YANNI’S GREEK TAVERNA
YANNI’S GREEK TAVERNA
3500 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 362-8871
If you’re on a tight budget but have somebody to charm, I’d try Yanni’s. Romance for me is in the ambiance—Greek bouzouki music in the background, a lovely mural along one wall, adorable Greek (I assume) waiters, and a compact little bar in the back of the room. The menu is large, with items listed first in English, then in Greek. While the food isn’t innovative or gourmet, it is fresh and filling. The feta cheese in nearly every dish is the real thing! I love spanakopita (spinach pie in layers of flaky filo dough) and usually begin with that. The beef souvlaki platter comes with seasoned meat skewers in pita bread, tzatziki (cucumber-yogurt dip), Greek salad, and french fries. Since I’m a spinach fan, I’ve often ordered the spanakorizo, a blend of spinach and rice served with feta cheese, tomatoes, and olives. Save room for the baklava (a classic dessert of filo pastry layered with crushed nuts and pure Greek honey)—it’s heavenly! The outside seating is perhaps Yanni’s greatest draw, allowing dining couples the pleasure of people-watching in lively Cleveland Park.