For more than 32 years, Havabite Eatery has served hearty Greek and Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere on Main Street.  

There is something familiar about Havabite Eatery. It reminds me of my favorite restaurants up and down the east coast–those places you go to when you don’t really know what you want.

I opened the door to Havabite on a chilly day at high noon and it appeared as if the whole town was crammed inside. Still, I was ushered into a booth of my own, near the heater, and provided with prompt and friendly service.

When I last went to Havabite in the summer, I ordered the cool Greek Combo Plate on the appetizer menu ($7.50).  It was a perfect choice then, a platter of hummus, olives, feta, tomatoes, cucumbers and pepperocinis drizzled with olive oil and served with pita bread. It was plenty for one, or enough for two to share as an appetizer.

But today I wanted something warm and hearty. I found it under the specials menu. Baked cheese ravioli served with garlic bread ($6.95). I also ordered a small Greek salad because I am a grown up and have to eat vegetables ($3.95). Because Havabite specializes in Greek food, I also ordered a chicken souvlaki sandwich on pita bread ($6.75).

The salad arrived decked out with cool, crisp veggies, olives, stuffed grape leaves and plenty of feta. If paired with a shared appetizer or half sandwich, the salad could be eaten as a meal. The ravioli arrived shortly thereafter. It was a steaming-hot platter of perfectly-cooked, al dente pasta stuffed with Ricotta cheese, ladled with tangy, light tomato sauce, covered in mozzarella and baked until lightly browned and bubbling. It was delicious–especially the sauce, which tasted homemade and fresh. The serving, if paired with a salad, would have been enough for two people to share.

The chicken souvlaki sandwich was about the equivalent of two chicken breasts marinated in spices, grilled, folded into a piece of pita bread the size of a two-person tent, and layered with lettuce, tomato, onion, feta and tsatziki sauce. Eating with a knife and fork was a must, as was a take-home box.

 If you go:

Havabite Eatery

10416 Main Street

Fairfax, Virginia 22030

703-591-2244

www.havabite.com

Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., closed Sunday.