this was the restaurant on the first episode of Gordon ramsays secret service and you should watch it the restaurant used to have rats and stuff but now it's good like they are doing really well now read more

The food was amazing. I ordered lamb chops medium rare and they were cooked to perfection. Came here cause I watched Gordon Ramsay and it tasted like Gordon food. The service was awesome too. Michael gave us free dessert. It was pretty quiet. There weren't a lot of people there. Overall, it's a great restaurant. read more

High prices for cold food and and a nightmare to get to on foot. I have a car but we're all pedestrians sometimes and Connecticut Avenue is not fun walk on. read more

The Parthenon has recently changed its menu and decor. What's new are the high prices. What's no longer offered are the tried and true favorites. The new lunch menu is uninspiring and very limited. A horiatiki salad is $11.00 and the portion is very small. A gyro sandwich with fries is $15.00. Although I have been a loyal patron for years, my interest in going back to the restaurant has severely waned. The service is spotty, at best. read more

The food was cold. They substituted vegetables for one of the main parts of a Greek platter without checking in. After delivering food, our server never checked in for a refill or to check on whether we needed anything while the group of servers all sat visibly chatting together inside. Other tables around us were waiting for their missing entrees. Overall, it was a disappointing experience. There's some room for significant improvement. A positive was a kind server who did check in after a significant period of time and complaints from other tables and provided a refill for our drinks and promptly removed our plates from our table. read more

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

Parthenon Restaurant - Greek Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

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

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

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

Parthenon Restaurant - Gyro salad - Greek Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

See all

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

See all

Amazing food and atmosphere , must try friendly staff!!! Highly recommended , I would go there again

The food and service is good here highly recommend recommend any time u want good food go here read more

Parthenon Restaurant - Very good food here - Greek Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

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

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

Parthenon Restaurant - Greek Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

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

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

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

Parthenon Restaurant - Greek Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parthenon Restaurant - Gyro Salad with a side of bread. Look at that loaf! - Greek Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

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

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

Parthenon Restaurant - RAW chicken served to a pregnant woman! Server didn't care. - Greek Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

See all

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

If you're looking for authentic Greek food in the DC area, look no further than Parthenon. My family and I frequent this restaurant often, but I've only been here for lunch (off-peak hours); however, the staff has always been attentive. I also really like the Greek paintings and overall atmosphere. This past weekend, my mom and I went for lunch. She ordered the baked chicken and potatoes and I ordered the gyro sandwich platter. Both were so good! The portions are large, and they give you bread (with olive oil!) to munch on while you wait for your entrees to come out. When you go, leave space for dessert. Order the baklava and cappuccino. You'll be in for a treat! read more

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

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

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

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

The original Chevy Chase Lounge was located at the northwest corner of Connecticut Avenue and McKinley Streets (today a bank, after a fleeting few years as a 7-11). It was dark with tiny windows and torn and peeling vinyl covers in the booths. The waitresses, to all appearances shuttled in from Baltimore, had white hair and called you "hon". You could get a rectangular hamburger on a sub bun and a beer for cheap, and it was a great place for anyone on a bit of a budget (or with a pressing need not to be seen). The Lounge closed at that location in the mid-'80s or so. After a hiatus of a few years it was reincarnated further down the street in the space now occupied by Arucola Restaurant, trading in the dive decor for a chrome-and-fern motif (which, I think, Arucola retains). It was a Bizarro shadow of its former self, and after one visit I swore the place off. As did, evidently, everyone else. In its latest incarnation, the Lounge is an adjunct to Parthenon Restaurant, a couple hundred feet further south on Connecticut. I doubt it will ever descend into legitimate Dive territory again but this version is, on the whole, pretty satisfying. The square burgers are gone but Parthenon's menu is quite sufficient for bar food, and as other reviewers have noted, the place has re-established itself as a neighborhood hangout, regulars and all. I don't get there very often any more but when I do I am always grateful for the occasion. read more

See all

We were in the neighborhood the restaurant we were planning to go to was not opened yet. We walked over to Parthenon to check it out. The outside was like many typical restaurants in the area, it looked nothing like the inside. When we walked in we were surprised by the warmly lit restaurant in an almost full capacity. I ordered a Greek white it was very good for the price. We started with a bowl of Avegolemono. The waiter split it into two smaller bowls for us, that was very nice. It was made with rice unlike mine with orzo very delicious! We ordered a gyro salad and lamb kebab salad they were tender and tasty, really nice salads. We overheard at other tables the types of fresh fish they offered sounded fantastic! For desserts we tried something different it was a baked custard with filo dough, honey and cinnamon powder. It was tasty not too sweet. We enjoyed our lunch at the restaurant and would go back to try other dishes. read more

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

Parthenon Restaurant - Two dishes for $45. Definitely not worth it. - Greek Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The 4 stars is more for the atmosphere and the service, rather than the food. This is a place that you go to if you are craving Greek food, but you may not be too happy with the results. I may recommend the outside location for dates, during the summer months, but thats about it. I had an excellent server, his name was Daniel. He was very informative and helpful - my dad really liked the bread that was served in the beginning of the meal, and he was kind enough to give us some to take home with us. The ambiance is a little strange - a random blue awning and pillars inside clash - not classic and not modern. However if you dont move from one space to the other, its not that jarring. Personally, I prefer the inside. The art on the wall is a little random as well - the space is not well filled up, and the yellow on the walls makes it look a tad dingy. Now to the food. My dad had the combination platter and I had the Gyro platter. The food was very well cooked and prepared, we didn't have an overlong wait time either though the restaurant was full. However, it wasn't very authentic and I think that's what my dad and I respond to the most. But we came away with a good meal and a large amount of leftovers. read more