PHILOTIMO
By Nicholas Stefanelli
Rooted in Greece’s storied foodways, Philotimo is an exploration of the country’s cherished traditions and culinary beauty through the lens of Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli. We invite guests along for a vibrant journey that pays homage to Chef Stefanelli’s Greek heritage and the rich history of the country – well beyond the olive groves and the shores of the shimmering Aegean.
Our menu offers tribute to the wide-ranging flavors of Greece and its regional delicacies; Spanning from the mountainsides of the Greek isles scented with wild rosemary and lavender, to the Macedonian vineyards led by small-batch Greek winemakers, to the seaside Peloponnesian villages where farmstand producers create world-class olive oil and honey.
Join us in the heart of Downtown D.C. at Midtown Center, where Philotimo welcomes guests with its serene design and convivial energy.
The Meaning of Philotimo
With no direct English translation for the Greek word philotimo, it would be easy to say the word defies translation, but while Americans may not have an exact word for it, they know the feeling it evokes. With root words in Greek “filos,” meaning friend, and “timi,” meaning honor, it essentially equates to “honor your friends.” At Stefanelli’s Philotimo, which he considers a gathering place to break bread with friends and family, the basic translation certainly applies. But in Greek culture, the word has a deeper meaning. Greeks use the word philotimo to convey a sense of pride in everything one does, from small acts of kindness to supporting one’s community to doing the right thing. The principles of philotimo remind us of the benefits of coming together for a stronger community–something Chef Stefanelli strives to do for the communities he creates at his restaurants.
Our lively and upbeat bar next door is a great gathering place that features an expansive wrap-around bar and is the perfect destination for cocktails, wine, and meze. It is the perfect pre-dinner drink, evening nightcap, and everything in between.
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