Editor’s Note: Jon is one of my oldest and closest friends in DC.   He’s someone who’ve I had many great meals, great beers, and great conversations with.  He especially has a passion for Europe.  Welcome him to Justin Loves Food.

I’m going to recommend a date spot.

Now, it’s not a posh, expensive locale, so it’s not the place to go if you want to brag about how much bank you can pack on your credit card. Indeed, if you need break the bank on food to impress her, then you should strongly consider another girl. But when my wife and I go out, there’s a great restaurant with a comfortable, romantic atmosphere, tasty food and a reasonable price just a stone’s throw from DuPont Circle Metro. Okay, that could describe a few places, but the one I am talking about is Zorba’s Cafe.

Confession: I’m not a foodie. I can’t name celebrity chefs, nor have I tasted such New York exquisiteness that I am able to truly rate restaurant quality as any proper critic. But I have traveled, and I distrust anything that tastes of uniformity or factory production, and I like a good deal in a good place with good people. Zorba’s fits the bill. Zorba’s is a beautiful little Greek restaurant. I love any Mediterranean food (I was eating there with a Lebanese-American who says that Lebanese food is just as good, but the Greek’s have better marketing. I’ve had some home-cooked Lebanese food before, and I’d have to agree, but that is for another blog post), and Zorba’s is the best Greek restaurant I’ve found in Washington.

First, the prices. It will cost you about $10-$15 per plate, and while the soups and salads are fantastic, the plates will include enough for a full meal. Also, they do not have a waiting service – customers order at the cash register and wait for their number, which means they will save money on tips. In a place like DC where any tip under %20 makes you look like a cheapskate, that is no small savings. For young people beginning their careers in an expensive city, this is worth considering.

Second, it has everything I want in an atmosphere. The space between all of the tables is that perfect medium between American and European culture. If you have been to Europe, you probably know what I am talking about – the feeling in the cafes that all of the tables are close together, while in the U.S. everyone has canyons between his or her neighbor. Zorba’s is close, comfortable quarters, but you are not on top of your fellow customer. There is an implicit sense of community, but you can have a private conversation with your date. Second, the front patio is beautiful. Tables and chairs and blue and white umbrellas, greenery – on a nice day, this is the place to be. However, if there is no room outside, there is plenty of room inside, downstairs or upstairs. They make a great use of space. Inside, with the table clothes, the quaint artwork, the hanging plants, the music – one feels a step closer to Greece and a step away from hustle and bustle of Washington. Step out of the traffic, the work-week,  and the tenacious politics, and step onto a Greek island, close to the sea, and take the time to taste your food and talk to your girl. The entire ambiance encourages romance – take your date by the hand and wait for your number to be called.

Finally, the food is great. There is an extensive menu of entrees, sandwiches, desserts and drinks. My wife loves the Chicken Shish Kebabs and one could never go wrong with felafels, but for beginners, I recommend Zorba’s combination plate, which has a little bit of everything with a fresh salad on the side. Now, not all of my dishes have been created equal. Occasionally, they are guilty of fattiness or blandness, but more often than not, we leave very satisfied. Plus, everything goes good with a bottle of Mythos, a Greek beer (small bonus – they frost their glasses). Oh, and be sure to have some Baklava for dessert.

Between the prices, the atmosphere and the food, you have yourself a great date spot right by DuPont Circle. Give it a try, and let me know what you think.