Philosophia — Restaurant in Mount Pleasant

Last night, after the kids headed off to Murrell's Inlet for the retreat this weekend, we went out for our sunset paddle on Molasses Creek. Afterwards, on a whim, we decided to head out for a late supper on our own.

Once in the car, we weren't sure where we were heading. We have plenty of old favorites, but we wanted to do something new. Out of several ideas, Philosophia was closest, and given that it was getting later already, we decided to head that direction.

That choice proved inspired.

As we walked in, sans reservations, the hostess greeted and seated us right away. Our server - Olivia - was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable from hello. She helped us select a wonderful bottle of Greek red from the more reasonable end of an intriguing winelist. I know very little about Greek varietals, but the Agiorgitiko Olivia recommended played like a deliciously lighter bodied Malbec, and seemed well-matched to everything we would eat over the course of the meal.

Philosophia's menu encourages sharing, so instead of ordering separately, Karen and I shared every plate we ordered. A Greek salad to start, Keftedes (meatballs) and Mussels from the Mezethes (small plates) portion of the dance card, completed by Lamb from the mains. This gave us 4 courses to share, and by the time we'd finished we were among the last guests to leave the gorgeous little dining room. There's also seating outside on the patio, which probably doubles their seating capacity when the weather permits.

First course - the greek salad. With not a single leaf on it. Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Onions, Olives, Feta. Like all our orders, generously portioned - there's no way we would have needed two salads between us. Among the best & freshest salads I have eaten. I didn't miss the greens. Though they are quite different animals, I would say this bested even oldschool Papa Zuzu, which is the highest compliment.

Second - Keftedes. This is the point where Karen and I knew we were in for something exceptional with this meal. Both of us took the first bite and immediately looked at each other with the same look. Astonishment might actually be the right word.

These were the most tender, moist, and flavorful meatballs I have ever eaten, bar none. Again, generously presented - there were 6 or 7 good sized meatballs on the plate, in a lemon-dill butter blanc.

The first two courses could have made a wonderful meal for a single diner. But we had the good fortune to have 2 more plates coming.

Third - Mussels. Most usually, when we've ordered mussels they've come in a lighter broth. These were served in a heavier red sauce, along with a basket of fresh toasted pita for dipping. The Mediterranean spices that flavored the entire evening were put to great effect here. Every morsel was delicious, and by the end we were reminding ourselves to save some room for the lamb.

Finally, the main event. Our Lamb was served as 3 good sized chops on a bed of potatoes. And like everything else that was served to us last night - the first bite was a revelation. Easily the best lamb I've ever eaten - perfectly seasoned, juicy, so tender it melted in my mouth.

By the end, we couldn't finish everything. We went home with a third of the lamb dish and box full of pita wedges. Myself, I am no gourmet. I am not greatly educated when it comes to fine dining. But I know when something stands out from the crowd. And without reservation, this meal was one of the best in my lifetime. No question.

We have long loved Mediterranean fare - we enjoy family-oriented Greek establishments often. But this is truly another level entirely.

I am certain you'll be as impressed we were. And thank you for a extraordinary evening,...

After reading such great reviews we were very disappointed; I guess all the glowing reviews are from people who've never actually eaten incredible Greek food. My night started off with the Hostess being unable to find our reservation because she was looking on the wrong day, but ended up finding it once she realized she was on the wrong date. Seated me at a two-seat table with a bench and a chair, no one seated around me except for a couple tables over to my left. Proceeded to quadruple seat our waiter's section within 5-10 minutes of my arrival, essentially seating people RIGHT on top of us, despite there being multiple open tables across the restaurant. If the place was busy, no issue, but none of the other tables ended up being filled the entire time we were there, so there was absolutely no reason to seat everyone right on top of each other. Because the tables are so close together, the runner who was bringing out most of the food would put his butt right in the face of the patron seated next to whichever table he was delivering food to...kind of bizarre and uncomfortable having someone's rear end right in your face while trying to eat and have conversation. Octopus was good, sauteed greens had absolutely no flavor whatsoever, Pastitsio had burnt top which was partially inedible and the sauce on the plate didn't match the sauce baked into the Pastitsio, so it was an unappealing combination of flavors to have the rich, aromatic meat sauce in the Pastitsio with a super basic marinara type sauce to complement it. Waiter was on top of refills, but overall was a very weird experience and very disappointing food except for the octopus. Will not be returning or...

Keftedes (meatballs) tzatziki (white dill dip) & Pastitsio (lasagna looking dish) were my faves! Absolutely wonderful place for date night! The Spanakopita is more of a spinach dip between phyllo but that being said I’m a tough customer being Greek and having the best Spanakopita in the family. I’m also so sorry that I cannot recall the waiters name but he was FABULOUS. Glasses and a tattoo close to his neck he was knowledgeable and extremely aware/diligent even with a full house. The Pastitsio is not with traditional tube pasta - it is with lasagna pasta and this is GENIUS because in a dish that typically is difficult to eat without your face and plate looking like a murder scene from mafia movie - you actually get to have the full flavor of a traditional Greek Pastitsio with the meat and sweat sauce and the noodles hold it together nicely. YiaYia would be proud of this version of the dish. The meatballs (and sauce) tasted like my mother’s. Delish! The Hummus was also old school Greek with actual chunks - I got so used to factory whipped smooth hummus that I forgot how it was supposed to be! And very yummy. I will also add that the tzatziki was perfection. The lemon and dill were both in perfect ratio. You have to order the Trio for sure. We will 100% return. I will add (and I thought about not including this but it might be helpful to many and it’s a fact of life) 9/10 times hubby and I eat Greek we have a 2nd date night on the toilet and that did NOT happen here. Very fresh very well cooked high quality ingredients. Very fairly priced for what you get. Greek...