Manoli Canoli A Top-Ranked Chevy Chase Restaurant

Chevy Chase is blessed with many fine restaurants. Now, judging restaurants is like judging art–it’s a subjective process that depends entirely on the tastes of the judge. But there is a rankingof restaurants in Chevy Chase on the widely read website www.tripadvisor.com. Right at the top is Manoli Canoli, on Connecticut Avenue about a mile south of the Beltway. That’s owner Stavros Manolakos in the picture above.

(The tripadvisor algorithm for calculating its rankings is somewhat opaque. It rates Capitol Grill at the top of Chevy Chase restaurants, with Manoli Canoli No. 2. But Manoli Canoli has a higher average rating from the reviewers: 4+ circles out of five to Capitol Grill’s 4 out of 5. )

Here’s an excerpt from what the latest posted review on Manoli Canoli had to say:

“My wife and I were immediately impressed with the friendly service. They offer Italian and Greek standards – we opted for an all-Italian dinner. The Caprese with Burrata (made right in the house) was delightful. The pizza was exactly right – thin crust lost of flavor, just enough sauce and cheese. They had a cable soccer channel playing. The waiter and the maitre’d were both very friendly. And did I say anything about the prices? They were really reasonable for a wealthy area. I am looking forward to returning for some Greek fare.”

Stavros Manolakos says the restaurant has  a Greek-Italian menu because his former partner was Italian. He’s owned the restaurant himself for six years; the name is a mixure derived from the nickname borne by both his father and his son and the sweet Italian desserts that are a highlight of the menu. Stavros keeps a friendly, casual place. There are no linen cloths on the tables at Manoli Canoli, but there is always good, hearty food, warm service and reasonable prices.

Photo © Bob Cullen