo salad or don't and keep moving... this is a place I will be coming to frequently until the grumpy old bloke knows who I am and the most intimate details of my life. read more

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I stopped by the Greek Deli during my lunch break and ordered the Famous Gyro. It was so good! I definitely recommend this deli. The gyro meat had spices you could taste and it wasn't over cooked. The tzatziki sauce was extremely fresh with the lemon and dill highlighting it. I love Gryos and most can be oily, but this one wasn't! Amazing Greek deli! Very authentic and I'd definitely return. The employees and owner were very welcoming! read more

Loved our takeout from the Greek deli. Called ahead and placed the order, which was ready on the table when we arrived. Big portions, comfort food, good prices - easy to over order here. Favorite was the spanakopita for me. Flaky cheesy delicious. Also had the pastitsio, lamb souvlaki, and dolmas. Everything was great and very filling. They were out of the chicken soup but I'll be back to try it another time. read more

This is one of those hole in the wall restaurants that you know will be good based on the line out the door. Yes, it is small inside, and it may take a moment to get your order in, but it is so unbelievably worth it. You really can't go wrong with what you order here. The spanakopita and lamb are personal favorites of mine. Any meal you get here is served with generous portions of not only the main dish but sides as well. You want to eat the entire thing because it is so good, but it is nearly impossible to do so. I miss working in this area simply because it is now harder for me to get to this restaurant. read more

Love love love!! My favorite Greek food in DC and possible anywhere. You get a TON of food for what you pay for. Be ready to order when you get to the front because the owner is a bit intimidating (but secretly a big sweetie). My favorite things are the gyro, the giant lima beans, the avgolemono soup, the greek salad, the stuffed grape leaves, and the orzo. Literally everything here is amazing! Recommend coming before 12 or after 1:30 to avoid the line. read more

Greek Deli & Catering - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Kostas is still serving up quality homemade Greek food. Visited the deli the day before Thanksgiving and ordered some entrees for the Thanksgiving meal. Had some of the traditional menu items and also tried his mashed potatoes and stuffing special for Thanksgiving. Everything was very good, even the chocolate chip cookies! Kostas starts cooking early in the morning and it shows in the taste of his food. His wife Irene was working at the register that day and is very nice and friendly. You can order using door dash for pickup or delivery or you can walk in and wait in line. Sometimes the line moves slow depending on how big the orders are and because Kostas hand picks each and every items that goes into your order. If you want good home cooked food, please support this small local business that takes pride in what they do. read more

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$17 for a cold gyro with no sides. There's other local spots that'll at least throw in a side. Mediocre gyro.

Finally got to try Greek Deli a few weeks ago for lunch! The gyro is incredibly delicious and so is the baklava. I didn't even take a picture I was so hungry. This is one of those places that was hit by the pandemic and the lunch rush leaving DC so if you love them, please visit! Prices are a little higher than I'd typically pay, but the quality is certainly there! read more

Came here very excited to try the avgolemono soup as it's typically a very delicious lemony creamy thick soup. Had it for the first time in Colorado and it was AMAZING! I've even homemade it several times and it's nice and slightly tart and a little salty and yum. Cashier slash possibly owner (?) got very excited about his avgolemono soup and even told me that his recipe is online somewhere - perhaps in video form? So imagine my disappointment when I ate this soup and found that there was 0% taste of lemon. Orzo disintegrates in my mouth in a weird way. Quite disappointed and having a hard time finishing even half of this soup as it's very mediocre. :( Maybe they just forgot to add the lemon? Only saving grace here is the friendliness of the guy up front, cuteness of the shop, and the yummy piece of bread it came with. Won't be returning. read more

Greek Deli & Catering - Unfinished soup and hearty bread. :( Don't think I'm going to finish it. - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The Greek Deli is an institution. The first couple times my co-worker too me there, I thought it was overblown. Then I started noticing that their food, though basic, was very well-prepared and consistent. The olive oil bread was crusty on the outside and on the inside a fresh dense sponge for sopping up flavor. The Greek Combo is enough for a couple meals at least. It comes with a salad--made with iceberg, which I'm not crazy about, but also tomatoes, cucumber, and a lovely tangy vinaigrette. The combo also usually comes with orzo, spanikopita (with crisp filo dough, healthy spinach, and a ton of feta for lots of flavor), a big meatball, and pastitsio (a Greek lasagna). Oh, and the green beans and giant beans in a stewed tomato sauce! After going to the Greek Deli pretty regularly for a while, I remember going to some Greek restaurants elsewhere and being disappointed--for the first time appreciating just how good the Greek Deli is. After leaving the area, the Greek Deli was one of the things I missed the most. It was great to get back there and see Kostas and to re-experience the food. Good as ever! read more

Greek Deli & Catering - Greek Combo - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Still amazing since I last came here 10+ yrs ago when I used to work in the area! Kostas is still serving up the best Greek food in the DC area hands down. Better than Byblos, My Big Fat Greek Deli, etc. Though prices have gone up, he has a note apologizing to customers for that at the front of the store explaining how ingredients cost more and he doesn't want to skimp. Who does that?! Gyros, meatball platters, souvlaki, chicken dishes and soups, literally everything is amazing. I don't even personally like feta cheese but love it here for some reason. Food doesn't taste right without it. That's how you know it's legit. Super highly recommend... back then and even now. Please continue to support places like this!! read more

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Food was just ok. Have had better lentil soup and chicken pita elsewhere. Not sure what the hype is about. The owner is extremely loud (I get the deli charm?) but almost uncomfortable to where it felt like he was berating his employees. He was also handling food (bread & filling up pitas) and money at the same time without washing hands- very unsanitary. Would not recommend or go again. read more

I absolutely LOVE this place, high-quality, made from the heart, Greek food for an understandable price. This place is truly a gem and I wish they were open everyday or had longer hours but because they aren't, you cherish the time that you get to visit even more. I've had their lamb (no picture) and it's absolutely succulent and delicious, I also frequently get the meatballs and they are consistent every time - super delicious. Whenever I am in the area and the time is right, I stop by this place. The service is great and fast but there will be a line so get there as soon as you can. I can't wait to go back again. read more

Greek Deli & Catering - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Kosta and his staff are always pleasant and the food is oh so delicious. Depending on the time of day you go the line can easily be out of the deli and up the street. I love the spanakopita, Greek salad, tuna salad, deviled eggs - everything! Their catering is good too! Timely and hot. I would recommend them in a heartbeat. read more

Greek Deli & Catering - Spanakopita and orzo - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I wrote a review on the Greek Deli about 15 years ago. Back then my life allowed me to go by once a week. Life has changed, so I hardly get there these days. But when I do, it is as good as it ever was. If you get there around noon, there will be 30 people lined up to order, out the door, even in freezing weather. They turn over quick so the wait isn't too long. But when you reach the counter, if you hesitate much, Kostas, the owner, will send you to the back of the line. Keep moving...people are hungry! There are always the standard meals like Greek Chicken, Moussaka, and such, served with stewed green beans and tomatoes, some orzo, and bread. (I'm not fond of the fowl here; it's a bit dry). The lamb is terrific but a bit too soft and covered with so much sauce it loses its gaminess. The gyro's are huge and amazing. The real treasures lie in the off-the-menu items, which only regulars know about, such as orzo with feta and lamb. It comes out in a quart container, and is so exquisite it makes me weep. There are daily specials too. Thursdays are Mykonos Meatballs. Lamb, beef, smother in a avgolemono sauce. Transcendent. Behave yourself and Kostas might give you one of the best meals you've ever had. read more

Oh Greek Deli, how have I missed thee. Ever since I moved jobs, the lunch options have been pretty limited. I was back in the area for work, and had to stop by my fave Greek carryout. I got in line around 11:45, and by the time I got my food, there was a line out the door. I recommend coming early to avoid waiting in line too long, and also to ensure the restaurant doesn't run out of the dish you want. I ordered the gyro, and loved it. The gyro meat was flavorful. I loved that two heaping spoons of tzaziki sauce was slathered through the gyro. The tzaziki sauce is thick and rich. It's garlicky, which I love. The dill also adds brightness to the sauce. The gyro includes lettuce, cucumber, and tomato, and is served on a warm pita. read more

Greek Deli & Catering - Gyro - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place is always busy for lunch. Easy access to grab and go food and with huge portions. Their soups are really good too! read more

Greek Deli & Catering - Autentic Greek Meatballs - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

"Woohoo! As good as it gets!" pretty much sums up any place where I would wait 10 minutes outside on a 98 degree day with ridiculous DC humidity. I have to eat here pretty much once a week, or I'm pretty sure I will die a horrible death. This is ambrosia, but if you don't believe me or the other 100+ people who gave this place 5 stars...GOOD because that means I will only have to wait 9 minutes outside on a 98 degree day with ridiculous DC humidity. The lines are out the door, but what's a few minutes of waiting for the food of the Gods of Olympus? Seriously, I could go swimming in the Greek Deli's orzo. The lamb, the chicken, the meatballs, the pasticcio...all EXCELLENT. All made with love, all will fill your belly and then some. It's good, it's great, it's any and everything you could possibly want from an awesome Greek meal. It will cost you time and some coin, but it's TOTALLY worth it. GO GREEK! read more

My husband and I worked way too far from Greek Deli to ever have it for lunch. Not until funemployment did we finally have a chance to trek over to see what the hype was about! We sprinted on over around 11:30am in hopes of beating the lunch rush. We were greeted with a line to the door but thankfully it moved pretty quickly! Moussaka with orzo, spanakopita side, and baklava were handed over to us in no time. The moussaka was stacked high and packed with flavors! The spanakopita shell was flakey and buttery, the spinach cheese layer was light yet creamy - the two combined in each bite, match made in heaven. The baklava wasn't drowned in a pool of honey which I appreciated. The level of sweetness was just perfect. Wished they didn't prepackaged it however so it would had stayed warm. Overall - a popular lunch destination for the obvious reasons - reasonable price, generous portion, and great tasting foods. Would certainly return to try other items when in the area. read more

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I ordered a catered lunch for 14, and less than 24 hours, they had a beautiful feast prepared: pita sandwiches all all varieties, a huge salad, delicious lemon potatoes, and cookies and baklava. Everyone was impressed. I highly recommend! read more

I've been in DC since December and still eat there 2-3 time a week. It's that good. I just wanted to throw that up there along with this tribute haiku. Ode to Greek Deli. What rapturous joy you bring. Avgolemono. I also plan on dressing as Kosta for halloween. read more

Made with love and pride, Kostas serves up a hearty Greek comfort food menu. It'll fill your belly and heart with joy. His meats are tenderly cooked (I suspect slowly), his salads fresh, his feta sumptuous, his homemade bread warm and dense (enough to inspire your carb cheat day). Even his chicken breast will delicately flake off your fork. read more

So far all I've tried from Greek Deli is their spanikopita and that alone warrants 5 stars. First of all the "side order" is MASSIVE, and beyond that the flavor and flakiness are all spot on. The feta is creamy, unlike any spanikopita I've had in the past. Definitely worth a stop in- no matter how out of the way the trip is. Can't wait to come back to try their famous Avgolemono (Lemon Chicken Soup) and their greek meatballs which I've heard amazing things about. read more

Greek Deli & Catering - "Side" of Spanikopita - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The food here is mediocre. I'm big on flavor and the spinach pie I had lacked flavor and a little too flaky. I ended up peeling off the top layer of crust. The Yeero chicken was a disappointment as well. This will probably be my last time coming here. I've had better Greek food off of food trucks. read more

Greek Deli & Catering - Spanakopita - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is by far my favorite Greek place in the whole DMV area. All the food has home-made feel and the owner's this grumpy old Greek that yell at people and hit on pretty women lol. I'd never forget my 1st experience here as the top 3 words in yelp at the time was Kostas. When I asked for a Kostas, the owner came out and said "Yes? I'm Kostas, whaddaya want?!" Then he just stopped the whole line and demanded me to explain what yelp is and why his restaurant didn't get a perfect 5 stars lol... Typically, they serve their meat (gyro, souvlaki), soups, a couple of dishes (regular meatballs, moussaka) every day. However, they have daily specials and monthly specials as well. Some of their best daily specials is on Wednesdays - their Meatballs with Lemon Sauce. Their Moussaka (Eggplant, Ground Meat Casserole) is also amazing, best one I've had locally. Their best monthly special is Ribs with Wine Sauce - this is to die for! They only come on certain Friday and I've only seen this dish 2x per year max and I used to call in every Friday to check lol. All these platters usually come with bread, veggies & orzo and they typically go for $13+. You also can't go wrong with any of their meat either. Their Gyros & Souvlaki ($10) are quite popular & filling. Avgolemono ($5) = Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo + Bread. It's highly recommended! Everything here's home-made and you sure can tell the difference. Make sure you know what to order before you get to the register or the owner'll yell at you lol. Come a little earlier to avoid the lunch rush or you'll be waiting for 30 mins otherwise. read more

I had been dreaming about the Avgolemono soup for a while, especially now that it's getting colder, so I decided to order via delivery today (Door Dash), and it did NOT disappoint! They have a soup/sandwich combo, so I opted for that ($14.99), and it's a LOT of food. I got the Avgolemono (obviously) and the famous gyro. Both were incredibly tasty and exactly what I wanted. I had to heat up the soup in the microwave, but that's expected after a 20-minute car ride (and it's freezing outside). The soup also comes with a HUGE chunk of soft & crusty bread (which I tried to refrain from eating, but I ate half with the soup). Can't recommend this place enough. The food is outstanding. read more

Best greek food in town, the last time I got the lamb platter was 16 years ago when I used to work next to Kostas' place. If you can, support his restaurant, you will not be disappointed. Bon Appetit! Support small businesses, and here to another 30 years for Kostas amazing food! read more

I don't leave many reviews but this place deserves one. The owner is friendly and service is fast. Don't let the line out the door scare you that's a sign of deliciousness. Once you enter the whiff of food is amazing and you can tell all made from scratch and with love. The owner accommodated my need for a strict diabetic diet. Thank you Kostos - I am thoroughly enjoying my lunch right now. Lady in Red ;) read more

This place is absolutely awesome! A co-worker suggested it one day for lunch and I've been hooked since. On a nice day, the line is LONG...but so worth it! The Greek Combo would be your best bet, but let me warn you, the portions are HUGE! The combo comes with a greek meatball, pastitsio and spanikopita. It comes with string beans, lentil and a salad. Oh and their divine bread! Ohmygoodness, writing this review is making me want to go there for lunch tomorrow! read more

Greek Deli & Catering - Pastitsio - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

If you know, you know. Greek Deli is like going home for lunch to the Greek family I never had. Kostas has been running this family business for over 30 years and the Avgolemeno soup alone would keep anyone coming back that long. It's take out only, with a few small tables outside, but their catering is the (not so) best kept secret in DC. I have catered a wedding, a baby shower, and an office lunch over the years and nothing beats it. The hours can be tricky, weekdays only and they close at 3, but worth it every time. I also always stock the dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and tzatziki in my fridge at all times. This is a true DC institution. read more

Overrated and overpriced. The food isn't bad but it's not mind bending or Earth shattering like some people claim. Been about 3 times because I wanted to give it a chance. The gyro is very average tasting for a high price point but the lamb souvlaki sandwich is pretty good, although one time about half the sandwich was fat. This is just an outsiders perspective looking in, but it seems a lot of reviews are based on nostalgia or their love for ownership. read more

Great food and super hearty portions! You get a great bang for your buck. The owner was so sweet and really goes out of his way to provide excellent service. Thank you!!! Can't wait to go back read more