Minnesota might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Greek food, but the state has a surprisingly strong tradition of authentic Greek cooking. From family-run spots that have been around for decades to newer kitchens putting a fresh spin on classic dishes, there is no shortage of places to satisfy a serious gyro or spanakopita craving.
Greek cuisine has a way of bringing people together, with generous portions and recipes that have been passed down through generations. This list covers 12 restaurants across Minnesota that do Greek food right, whether you are in the Twin Cities metro, out in Rochester, or somewhere in between.
Each one brings something distinct to the table, so read on to find your next favorite spot.
Christos Greek Restaurant – Minneapolis
Housed inside Minneapolis’s historic Union Depot building, Christos Greek Restaurant carries a reputation that has been building since 1985. The landmark setting alone makes it worth a visit, but the menu is the real reason regulars keep coming back.
Christos is known for traditional Greek dishes prepared with careful attention to authenticity. The lamb dishes are a standout, and the menu also features crowd favorites like moussaka, pastitsio, and a solid selection of mezedes for sharing.
The restaurant has long been a go-to for special occasions, business lunches, and family gatherings alike. Its spacious layout and attentive service make it comfortable for both large groups and solo diners.
If you want a Greek dining experience that feels both classic and polished, Christos delivers on every count without overcomplicating what already works beautifully.
Gardens of Salonica – Minneapolis
Gardens of Salonica has been a Minneapolis institution since 1986, and its loyal following is a testament to the consistency of the kitchen. The restaurant draws inspiration from the cuisine of northern Greece, specifically the city of Thessaloniki, which gives the menu a slightly different character than most Greek spots.
Regulars rave about the spinach pie, the grilled octopus, and the homemade desserts that rotate with the seasons. The portions are generous without being excessive, and the staff tends to treat first-timers like they have been coming in for years.
The cozy dining room seats a relatively small number of guests, so reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Gardens of Salonica is the kind of place where the food feels personal, like someone actually cares about what lands on your plate.
That attention to detail keeps people returning year after year.
Gyropolis – Bloomington
Gyropolis in Bloomington does exactly what its name promises, and it does it well. This counter-service spot has built a following among Mall of America shoppers and local residents who want a fast, satisfying Greek meal without sacrificing quality.
The gyros here are the main event. The meat is seasoned and cooked on a vertical rotisserie, sliced fresh, and loaded into warm pita with tzatziki, tomato, and onion.
You can also customize your order with a range of toppings that go well beyond the standard setup.
Beyond gyros, the menu includes falafel, rice bowls, and Greek salads that hold up well as a standalone meal. The pricing is reasonable, the portions are filling, and the turnaround is quick.
For anyone near the Bloomington area looking for a reliable Greek lunch or dinner, Gyropolis is a practical and tasty choice worth bookmarking.
Athens Cafe – Robbinsdale
Athens Cafe in Robbinsdale has a neighborhood diner quality that makes it feel instantly comfortable. The restaurant has been serving the north metro community for years, and it has developed a reputation for honest, home-style Greek cooking at prices that do not require a special occasion to justify.
The menu covers all the Greek classics, from gyros and saganaki to lemon chicken soup and stuffed grape leaves. The saganaki, flamed tableside and served with pita, tends to be a crowd-pleaser that newcomers order on the recommendation of anyone who has been before.
Athens Cafe is the type of spot where you can show up on a Tuesday night and still get a full, satisfying meal without any fuss. The staff is friendly, the service is efficient, and the food is consistent.
It is a reliable neighborhood gem that earns its place on any Greek food list in Minnesota.
Ariana Kabob & Gyro Bistro – St. Louis Park
Ariana Kabob and Gyro Bistro in St. Louis Park blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in a way that makes the menu genuinely interesting. While the restaurant leans into kabob dishes as a central feature, the gyro offerings are well-crafted and clearly made with care.
The chicken and beef kabobs are prepared with a spice blend that reflects the owner’s background, giving the food a personality that sets it apart from more straightforward Greek spots. The gyros are packed with flavor and wrapped generously, making them a solid reason to visit on their own.
The bistro atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a layout that works well for takeout orders or a quick sit-down meal. Prices are fair, and the menu is approachable even for first-time visitors to Mediterranean cuisine.
Ariana is a great pick when you want Greek-inspired food with a bit of extra character built into every bite.
Spicy Feta – St. Paul
Spicy Feta in St. Paul earns its name right away. The restaurant leans into bold flavors and is not shy about heat, which makes it a refreshing change of pace from milder takes on Greek cuisine.
The feta-forward dishes are a highlight, and the kitchen uses the cheese in creative ways across the menu.
Regulars tend to order the spicy feta dip as a starter, which pairs well with warm pita and sets the tone for the rest of the meal. The gyros, salads, and rice plates are all well-balanced and filling without being overly heavy.
The restaurant has a casual, laid-back setup that works well for lunch or a relaxed dinner. Service is friendly and the staff is happy to make recommendations for first-timers.
Spicy Feta is a St. Paul spot worth seeking out, especially if you prefer your Greek food with a little extra kick.
Shish – St. Paul
Shish in St. Paul has a menu that bridges Greek and broader Mediterranean traditions, making it a solid choice for groups where not everyone is set on strictly Greek food. The name refers to skewered and grilled meats, and that preparation style runs throughout much of the menu.
The gyros at Shish are a strong point, made with seasoned meat and served with fresh accompaniments that keep the whole thing from feeling heavy. The shawarma options are equally popular and worth trying if you want to explore the full range of what the kitchen offers.
The restaurant operates in a straightforward, no-frills format that keeps the focus on the food. Portions are generous, prices are accessible, and the staff moves efficiently even during busy periods.
Shish is a practical and satisfying option in St. Paul for anyone craving Mediterranean flavors with Greek dishes at the center of the experience.
Black Sea Restaurant – St. Paul
Black Sea Restaurant in St. Paul has been a fixture in the local Mediterranean dining community for years. The restaurant draws from Greek, Turkish, and broader Middle Eastern culinary traditions, giving the menu a depth that rewards repeat visits.
The gyros and kebab plates are popular mainstays, but the more adventurous items on the menu are what keep regulars coming back. Dishes like stuffed peppers, lentil soup, and baklava round out a menu that feels genuinely home-cooked rather than assembled for a generic audience.
The dining room has a warm, family-run atmosphere that makes the experience feel personal. The staff tends to know their regulars by name, and new visitors are welcomed with the same energy.
Black Sea in St. Paul is a great option when you want Greek and Mediterranean food that comes with a sense of history and community built right in.
Black Sea Restaurant – White Bear Lake
The White Bear Lake location of Black Sea Restaurant brings the same family-run spirit as its St. Paul counterpart but serves a different community on the east side of the metro. The menu shares many of the same crowd-pleasing dishes, making it a reliable option for north and east metro residents who do not want to drive into the city for good Greek food.
The gyros, grape leaves, and hummus plates are consistently well-reviewed by regular customers. The kitchen takes a straightforward approach to the classics, which is exactly what most people want when a craving hits.
The restaurant has a comfortable neighborhood feel that makes it easy to linger over a meal. Parking is convenient, the service is attentive, and the portions tend to leave guests satisfied.
Black Sea in White Bear Lake is a strong local option that proves great Greek food does not have to be a downtown-only experience.
Olympia Cafe & Gyros – Osseo
Olympia Cafe and Gyros in Osseo is a straightforward, no-nonsense Greek spot that has earned a loyal following in the northwest metro. The cafe format keeps things simple and efficient, which works in its favor when you just want a solid gyro without any unnecessary fanfare.
The gyros are the centerpiece of the menu, built with seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and a generous amount of tzatziki on warm pita. The Greek salad and fries make for natural companions to the main event, and the combo plates offer good value for the price.
Olympia has the kind of unpretentious energy that makes it easy to visit regularly. The staff is quick and friendly, the food comes out fast, and the overall experience is exactly what a casual Greek cafe should be.
For Osseo and the surrounding northwest suburbs, this spot fills an important role in the local dining landscape.
Opa! Opa!! – Rochester
Rochester’s Greek food scene has a standout representative in Opa! Opa!!, a restaurant that brings genuine enthusiasm to every plate it sends out.
The double exclamation point in the name is a preview of the energy inside, where the menu is broad and the portions are not shy.
The restaurant covers all the Greek favorites, from spanakopita and saganaki to lamb chops and classic gyros. The moussaka is particularly well-regarded by regulars, and the dessert menu includes a solid baklava that is worth saving room for.
Opa! Opa!! is a good fit for family outings and group dinners, with a layout that accommodates larger parties comfortably.
The staff brings a friendly attitude that matches the restaurant’s lively personality. For Rochester residents and visitors who want Greek food that feels celebratory and satisfying, this is the obvious first stop in the city.
Greek Grill & Fry Co. – Eden Prairie
Greek Grill and Fry Co. in Eden Prairie takes a fast-casual approach to Greek food that works surprisingly well. The concept centers on combining classic Greek grill items with a creative fry menu, giving the restaurant a distinct identity that stands out in the southwest metro dining scene.
The gyros are built to order and customizable, which appeals to customers who have specific preferences about toppings and portions. The fry options range from classic seasoned fries to loaded versions topped with Greek ingredients like feta and tzatziki, making them a natural extension of the menu rather than an afterthought.
The restaurant is well-suited for lunch crowds and quick weeknight dinners, with a pace and price point that fits a busy schedule. The Eden Prairie location makes it accessible to a large portion of the southwest suburbs.
Greek Grill and Fry Co. is proof that Greek food translates well to a fast-casual format when done with care and quality ingredients.
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