Zorba’s! A Greek Jewel in Fairmount

There are many Greek restaurants in Philadelphia, and two on opposite ends of Fairmount Avenue. On Locust Street, you have Estia. On Chancellor Street, there is Almyra, which is also owned by the same family that opened Estia. Off of Samson Street is Moustaki. On 10th and Spruce Streets is Kanella. But, in the heart of Fairmount, less than a five-minute walk from our door is Zorba’s Tavern.

This little Greek restaurant officially opened their doors in 1997. Kostas Kravvaritis, along with his children, Nikos, Maria, Stravros, and Yiannis, have been following a tradition that started in 1932 with their great-uncle Nikos in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Here at Zorba’s, authentic Greek hospitality is evidenced in the homemade tzatziki, dolmades, and slow roasted leg of lamb. The seafood is always fresh, and after many years, they now offer a fantastic wine and cocktail selection from Greece. For those of you that don’t already know, I’m half Greek on my mother’s side of the family. So anytime I have a hankering for Greek food, we always pick Zorba’s Tavern.

I recently was in the mood for charred lamb chops, and had heard that Zorba’s now had a full bar, so we checked it out! Nikos, along with the entire staff are always so friendly, and we got a table despite not having a reservation. We started with the homemade pita, dolmades, and charred octopus appetizers, and tried two cocktails that brought us back to the Greek Islands of Mykonos and Corfu.

Following our appetizers, I ordered the charred lamb chops, paired with rice, potatoes, and vegetables. Eric ordered the shrimp tourkolimano, sautéed shrimp in a red wine and tomato sauce, with feta cheese, and also paired with rice, potatoes, and vegetables. For dessert, we had the house special, a phyllo dessert soaked in honey, cream, and baklava filling. It was to die for, and went very well with my Greek coffee.

If you ever get in the mood to try some authentic Greek cuisine, consider Zorba’s Tavern on 2230 Fairmount Ave. Nikos Kravvaritis and his family will welcome you with open arms and ensure that you don’t leave hungry! Opa!