The Big Greek Cafe

The Big Greek Cafe wants everyone to experience the joy of having a Greek grandma who loves to cook. This local chain run by twin brothers Simos and Nikos Marmaras advertises its Greek comfort food as “just like yia yia used to make,” inspired by their own mother’s delicious family recipes. That could be spanakopita, with spinach and feta baked into crispy phyllo dough or bechamel-topped moussaka made with layers of ground beef and sautéed eggplant. Fresh ingredients, generous portions and warm hospitality are the driving force behind The Big Greek Cafe, which began in Maryland and started its expansion into Virginia with a location in Alexandria that’s become a neighborhood favorite.  

The restaurant also boasts the cure for the midweek doldrums, thanks to its famous $7 Gyro Wednesdays deal. That’s when you can get a big discount on a pita laden with the likes of shaved beef and lamb and drizzled with tzatziki sauce. But any day is a good day to visit for dishes like build-your-own Big Greek Bowls with falafel or salmon, Greek honey Old Bay wings, French fries topped with feta, or even baklava cheesecake.