DCReview
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Philotimo
Philotimo could be a really great Greek restaurant, but much like that ex you gave one too many chances, it doesn’t live up to its potential. The fancy-ish downtown spot serves beautiful, well-made cocktails, refreshing melitzanosalata, and creamy tirokafteri. But bigger plates are hit or miss, like an octopodi with great char and inconsistent seasoning.
Philotimo's main dining roomphoto credit: Nina Palazzolo
Similar to the food, the mood switches up on you. When you walk into the candlelit front hallway, you’ll think you’re barging in on an elaborate proposal. But the romance falls off when you hit the main dining room, where friend groups pile into cushioned booths and coworkers split pillowy spanakopita and bottles of Greek wine. It’s a jarring transition that'll take the air out of your anniversary dinner. Instead, come here for a birthday with friends and order everything to share, or plan a date night with someone you no longer have to impress, but still want to.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Melizanosalata
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Tirokafteri
Spanakopita
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Octopodi
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Mantia