Unearth The Voyage
Craving sizzling souvlaki, flaky spanakopita, and that sun drenched Greek flavor without hopping a flight? You are in luck. Across the U.S., talented chefs are grilling, baking, and drizzling olive oil over dishes that taste like a quick escape to the islands. From white tile tavernas to cozy neighborhood gems, these spots deliver comfort, nostalgia, and bright, lemony zing. Let this list guide your next delicious detour.
1. Kokkari Estiatorio
Kokkari Estiatorio feels like stepping into a chic countryside inn, where wood smoke and lemon mingle in the air. You will spot crackling grills, platters of lamb chops, and hunks of feta slicked with oil. Order spanakopita, then share souvlaki and a bright Greek salad.
The service is crisp yet warm, the wine list deep with island bottles. Prices lean upscale, but flavors are bold, balanced, and comforting. Save room for baklava and Greek yogurt with thyme honey, because you will want that last sweet note.
2. Kiki’s Kitchen
Kiki’s Kitchen wins you over with generous plates and friendly smiles. The chicken souvlaki arrives juicy with grill marks, nestled beside warm pita and cool tzatziki. Spanakopita is buttery and crisp, spinach packed and comforting.
Prices stay friendly, and the vibe is come as you are. Grab a Greek salad, maybe some lemon potatoes, and finish with galaktoboureko if it is on special. You leave full, happy, and already planning a return visit with friends.
3. Souvlaki GR Kouzina
Souvlaki GR Kouzina brings vacation energy straight to the Lower East Side. Expect pitas overflowing with pork or chicken, fries dusted in oregano, and tzatziki that tastes bright and garlicky. Spanakopita crackles as you bite, buttery layers giving way to herby spinach.
It is casual, fast, and fun, ideal for a quick bite before going out. Order extra pita to mop up juices. Grab a Mythos beer, find a cozy corner under the string lights, and pretend you hear the Aegean nearby.
4. Loukoumi Taverna
Loukoumi Taverna is that Queens gem locals whisper about. The kitchen turns out soulful plates, from charred souvlaki to golden spanakopita, alongside lemony potatoes and grilled octopus. Portions are shareable, so bring a few friends and order family style.
Service keeps things moving without rushing you. The patio hums on warm nights, and the seafood is a quiet star. End with loukoumades drenched in honey and cinnamon, and you will remember why Greek comfort food hits so deeply.
5. Village Taverna
Village Taverna feels like a lively dinner party every night. You will see saganaki flare, servers weaving through with souvlaki platters, and baskets of warm pita. Spanakopita is flaky and fragrant, a perfect kick off to a table full of mezze.
The menu covers greatest hits: grilled meats, seafood, and abundant salads. Prices are fair for the neighborhood, and portions satisfy hearty appetites. Go with friends, split everything, and let the conversation and feta flow.
6. Simply Greek
Simply Greek nails the quick, satisfying lunch. Order chicken souvlaki over rice with a side of extra tzatziki, and you are set. The spanakopita triangles keep their crunch even on the go, perfect for a park bench bite.
Prices are practical, portions generous, and the staff keeps the line moving. Add a horiatiki salad for freshness and grab a canned sparkling lemonade. When you need Greek comfort without a long sit down, this place delivers every time.
7. Underhill Cafe Brooklyn
Underhill Cafe Brooklyn blends cafe ease with Greek flavor. Grab a strong Greek coffee, then dive into a tender souvlaki plate with lemon potatoes. Spanakopita makes an ideal share, the pastry shattering as you split it.
Daytime hours make this a great brunch alternative. The staff leans friendly, and the menu has healthier options without losing soul. Finish with baklava or a yogurt bowl drizzled in honey, and step back into the day feeling nourished.
8. Greek from Greece
Greek from Greece focuses on buttery, flaky pies and quick savory bites. Spanakopita stars, layered generously with spinach and feta. You can snag a grab and go souvlaki wrap when you are rushing, plus Greek coffees that pack a punch.
It is a practical stop for commuters and anyone craving a taste of Athens street food. Expect consistent quality and a clean, modern space. Whether breakfast or late afternoon snack, the pastry case pulls you right in.
9. Yasouvlaki
Yasouvlaki keeps things simple and delicious. The souvlaki is juicy and well seasoned, tucked into warm pita with crisp tomatoes and tangy tzatziki. Spanakopita offers buttery crunch between bites, a satisfying counterpoint to the savory meat.
Expect quick service, fair prices, and a steady stream of regulars. Oregano fries are essential, as is a cold soda or beer. Late nights feel easy here, and you walk out smiling and full.
10. Milos Meze
Milos Meze gives mezze the spotlight, and you benefit. Order spanakopita spirals, then grilled octopus, followed by lamb souvlaki skewers with lemon and herbs. Everything lands bright, clean, and perfectly salted.
The room glows with simple elegance, ideal for a date or celebratory dinner. Staff guides you through Greek wines with friendly confidence. Leave space for semolina cake or yogurt with sour cherry spoon sweet, because that finish lingers beautifully.
11. Paros Tribeca
Paros Tribeca captures a breezy island polish right in downtown Manhattan. You will find elegant spanakopita, crisp and layered, plus refined souvlaki with pristine produce on the side. Seafood shines too, often grilled and simply dressed.
It is a splurge night kind of place, but the precision is memorable. Ask about Greek wines to match the lemon and oregano flavors. End with a citrusy olive oil cake, and enjoy that gentle hum of a polished dining room.
12. Skinos
Skinos blends contemporary cocktails with classic Greek comfort. Order spanakopita and a mastiha drink, then move to pork souvlaki ribbons with lemony potatoes. Flavors are bright and herb kissed, perfect for sharing.
The room buzzes without shouting, and the staff steers you toward standouts. Consider grilled halloumi and a village salad to round things out. Dessert leans homey, and you walk away refreshed, like you snuck in a tiny island vacation.
13. Greek Islands Restaurant
Greek Islands Restaurant is a Chicago institution for good reason. The saganaki show starts the meal with cheers, then souvlaki and spanakopita keep spirits high. Plates are generous, built for sharing, and priced right for groups.
Servers are seasoned pros, guiding you through staples and specials. Expect a festive atmosphere and dependable flavors. Cap things off with karidopita or baklava, and you will understand why regulars keep coming back decade after decade.
14. Taki’s Mad Greek
Taki’s Mad Greek serves the cozy classics that never fail. Spanakopita arrives hot and flaky, with that buttery aroma that makes you smile. Chicken souvlaki lands juicy, set over lemon rice with a generous side of tzatziki.
The vibe is approachable, family friendly, and unpretentious. Portions satisfy without breaking the bank. When you need a Greek fix on a rainy Seattle day, this place warms you from the inside out.
15. Bluto’s
Bluto’s gives Greek flavors a wood fired Portland twist. The souvlaki kisses the flames, picking up smoky edges without losing juiciness. Spanakopita arrives in hearty slab form, greens heavy and deeply savory.
Fresh herbs and bright pickles keep every bite lively. Order a spread of dips, grab fluffy pita, and do not skip the grilled veg. You leave satisfied, intrigued, and already plotting a round two to try the rest.
