You could say that Nusa Dimopoulos married into the food industry, and what a marriage it has been. Since 1986, she and her husband Chris have been involved in a number of restaurant ventures, both in the United States and St. Thomas Island. In 2005, the couple opened Zorba’s Pizzeria & Tavern in Charlton, Massachusetts and plan to open a second dining establishment nearby in the spring.

This Print from the 1964 Movie 'Zorba the Greek' Greets Diners as They Enter

Together with sons Phil and Theo and general manager Bruce Shanbaum, Dimopoulos and her husband pool ideas to create the restaurant’s palate-pleasing dishes, many of which focus on ingredients compatible with a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. “It’s a meeting of the minds,” boasts Dimopoulos.

Extra hungry patrons might be tempted to start with an appetizer, but be forewarned that many of these starters could serve as an entire meal. Traditional Greek dishes include spanokopita, dolmadakia, loukanika, horiatiki and pita bread with a variety of dips and spreads (tabouli, humus, tzatziki and garlic feta dip).   More traditional fare, such as soups, salads, sweet potato or mozzarella sticks, seafood stuffed mushrooms, several types of chicken tenders, chicken wings, onion rings and bacon cheese potato skins is also served. Prices range from $4.99 to $11.99.

Entrées run the gamut from a variety of international sandwiches and burgers to beef, chicken and lamb main dishes. Fresh broiled, baked, stuffed or fried scallops, haddock and shrimp will satisfy any true seafood lover.

When it comes to pasta, Zorba’s brings new meaning to the word “ravioli.” Think squares of handmade dough filled with blue crab, Mediterranean vegetables or butternut squash, topped with unique sauces. Of course, diners with more traditional tastes will find several typical American offerings from which to choose. Generous portions almost always mean leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Reasonably priced, these items range from $10.99 to $19.99.

The Friendly Staff at Zorba's Pizzeria & Tavern

Zorba’s special $9.99 seasonal menu changes quarterly and incorporates in-season ingredients with a variety of meats, fish and pasta. For instance, guests can ward off the winter chill with a hearty lamb stew or pork chops marinated in maple syrup. Summertime brings a luscious strawberry and mandarin orange salad or grilled lemon swordfish to the table.

As its name indicates, Zorba’s offers a variety of pizzas. In addition to the traditional mozzarella and red sauce version, Zorba’s whips up some unique creations using their own dough made fresh every day. Think eggplant, broccoli, spinach, Feta, shrimp, lobster and olives in any number of combinations – with or without (homemade) barbecue sauce, olive oil or garlic. Pizzas range from $10.99 to $25.99.

If you have room, traditional sweets like baklava and tiramisu, along with several types of cheesecake, pudding and ice cream, make ideal dessert choices and add less than $6 to your bill.

Kid-friendly, Zorba’s features a special menu created with the younger set in mind. What child can resist hot dogs, chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese or spaghetti and meatballs? At $4.99 to $5.99 mom and dad will also like these choices, too.

The Interior

The restaurant features a full bar with locally brewed beers, a wide variety of wines and specialty drinks that complement each meal and match the mood of the season.

For sports fans, eight televisions, usually tuned to the big game, are strategically placed around the two-level dining room and bar area.

In addition to spectacular Greek cuisine, patrons can expect a virtual visit to the romantic islands. Colorful murals, painted by award-winning artist Steve Lombardi, depict ocean scenes, landscaping and natives engaged in traditional dance.

On his many trips to Salonika, the owner’s husband purchases Greek artifacts, which are on display in a glass cabinet at the entrance. Even the wait staff, attired in black logo shirts with traditional Greek fisherman’s caps, promote an authentic atmosphere.   “Many of our wait staff have been with us from the beginning,” adds Dimopoulos.

Throughout the summer months, the outdoor patio, which features a koi pond and an assortment of colorful flowers, makes a pleasant alternative to the indoor seating.

A good restaurant provides outstanding menu selections, reasonably priced and professionally prepared with fresh ingredients, as well as attentive, friendly, efficient wait staff and an ambiance that tempts customers to return time and again. Zorba’s delivers on all counts.