Effie's Restaurant

Name: Effie's Restaurant
Address: 1127 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19107
Telephone: (215) 592-8333
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4

4.0

754 Reviews

$30 and under

Greek

Top Tags:

Effie's Restaurant, a little townhouse located on Antique Row in Center City, is reminiscent of a Greek taverna. Specialties include grilled whole fish, octopus salad, famous lamb dishes, moussaka, and the best Greek salad in town! Join us for dinner to try our new menu items. We feature outdoor seating in our lovely garden area.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Greek, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 4:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 592-8333
Website
http://www.effiesrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Effie Bouikidis Schweich
Catering
Everything from our dinner menu is available for catering.

Location
1127 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Neighborhood
Center City
Cross street
11th
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Get off at 11th & Walnut
Additional
Banquet, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access

Popular dishes

Tzatziki$6.50
Hummus$6.50
G Dolmades$6.50
Meletzanosalata$6.50
Grilled Feta$8.50
hot peppers, tomatoes
Patates$7.00
french fries, lemon aioli
Saganaki$8.50
lightly floured and seared kasseri cheese
Spanakopita (2)$10.50
spinach, scallion dill, feta, phyllo dough parcel
Thessaloniki$16.00
tzatziki, hummus, meletzanosalata, olives, feta, dolmades
Mussels Saganaki$12.50
sauteed mussels, feta, spicy mustard sauce
Fried Calamari$13.50
lightly flowered

What 754 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.0

4 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4Service
4.1Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

754 Reviews

JB
JBrowning
Philadelphia
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall2food1service3ambience3
Effie's Restaurant was (and that, unfortunately, is changing) a reliable neighborhood restaurant. Its intimacy and charm (especially at tables in the rear courtyard or street-side along their small side street) always provided a very pleasant dining experience. The food at Effie's historically rated a B+/A-. But the food quality has dropped radically over the past year (we've been three times, and each time the food is worse than before). Effie's now uses cheap ingredients and their food quality is approaching " grade C suburban diner" levels. I hope Effie's pays attention to reviews and turns things around. It would be a shame to see this sweet neighborhood gem fall by the wayside.
Is this helpful?
PD
PhillyDiner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience2
I want to like this place but it is clear things have fallen on hard times. Apparently they only had 3 people total working on a Saturday night: a cook, a busser, and a server. It made for a slow and and less than satisfying experience, from the service to the food quality. We completely understand the challenges of running a restaurant in this post-COVID world and are rooting for them to be able to hopefully turn things around but unfortunately we won't be back anytime soon.
Is this helpful?
DA
DebbieA
Denver
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall1food5service5ambience1
Tired and under kept establishment with great food.
Is this helpful?
F
Foxfire
Philadelphia
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall4food4service1ambience5
They desperately need more waiters! There was a big crowd and only a couple if waiters so everything was sooo slow . food was good but the brownish unappetizing peas should be replaced with something else. Rice portion was way too big.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing restaraunt. The Chef , Effie makes delicious dishes and reasonably priced . Loved the moussaka , and the fried feta with jalapeños and fresh tomatoes was amazing with pita bread . The service was excellent . It’s a BYOB too . We dined in the city garden atmosphere outside . Everything was perfect on a beautiful night. ❤️ highly recommend
Is this helpful?
C
Cara
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Delicious BYOB with friendly service. Relaxed atmosphere. We were a party of 8 seated in the carriage house. It was a tad warm in there, but bearable. Some entrees took a little longer to come out, so don't go if you're in a rush. Staff were friendly and polite. Food was aaaaamazing, fresh and hot! Great spot.
Is this helpful?
B
Basil
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing place to take your date out for dinner. Moussaka was incredible as well as the honey glazed Salmon
Is this helpful?
EG
EricG
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great neighborhood place. Wonderful staff. Great food and service. Garden outside is especially nice. BYOB!!
Is this helpful?
BK
BKmom
Philadelphia
251 reviews
vip
3.0
251 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
The food was ok, some better than other. The Greek salad was all green peppers- although the menu said it was a mix of different peppers. I can’t eat green peppers. The zucchini chips were too thick and not crispy. The shrimp was better but very salty- due to the feta cheese and the peas were way over cooked. I was very disappointed. The outdoor table was very unsteady- I thought things were going to fall. I doubt we will go back.
Is this helpful?
E
Eileen
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went here for a moms night out with 10 other women and we were so well taken care of! We love Effie’s. Excellent value, fabulous service, the food is delicious.
Is this helpful?
l
lynner
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 11, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Best moussaka ever!! Spanakopita delicious! Go there!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Fort Lauderdale
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, great ambience, fun servers and the personal touch from Effie. We had appetizer platter which was plenty for 2 people. Our plates were wiped clean the food was so good. Lamb chops, keftes, gyro all outstanding. We ate in the front dining room inside which was lovely as it was hot outside. With that said the outside patio looked beautiful. Don’t pass this place up! I know I’ll be back and booking through open table!!!
Is this helpful?
MM
MarkM
Philadelphia
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great waiter he was really fun and very knowledgeable about the cuisine! One of my favorite restaurants in the city.
Is this helpful?
EW
EmmaW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
MY FAVORITE PLACE! Love you Effie! You made my night and I had the best night ever
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
effie! we love you! great night and the best food around!
Is this helpful?
E
Elovitz
Philadelphia
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience2
We had 730 reservations in the courtyard for my birthday. Arrived prior and it was very busy. Serving and kitchen staff were visibly overwhelmed. Waited 10 minutes to inquire about our res and only table they had was inside. Sensing that food and service would be delayed based on crowd we saw waiting and overbearing other patrons experience, we declined and left. Been there several times before and always delicious and welcoming.
Is this helpful?
D
Daniel
Washington DC
5 reviews
1.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Waited for one hour and 45 min and never received our dinner. We mentioned this to servers and chief. They lost our order they said but at no time did they come out to check on us. We will NEVER enter this restaurant. Outright unhappy experience and still hungry- we just left and went to Mixto and received a delicious dinner within 30 minutes with a wonderful server.
Is this helpful?
CE
CharlesE
Philadelphia
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
One of our favorite neighborhood places — the Greek food is delicious.
Is this helpful?
R
Rich
Philadelphia
75 reviews
vip
1.0
75 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience2
I have had good experiences here but not last night. We had a 6:00 reservation and had orchestra tickets for 8:00. We actually got seated at 5:50 and had our appetizer a few minutes later. By 7:20 our entrees had still not arrived. Our server was very nice and apologetic, frequently saying there was a large party upstairs. We had to leave before receiving our entrees. While I appreciated that we were not charged for the appetizer, if the restaurant can't handle a large party plus its other patrons, then don't seat as many people.
Is this helpful?
KA
KayAnne
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Lovely family-owned BYOB restaurant that is worthwhile. I cannot complain about anything. Portions were as expected and we left full and happy. Our small plates and entrees are best compared to the homecooking you remember so fondly.
Is this helpful?
m
mollyked
Charlotte
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I have loved Effie's since visiting here a few years ago. The whole grilled branzino was outstanding but alas it was not on the menu this time. The service was excellent but they had issues with drink ware...no wine glasses, no water glasses for some guests...weird! Our Greek salads were spot on and the fried zucchini Chios with tzatziki was scrumptious! The inside seating is LOUD! Even with few people it was difficult for me to hear. Outside would have been better but it was threatening rain. I will go again and again because it is so very good!
Is this helpful?
AB
AndreaB
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
We have eaten at Effie's many times over the years. The food is always good and the service is great! Thanks for being there.
Is this helpful?
AB
AmyB
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 5, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Lovely food and excellent host. Next time we’re in Philadelphia we will come back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience3
Delicious food! Host opened the door and greeted us warmly. BYOB, so come prepared if you'd like something other than water. Owner(?) blew us a kiss as we left. εὐχαριστῶ!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 30, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience1
Would not go again. Needs a good cleaning. Would not go again. Needs a good cleaning. Would not go again. Needs a good cleaning.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 28, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience3
Effie made special potatoes for one of my friends. The waiter was very nice. The food was really delicious. Nothing fancy, just delicious.
Is this helpful?
MR
MarcelR
Philadelphia
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Great home style Greek cooking. BYOB which is nice. Always enjoyable.
Is this helpful?
P
Puffin
Philadelphia
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Effie's is always a good, not-too-expensive, BYO neighborhood choice. It's a bit crowded (hard to get between tables) and this time the moussaka was not heated all the way through, but the waitstaff is cheerful & responsive.
Is this helpful?
TH
TimontheHill
Philadelphia
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
We love Effie’s and drive into the city to go there a few times a year, usually when celebrating an anniversary or birthday/holiday. If at all possible, we usually sit out in the patio, as it’s a nice and relatively unique setting. On our most recent visit, we sat in the inside dining room for the first time. Honestly, the service wasn’t too great this time (a lot of forgetting what we asked for, bringing us the wrong entrees, having to ask for more of certain things repeatedly). However, it was Valentine’s Day and therefore pretty busy and we weren’t in a hurry so it wasn’t too big of a deal. It was also out of the ordinary in our experience, so while mildly annoying it didn’t detract too much from the great food and atmosphere. We almost always each order the gyro plate for our entree and the hummus trio for an appetizer. Food is excellent!
Is this helpful?
RB
RBEAWB
Philadelphia
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Service very good. Cuisine is simple foods so nothing challenging. Moussaka served at room temp was quite good ample ground meat filling.Ask if customer wants it warmer as it’s cold outside. Salad fresh but for nearly $15 for smaller portion , should be served w 1/8 pound of feta cheese. Too over priced compared w other pricing fair for portions & quality. Ambiance is basic and clean. Staff attentive. Nice experience.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience2
No authentic Greek food! Tasteless Greek salat and the chicken souvlaki was very small 2 pcs. as well not marinated as I know it. Greek bread was very good! Sorry but they really have to make more. I’m from Europe and I know Greek food.
Is this helpful?
B
Boogsj
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was outstanding. Started with the the trio mummus, Spicy olive, red pepper, garlic lemon. Which was very filling and good. I had Moussaka and wife Shrimp Santorini. Both had great flavor. It is also a BYOB, but I forgot the bottle lol.
Is this helpful?
c
chesco1foodie
Philadelphia
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience1
Should have left when neighboring table sent back frozen entree. Seated and then asked to move to make way for party of 8. Moved to back room, which is accessed via open courtyard. Room was freezing and staff left door open every time they came through. Never saw “heater” turn on. My dinner was cold in middle too. Enough said.
Is this helpful?
JL
JanineL
Philadelphia
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience4
My food came out frozen inside. I do still believe it was homemade and it still tasted good once they heated it up more……but clearly it was not fresh, so I was disappointed. It was also quite hectic in there when they didn’t plan accordingly to a large reservation and began asking people to switch tables. We also had to ask 3 times to bring us pita. The Greek salad was great. I will give the benefit of the doubt and say maybe we went on an off night.
1 person found this helpful
P
Ptrish
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
It was quiet on the first floor, seating is a bit tight, but ok and it is a BYOB. Food was very good. Spanakopita appetizer looked great. Saganaki was ok, but other appetizers looked better.
Is this helpful?
A
Anonymous7676
Philadelphia
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
The entrees were good, but the grape leaves were quite dry. Service was very attentive. Cute place - just needs to enhance the food a bit.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience3
This was a chaotic experience - kitchen overwhelmed, cramped dining room, people standing around waiting to be seated. We were served a hummus starter that had come straight out of a fridge and would have tasted better if it had been bought from Aldi. Gave up on getting our main courses after waiting 1.5 hours and left.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and efficient service
Is this helpful?
KK
KarenK
Philadelphia
10 reviews
vip
1.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience3
Very disappointing. We went for a birthday celebration. We got menus after waiting 1/2 an hour and ordered soon after. The appetizer sampler arrived, never a mention of the soup that was ordered though. Two hours in, the chef came to the table to apologize that one of the dishes was no longer available. We were told we could leave and the appetizer was on the house.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
10/10 service , quality fresh ingredients, food could be more flavorful - mousakka was bland - where is the spice?!! Lamb was also dry Overall nice meal but I know they can put more love into the flavor
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Effie's Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 592-8333.

Effie's Restaurant is rated 4 stars by 754 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1127 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
11th
Neighborhood
Center City
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 4:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Greek, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Get off at 11th & Walnut
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Effie Bouikidis Schweich
Additional
Banquet, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access

Website
http://www.effiesrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(215) 592-8333
Catering
Everything from our dinner menu is available for catering.

Effie's Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Popular dishes

Greek Salad

Moussaka

Moussaka or Pastitsio

Menu

Family Style Appetizers

Tzatziki$6.50

Hummus$6.50

G Dolmades$6.50

Meletzanosalata$6.50

Grilled Feta$8.50

Patates$7.00

Saganaki$8.50

Spanakopita (2)$10.50

Thessaloniki$16.00

Mussels Saganaki$12.50

Fried Calamari$13.50

What 754 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Effie's Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Effie's Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Effie's Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information