Our Story

Philotimo, which opened its doors in January 2022 at Midtown Center after years in the making, is Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s long-anticipated tribute to the legendary cuisine of Greece. In June of 2022, Philotimo suffered a fire, which led to a year of rebuilding. Philotimo reopened on November 1st, 2023.

Stefanelli, chef and owner of Michelin-starred Masseria and five other D.C.-based restaurants, honors his Greek heritage and the country’s modern-day artisans and purveyors to showcase the vibrant, wide-ranging flavors of Greece. 

The menu at Philotimo highlights Stefanelli’s in-depth research and extensive travels throughout his familial homeland and is foremost an exploration of the country’s valued traditions and global reach

With root words in Greek “filos,” meaning friend, and “timi,” meaning honor, Philotimo roughly translates in English to “honor your friends.” But in Greek culture, the word has a deeper meaning. Greeks use the word to convey a sense of pride in everything one does, from small acts of kindness and altruism, to supporting one’s neighbors and community

We look forward to welcoming you with the spirit of philotimo.