Although the Nostos Greek restaurant has operated in the Tysons Corner area for a while, it remains a steady go-to destination for every sort of patron, from ladies chatting over lunch to businessmen and couples. Patrons have learned that for outstanding Greek cooking served in a classy contemporary setting, Nostos is an ideal restaurant.
Because the menu offers a number of tempting dishes, your best bet is to enjoy a meal with several friends—that way you can sample several dishes so that you get a real idea of what the kitchen puts out. And with friends along, you can choose at least two appetizers: the tzatziki, Greek yogurt with garlic and cucumbers, and the melitzanosalata, roasted eggplant whipped with olive oil and garlic, both of which come with heated wedges of pita bread. Add to that an order of the tyrokafteri, a peppery hot spread of feta cheese and hot peppers… this is an ideal dipping treat for the wedges of pita bread, especially for those who like a spicy kick. For an extra treat as an appetizer, add on the entrée Taverna salad with a toss-up of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, feta cheese, and kalamata olives.
Do check the specials menu before you order the rest of the lunch (or dinner) items—recently the yummy lamb chops were on offer that day, a pared-down version of the standard menu offering that includes grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes. Regardless, the lamb is sensational, and although rather pricey on the regular menu, lamb lovers would likely head to that as their entrée selection.
Other lunch entrées include swordfish kabobs, which a fellow patron loved, plus other seafood kabobs (including grilled octopus); and meat kabobs, including chicken, meatballs, or a meat sampler with skewered chicken, beefsteak, and lamb. Vegetarian entrées of beans, or zucchini, or beets; of cheese choices that include grilled Cypriot sheep and goat cheese, or feta cheese with kalamata olives, plus more.
Scanning down the menu, patrons come across the section with fish entrées, including a whole Mediterranean bass or the kakavia, a seafood stew with tomatoes, potatoes, shrimp, and kalamaria with crusty bread. And traditional entrées include the renowned spanakopita, a favorite choice for Greek food lovers who relish the layered phyllo dough stuffed with spinach, feta, and scallion; and the equally renowned mousaka, layered eggplant slices that enclose potatoes and ground beef.
When it is time for dessert, scan through the dessert wines, brandies and cognac, and liqueurs choices…or just order a cup of coffee to pair with a selection of the famed baklava (three different options); the rice pudding; the airy galaktoboureko; or the cheesecake. That day the kitchen had spread on the cheesecake top a dazzling fruity layer of bergamot jam. Delish!!! Note that that particular spread may not be the standard topping but rejoice if it shows up on your cheesecake slice. Or two.
(Note: Best to make reservations!! At a recent lunch, it looked like all the tables were filled, and the affiliated parking lot was packed.)
Nostos, 8100 Boone Blvd., Vienna, Va. 703-760-0690. Hours: Lunch Tues.-Fri., 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner, Mon.-Sat., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. https://nostosrestaurant.com