Six Pack: Mediterranean Food In Philadelphia


Editor’s Note: Once again, we have some new Foobooz interns to introduce to the community. And as we have done before, we’re letting them say hello by way of the classic Foobooz Six Pack–offering up a little taste of something they love in order to tell you who they are.

This week, we have Temple student Esther Katro–the girl with the weirdest lunchbox. Take it away, Esther…

I’m Esther Katro, I’m Greek, and I’ve been raised on–and consistently seek out–Mediterranean food. I’ve always been the girl at school with the most  diverse lunchbox, consisting of various Mediterranean foods with funny names, scents and textures. As a multimedia journalism student at Temple University, I believe in bringing virtual color and dimension to food through video.

Philadelphia is a Greek word, and the city has a strong Greek architectural influence and a heavy dose of Mediterranean food on the scene. So check out any of these great restaurants for a filling meal guaranteed to be cooked with a ton of olive oil.

Authentic Greek On The Cheap At Olympia Restaurant

You can’t beat a platter of olympic proportions for a small price! The food is authentically Greek and the dining room is staffed by Greek personalities, but there’s also an Italian section on the menu delving into the western diet of the Mediterranean.

Olympia Restaurant [Fairhill]127 W Allegheny Ave
215-425-2073

Greek Salads At Zorba’s Tavern

If you’re into salty food, then a Greek salad from Zorba’s–with its pounds of olives and mountain of crumbled feta cheese–is guaranteed to give you your recommended daily dose.

Zorba’s Tavern [Fairmount]
2230 Fairmount Avenue
215-978-5990

Avgolemono Soup at Athena Restaurant

Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and the hunt, Athena is surely a wise place for you to hunt down. It’s got an extensive menu, is easy on the wallet, and whether you’re looking to enjoy fresh Mediterranean-style fish on the outdoor dining patio, or a warm bowl of lemony avgolemono soup on a cold day, the Mediterranean music playing during your visit is sure to complement your meal.

Athena Restaurant [Glenside]
264 Keswick Avenue
215-884-1777

A Cypriot Breakfast At Kanella

Look, you can do better than the plate of souvlaki and eggs at the nearest Greek diner when it comes to having breakfast the Mediterranean way. And at Kanella, you can do it with housemade lamb merguez sausageswith duck eggs and yogurt, or the “Cyprus Breakfast” of eggs fried in olive oil, fried halloumi and lounza fresh off the grill.

Kanella [Washington Square West]
1001 Spruce St
(215) 922-1773

A Mini-Vacation To The Mediterranean At Estia

With an authentic menu that’s sure to test your bilingual skills, food served on blue and white plates, and live Greek Music, just pick your favorite location in the Mediterranean, close your eyes and you’ll feel like you’re already there.

Estia Restaurant [Center City]
1405 Locust Street
215-735-7700

Getting Sweet At Manakeesh

Nuts for nuts? There’s a desert out there, with layer upon layer of crushed nuts, all glued together with honey and wrapped up tight in crispy filo dough. The large slices of Lebanese baklava served here will always leave you wanting more.

Manakeesh Cafe and Bakery [University City]
4420 Walnut Street
215-921-2135