Washington, D.C., is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and, of course, its incredible food scene. Among the city’s many eateries, Manny & Olga’s stands out as a true DC pizza icon, beloved for its delicious pizza and dedication to the community.
But how did Manny & Olga’s go from a small pizza shop to the best pizza in Washington D.C. and Maryland?
In this blog, we take a journey through Manny & Olga’s history—our beginnings, our growth, and the passion that keeps us serving up great pizza every day.
The Humble Beginnings of Manny & Olga’s
The story of Manny & Olga’s starts with a passion for authentic, high-quality pizza made with fresh ingredients. Greece native, Manny Athanasakis, brought his family and his values of hard work to the US in 1971, laying the groundwork for what would become a beloved pizzeria. Growing up in Greece, Manny learned the value of hard work, dedication, and determination– ingredients that would prove essential to his success.
Manny & Olga’s was founded with a commitment to providing good food at a fair price, and we have served the local community with great food since then. Manny opened his first restaurant in 1974, and over the years of his restaurant experience, he learned and expanded his experience. By 1993, the restaurant was identified as Manny & Olga’s, which incorporated his and his daughter’s names, and became a family-operated pizza restaurant; thus, the family values and welcoming hospitality traditions started to unfold, which are hallmarks of Manny & Olga’s that customers enjoy.
Manny’s reputation began to spread through word of mouth as diners shared his outstanding dedication to good food, reasonable pricing, and reasonable rates of service. The first location created loyal customers through friendly service and delicious menu offerings.
Growing with the Community – Expanding Across DC & Maryland
A Neighborhood Favorite That Kept Growing
Locals began to embrace the fresh, great pizzas and friendly atmosphere we offered. One dedicated patron, who presented himself as a long-time customer, said, “We have been loyal customers for almost 20 years! Great toppings, overall best crust anywhere around.”
The overall commitment to quality and consistency surely differentiates us in a crowded food space, making us the best local pizza in DC. As quickly as the demand for Manny & Olga’s has grown, the number of locations has spread into new neighborhoods in D.C. and Maryland. Today, there are numerous locations including: Wheaton, Kensington, Hill East SE, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Rhode Island Ave NE, Park View, Petworth, H St NE, Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, Rosslyn, Tenleytown, Bethesda, and 14th & T St NW.
A Menu That Reflects Local Tastes and Traditions
In contrast to just pizza, our offerings also include authentic Greek and Italian food, which gives us a multicultural menu, where we can really represent the diverse D.C. crowd.
With the focus on fresh ingredients, hearty portions, and signature square pizzas, we were able to differentiate ourselves from pinch-hitters. This soon-to-be authentic D.C. pizza brand developed a penchant for using Grande cheese and hand-tossed dough that creates a specific flavor that local impulse customers craved.
As time passed, we naturally added additional menu items and maintained the flavor of the things that people loved. Balancing the innovative and traditional aspects of our offerings has enabled us to stay relevant as restaurant trends emerge, while remaining true to our authenticity.
A Strong Bond with the Community
Manny & Olga’s has always been more than just a pizza place—it’s a part of the local community. This connection is evident in small gestures that make a big difference, as highlighted in a recent customer review: “I ended up buying a medium pizza, half cheese, half pepperoni… a homeless person asked me for a pizza slice and couldn’t refuse it… I told the cashier that I need 2 of my cheese slice pizzas out of the box… But the cashier instead gave me my full pizza and the 2 extra slices at no cost.”
From the start, the brand has always valued the importance of supporting local events, community initiatives, and giving back. Manny established not only culinary skills in Greece but also a philosophy of community involvement, which still remains at the heart of the business today.
Through partnership with charities or simply being a friendly place for a bite to eat, we have developed strong customer ties. With this community perspective, we provide a sense of belonging, and something special – changing a simple pizza shop into a neighborhood place where staff know regular customers by name and orders!
Why Manny & Olga’s Is More Than Just Pizza
Becoming a D.C. icon isn’t just about famous pizza—it’s about building a fun experience that people cherish over time. A combination of authenticity, continuing traditions, and local character helps keep Manny & Olga’s on the minds of pizza lovers in the entire region.
The best way to understand why Manny & Olga’s is a D.C. legend is to experience it yourself! Whether you’re in the mood for a hot, cheesy pizza, flavorful wings, or a hearty Greek or Italian dish, our diverse menu has something to satisfy every appetite.
Whether you’re enjoying pizza by yourself or coming home from an exhausting afternoon with your friends, we have something for everyone to enjoy. We, of course, offer dine-in, delivery, and take-out, but also catering for parties, events, and office lunch orders, making us a good choice for any occasion!
The Legacy of Manny & Olga’s Lives On
In just over thirty years, Manny & Olga’s has seen life from a single shop to a beloved regional chain. What was once an immigrant’s dream has become a lasting institution that spans generations of Washingtonians.
Our dedication to quality, fresh ingredients, and community engagement sets us apart in a city where restaurants come and go with alarming frequency. The values that Manny brought with him from Greece—hard work, dedication, and determination—continue to guide our business today.
Whether you’ve been a loyal customer for years or are just discovering Manny & Olga’s, the experience remains unmatched. In a city often defined by transience and change, this family-owned pizzeria provides a comforting consistency that locals have come to cherish.
Come taste the tradition for yourself—one slice at a time!