In 425 BC the citizens of Sparta received a bitter shock that changed the course of their war. After the Battle of Pylos, an Athenian force stranded a small number of Spartans on the island of Sphacteria.
Their leader, the demagogue Cleon, convinced their assembly to make demands that would thwart his plan to storm the island before winter weather made sailing impractical.
1. Xenia Restaurant & Bar
Xenia Restaurant is an elegant dining destination serving pasta, meat dishes, and seafood. It also offers a variety of cocktails and wines. The venue is located at 8850 Columbia 100 Pkwy, Columbia, Maryland 21045. The restaurant is part of the Xenia Hospitality Group, which is committed to providing one-of-a-kind experiences through food and hospitality.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of the Atlas Restaurant Group-led Ouzo Bay in tony Harbor East, with its sleek glass decor and blasts of blue neon lights. The menu features a number of classic Greek favorites such as the shatteringly crisp Spanakopita and flaming saganaki. It also serves a selection of salads, pitas, and keftedes. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. It also has a private dining area for parties of 20 guests or more. The prices are reasonable and the service is excellent.
2. Nisaia Restaurant & Bar
Nisaia Restaurant & Bar is located on the island of Sphacteria, which was the site of a land battle during the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta in 425 BCE. Following the Athenian victory at Pylos, a small force of Spartans—including their future general Brasidas—was stranded on the island after their ships were defeated by an Athenian navy. After peace negotiations failed, the Athenian statesman Demosthenes and the soldier Cleon sent in a large force to attack the island. The ensuing Battle of Sphacteria resulted in the capture of 292 Spartans, including 120 elite Spartiates. The island was then occupied by the Athenian forces for the remainder of the war.
3. Avlona Restaurant & Bar
The island of Sphacteria was the site of a pivotal land battle in the Peloponnesian War. Following the Battle of Pylos, a force of Spartans was left stranded on the island, and Demosthenes and Cleon quickly launched an attack. After 72 days of siege, they forced the defenders to surrender and, as a symbol of victory, took a remarkable statue of Nike back to Olympia.
Today, the bay of Navarino is a sheltered anchorage where you can explore rocky rock formations and medieval castles. Swim in crystalline waters and spot migratory birds and sea turtles. Then, head to the beach and try a range of watersports. You can also rent a boat and explore the bay further afield. Happy-hour snacks include fried cauliflower and crab Louie lettuce wraps, as well as roasted stuffed hots with salumi and Provolone.
4. Spiral Restaurant & Bar
A buffet restaurant located inside a skyscraper designed by starchitect Bjarke Ingels, Spiral Restaurant and Bar is an all-day dining destination. The menu includes cuisines from around the world with dishes curated by Spiral’s team of chefs.
The food selection is huge and a little overwhelming at first. But if you take your time and read the signs, you can find all of the dishes offered. There’s a French station, Indian food, Chinese bbq meats, and so much more.
They even have crocodile and stingray! They both were super tender, soft like pork or chicken. Their adobo is also very fragrant and creamy. They have a dessert station that offers a few different ice cream flavors and smaller deserts including halo halo. Tea and coffee are complimentary, but you can add on free-flowing alcoholic beverages for an extra fee.
5. Oikos Restaurant & Bar
Oikos is a family-run restaurant that aims to introduce people to Greek dishes and ingredients they may not have come across before. There are no kitsch cultural artefacts in sight, and the cuisine is fresh and rustic.
The menu combines classics and modern dishes with a nod to New Zealand. Some highlights include grilled halloumi, village salad and sesame-crusted feta, while the Kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb shoulder) is a must-try.
Desserts are just as good as the mains — try baklava or the doughnuts. The bar offers a thoughtful wine list and ouzo for afters. Diners can also order from the set shared menu for a more laid-back experience. Theo Papouis says he wanted to create a restaurant that celebrates the Greek tradition of sharing meals with friends and family. Located in Miramar, Oikos Hellenic Cuisine is the perfect place for a family dinner or night out with friends.
6. Stavros Restaurant & Bar
The ancient Spartans were highly professional military men. They were taught from a young age to fight until the death and never retreat or surrender in battle. However, at the battle of Sphacteria, they surrendered in large numbers against their will. This was a huge blow to their morale and led to a major shift in power dynamics throughout the Peloponnesian war.
Located in Fruitland Park, Stavro’s and Sons is the place to be for Greek food. It offers delicious Greek and Italian dishes, as well as pizza and pasta. Its prices are very reasonable. They have a variety of drinks to choose from, including cocktails and wine. Their Greek salad is a must-try. It is also a great option for vegetarians. The menu includes grilled chicken, baked lasagna, and other popular dishes. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and atmosphere.
7. Xenia Restaurant & Bar
The Xenia menu is all about bringing the hospitality of Greece to Howard County. From flaming Saganaki, to shatteringly crisp Spanakopita and traditional Lamb Kleftiko, the dishes are authentically Greek. They also serve fresh salads and a full bar.
The meticulously designed restaurant boasts a charming terrace that complements the polished dining experience. The menu features pasta, meat dishes, and seafood, plus cocktails and wine.
The restaurant is owned by Xenia Hospitality Group, the partnership between restaurateurs Demetri Tsolakis and Stefanos Oungrinis. It already operates spiffy Boston Greek spots like Krasi and Hecate. The group will open two new locations of Greco Truly Greek this year—at 1335 Wisconsin Ave NW in Georgetown later this year, and at 1285 Fourth Street NE in the Union Market District in spring 2024. They will also expand their marketplace of Greek groceries, Agora.
9. Stavros Restaurant & Bar
Located in the bay of Gialova, Stavros Restaurant & Bar is a perfect place to enjoy delicious Greek and Italian cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of dishes at extremely fair prices. You can try their chicken cutlet, baked lasagna, stromboli and Greek pizza. They also offer a variety of cocktails and soft drinks to go with your meal.
The Spartans were legendary warriors who never surrendered in battle. Yet, at the Battle of Sphacteria in 425 BC, they were forced into a humiliating surrender that changed the course of the Peloponnesian war.
Demosthenes tried to starve the Spartans on the island, but the Athenian navy broke through his blockade. When they reached the island, Cleon and reinforcements destroyed the Spartan defenses with a swift assault. The surviving Spartans were taken back to Athens as slaves.
10. Xenia Restaurant & Bar
Located at 8850 Columbia 100 Pkwy, this meticulously designed restaurant offers a polished dining experience with a charming terrace to enhance your meal. The menu features a variety of pasta, meat dishes and seafood as well as cocktails and wine.
Xenia, the Greek word for hospitality, is at the heart of everything this family-owned business does. Across Coolangatta and Main Beach Gold Coast, Xenia Restaurants showcase genuine Greek hospitality.