If you’re looking for a casual dining experience with young professionals (Whartonites, this is for you), try Dmitri’s located near Fitler Square.
The décor, in short, feels less Mediterranean that it does regular American. The Greek writing on the wall gives the impression of Hellenic-inspired cuisine but with French-sounding music a la Edith Piaf, it’s difficult to exactly place this restaurant.
Lighting is no different than an American steakhouse, however unlike a steakhouse, the seating is limited; stools at the bar and at taller tables in the front or smaller tables near the open kitchen in the back of the restaurant. Make sure that you arrive early or be prepared to face the possibility of a long wait.
With a very plain, seafood-heavy menu broken into five parts, you’re sure to find something from the ocean to soothe your palate. Besides the classic fruits de mer, fresh salads, “little dishes,” pasta, main course platters, and rich desserts garnish the small menu. Feel free to substitute or combine the inaptly titled “little dishes,” which include Greek classics like tzatziki and skordalia ($7.50), for the main platter. Don’t expect the classic preparation though; Dmitri’s does it differently when it comes to the Greek classics. Large chunks of moon-shaped cucumber slices overpower the dish, which seems to lack the classic garlic.
If you’d rather avoid the more classic dishes, try their split pea soup, which hits the spot on a cold drizzly day. Although it’s not the way mama makes it, the fresh vegetables and colorful presentation make this a must. If you want a taste of the sea, try the “little dish” clams ($11). Perfectly sized and steaming in a broth adorned with fresh herbs, they are sure to disappear off your plate quickly.
If you don’t have your sea legs yet, they offer the lamb platter ($17). With sides of brown rice, escarole, and grilled vegetables, tender and sometimes tough thin slices from the leg of the lamb adorn this dish that seems to have too many competing flavors. A dash of salt and pepper with a drizzle of olive oil would have significantly improved the meal’s taste. Moving back to the North Atlantic, the flounder ($18) is a dish to sample. Four thin slices of heavily breaded flounder with a side of rice define this colorful and juicy entrée.
Dessert choices are small yet fulfilling. Sample the traditional Greek baklava layered with honey and nuts in flaky phyllo dough or try the crème caramel, a delicious addition to any meal. For the chocolate lovers, the chocolate pot ($4.50) is sure to fill any burning desires. Topped with a cool whipped cream, this rich choice is sure to please.
Overall, this dining experience did have a few bumps in the road. The service could use a tune up while the menu deserves more choices. Also — make sure to get a seat near the back, you’ll get your food faster that way.
Dmitri's 2227 Pine St. (215) 985-3680 Don’t Miss: Chocolate pot dessert Skip: The tzatziki Bottom Line: Moderately priced Mediterranean-influenced food.
