The Big Greek Cafe is a Mediterranean restaurant hidden next to a 7-Eleven in Leesburg, Virginia off of Catoctin Circle SW. This restaurant is small but very crowded. Upon entering, people are huddled together waiting for takeout on the left, while some people linger beside the line reading the menu above the cashier, still deciding what to get. All the tables are usually full as it’s quite popular with many families sharing sections. However, no matter what, the customers and staff ensure that the atmosphere is always positive.
The food was delicious; in fact, it was the best Greek food I’ve ever eaten. The gyro bowl was the finest among the ones I’ve tried at other restaurants. The gyro was super fresh and soft while the other restaurant’s version is usually cold and hard. Though the bowl had salad, it was still served warm since it had meat and rice in it, which I appreciated a lot. The sauce was also very delicious; it had a distinct flavor that’s hard to describe. It was a bit nutty and earthy, and properly tied together all the different flavors in the bowl. The bowl was huge with a generous amount of gyro for only $13.75, a steal for its excellent quality and quantity.
The lamb chops are served with pita bread, two sides of your choice, and tzatziki, a greek yogurt with cucumber. The pita bread is served warm and pairs well with the lamb chops and tzatziki. They have a wide variety of sides you can choose from, but I usually get the steamed broccoli with carrots and the greek salad; however, the roast greek potatoes are scrumptious. The potatoes are oven roasted with lemon, olive oil, oregano, and garlic, which can be smelled from the kitchen. The lamb chops cost $26.50, which is very cheap considering there’s four large lamb chops.
The service is just as good as the food; the cashiers are kind and patient. Another thing I like about this place is the fact that the atmosphere is very lively and cozy. There are olive trees and a mural of Santorini on the wall, fitting the greek vibe. The open kitchen allows you to guarantee that the food they’re preparing is fresh. When the weather is nice, the tables outside are available so customers can enjoy their food outdoors. The customers have to clean their table and get their drinks and utensils themselves, but the food is brought over by the staff. Since all the tables are usually full, many people have to sit next to strangers; though, some people may be lucky enough to get a table for themselves. Even so, it shouldn’t be a problem because the customers are very friendly and respectful. Still, the experience is enjoyable as all that matters is the food itself and the friendly workers.
Overall, the restaurant is amazing; the food is great and so is the service. Everybody I’ve introduced to this place have all had positive experiences. If anyone were to ask me for a restaurant recommendation, The Big Greek Cafe would be my first suggestion.
