Greek in Phoenix

7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Ste 26 North Phoenix

480-502-4466

Greek, Restaurants, Retail, Services, Menu

Athena Greek Cuisine in Scottsdale offers authentic Greek dishes in upscale digs. Enjoy the exotic flaming cheese known as saganaki or familiar favorites like spanakopita, roast leg of lamb or souvlaki.

Bravo Bistro

4327 N. Scottsdale Rd. Central Scottsdale

480-481-7614

Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Recommended, Menu

Snap your fingers to nonstop Tony Bennett and enjoy some well-crafted, Mediterranean-themed bistro fare. Start off with an order of baba ghanouj and antipasto, then move on to one of the best osso buco plates in town. Loosen your belt and linger over creamy tiramisu or chocolate bread pudding. Read our review.

4 articles

Byblos Restaurant

3332 S. Mill Ave. Tempe

480-894-1945

Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Recommended, Menu

Reliable Middle Eastern fare in an upscale coffee-shop environment. Sticks-in-the-mud can stick to the Americanized part of the menu, but the mildly adventurous will enjoy fragrant offerings like shawarma chicken and kefta-kebab, simmered in distinctive Middle Eastern spices. Baklava is moist and fresh, and the creamy honey pudding is first-rate. Read our review.

Caffe Boa

398 S. Mill Ave. Tempe

480-968-9112

Italian, European, Greek, Mediterranean, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

For first dates and graduation dinners, Tempe’s Caffe Boa is a staple. This long-standing Mill Avenue restaurant is the perfect contrast to the bustling bars and clubs just steps away. Both an Italian restaurant and wine bar, it is open for brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner. Make sure to try the outstanding pastas, such as a block of lasagna resting in a pool of cream-tinted bolognese or the Ravioli Zucca, filled with butternut squash and topped with toasted hazelnuts and sage swimming in a garlic butter sauce. Complete your meal with a creative cocktail, pour of wine or a flight of Rakija, a double-distilled fruit brandy popular in Serbia and throughout the Balkans, for something a little different.

20 articles

Casa De Falafel

4920 W. Thunderbird Rd. Glendale

623-230-2920

Middle Eastern, Greek, Slideshow

When people complain about Phoenix being too beige, they're likely referring to areas like Cactus Road and 67th Avenue. But Casa de Falafel, located inside a gas station at this intersection called Simon Xpress, is the opposite of suburban snooziness. A Mediterranean grill churning out authentic Arabic street foods, Casa de Falafel has a menu that's stretched above the prep station on electronic screens, promising falafel sandwiches, beef shawarma plates, salads, and falafel rings. Aside from the saj-wrapped falafels, lentil soup is a favorite. The shop was opened in 2016 by Ali and Madda Shakir from Iraq, who dubbed it Casa De Falafel only because Falafel House was taken. (So, no, this isn't a Mexican-meets-Mediterranean fusion eatery.) Both Casa De Falafel and the gas station have a retro vibe, sporting green and pink plastic booths, dark green tiles, neon signs, and a peppy, we're-here-to-serve atmosphere. Plus, you can get any drink you want — it's a gas station. New Normal: The Casa De Falafel family now offers soup to make at home, as well as takeaway frozen falafel rings.

3 articles

Dino's Greek and Italian Grill

1550 N. Dysart Rd. Goodyear

623-535-8380

Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Best Of, Menu

This family-owned and operated restaurant serves traditional Greek and Italian favorites, made to order and from super-fresh ingredients. Pastas, chicken, beef, and seafood entrees make up the Italian half of the menu, but be sure to also check out the gyros and Greek salads flavored with house-made dressing, and chase them with Greek wines and draft beers from the bar. The hummus appetizer is enough for four , and the moussaka and spanakopita are as authentic and tasty as they come.

2 articles

Eddie's House

7042 E. Indian School Rd. Central Scottsdale

480-946-1622

Contemporary, Eclectic, Greek, Mediterranean, New American, Best Of

Chef Eddie Matney has had a namesake place before, but with his latest enterprise, he's amping up his own star power and playing off longtime strengths. The vibe here is expectedly homey but upscale, and somewhere in bustling dining room, you'll probably spot Matney himself, mingling with guests. Fans of Matney's Mediterranean-influenced New American cuisine won't be disappointed here - the menu includes a number of his signature dishes, including juicy mint-pesto grilled lamb chops, Mo'Rockin shrimp, and East-Meets-West, which pairs Asian-style tuna with Parmesan-coated halibut.

13 articles

Essence Bakery Cafe

825 W. University Dr. Tempe

480-966-2745

American, Greek, Mediterranean, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

The folks behind the successful Essence Catering have branched out with this laid-back Tempe cafe, which they remodeled with environmentally friendly materials. Quiche Lorraine and spanakopita are house specialties; the warm, open-faced steak sandwich, with sauteed mushrooms, Cabernet butter, and Maytag blue cheese, is another tempting option. And if you're looking for something lighter, the salads here are delicious, made with organic greens. Homemade cookies and pastries make for a sweet finish. Read our review.

44 articles

George's Famous Gyros

7620 E. McKellips Rd. Unit 6 South Scottsdale

480-874-1354

Mediterranean, Greek, American, Best Of

There are a number of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants in metro Phoenix that will serve you a gyro, but we bet it won’t be anywhere near as good as the one you’ll get at George’s Famous Gyros in Scottsdale. After all, gyros are the restaurant’s specialty, and as a first-generation Greek from Chicago, owner George Salvaridis has the know-how to make the best seasoned meat on a spit. He learned the family secrets beginning from the age of 8 when he first started pimping pitas at his father’s American eateries, and then he moved back to Greece for a time, where he learned what “authentic Greek” really means. George’s gyros are crafted with seriously good meat, soft, puffy pita bread, and tasty tzatziki made with a 20-year-old recipe. But gyros aren’t the only thing made right at this no-nonsense eatery. The fries are just as addictive, and the menu also features spanakopita, souvlaki, falafel, a fish sandwich, and pasta.

4 articles

George's Kitchen

6102 N. 16th St. Ste. 1 East Phoenix

602-441-3030

Greek, Salads

This family-owned, fast-casual Greek and Mediterranean eatery is known for its lunch specials. First, there’s the Chicken Feta Salad — with mixed greens served under a generous amount of free-range, grilled chicken breast, and enough imported French feta to satisfy even the biggest feta fiend. But there are also Greek fries, other salads, pizza, and insanely good pitas. If you happen to develop a taste for any of this, you’ll often spend lunch in George’s Kitchen sleek dining room (though delivery and takeout service is available).

Greek Patio

402 E. Greenway Parkway North Phoenix

602-548-8155

Greek, Mediterranean, Recommended, Menu

Casual neighborhood spot that dishes up superb Greek repasts at very reasonable prices. If you dwell nearby, you're blessed, as this is the sort of place you'll want to dine at least once a week. The place features scrumptious spanakopita, chicken kebabs, moussaka, and housemade baklava. Non-trad items like the Cornish chicken and the catfish topped in a tomato sauce will also rock your world. The saganaki, a pan-fried blend of cheeses, flamed tableside and extinguished with a squeeze of lemon, is the house special. Have a shot of ouzo for us, when you go.

1 article

Greek Spice Grill

5740 W. Peoria Glendale

623-334-3433

Greek, Mediterranean, Music Venues

Greekfest Restaurant

1940 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-265-2990

Greek, Mediterranean, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

We have no idea whether Achilles munched on moussaka or lapped up avgolemono when he wasn't out making mincemeat of Priam's army during the Trojan War. But if the Greek warrior were alive and still kickin' butt, he could do worse than to sup on swordfish souvlaki or pig out on pita and hummus at this high-end Greek grub shack. Greekfest offers some of the best Greek vittles in the Valley, set in upscale surroundings: hardwood floors, arched windows, antiques, and tchotchkes from Aegean isles, and a traditional color theme of eggshell white and sky blue. Read our review.

8 articles

GreekTown Restaurant

8519 N. 7th St. North Phoenix

602-674-8881

Greek, Mediterranean, Best Of, Slideshow

Chef-owner George Vassiliou has crafted his own corner of Athens in north central Phoenix. Murals depicting scenic Greek side streets and tales from the Greek myths fill the walls. Grecian pottery and vases take up every nook and cranny. Blue and white are the dominant colors, and Greek music flows from the sound system. The dolmades are the best in the PHX, and Greektown's kalamaria is off the chain. The moussaka, sweetbreads, and lamb are hard to beat as well. If all that weren't enough, Vassiliou has been known to do his Zorba impersonation and smash a few plates when the mood hits. Enough ouzo, and you'll be smashin' plates, too. Opa, dude!

13 articles

Gyros Express

7132 E. Becker Lane North Scottsdale

480-483-0300

Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

Where has your thinly sliced lamb served with tomato, onion and special sauce on warm pita bread gone? Right here. A casual place to find spanakopita, saganaki or souvlaki as well.

1 article

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral

1973 E. Maryland Ave. Central Phoenix

602-264-2791

Community Venues, Greek, Grocery, Performing Arts Venues

Authentic Greek foods include gyros, kalamari, pastitsio (Greek "lasagna"), spanakopita (spinach pie) and lamb roasted on a spit. Also, melt-off-the-bone lamb shanks -- and melt-in-your-mouth loukoumades (Greek doughnuts). This festival offers the most Greek pastries of any other, including baklava, melomakarouna dipped in honey and much more, baked by Greek yiayias (grandmothers). Packaged handmade pastries are available to take with you. The Village Market features feta cheese, phyllo dough, olives, fresh oregano and other food items imported from Greece. Ouzo and Metaxa brandy served alongside Greek wines and beer. Folk Dancers perform virtually every hour. Dance lessons offered daily. Everyone can get up to join the line dancing as a live Greek band plays. Opa! The Hellenic Museum of Phoenix will be open with vintage photographs of pioneer Greek families as featured in the book, Greeks in Phoenix. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral tours are conducted throughout each day. The architecture conforms to ancient Byzantine standards while exhibiting unique, Southwest desert aesthetic. The icons and stained glass windows are exquisite.

1 article

Jay's Gyros

4750 E. Broadway Rd. South Phoenix

602-426-1434

American, Barbecue, Breakfast/Brunch, Deli, Dessert, Diner, Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Recommended, Menu

Superb gyros (beef and lamb or chicken) are the stars here, but everything is tasty in this fun little dive. Sample superior cheesesteaks, Italian beef, turkey subs, Greek salad, and a phenomenal steak sandwich featuring an entire six-ounce rib eye. Read our review.

1 article

Kavala Restaurant & Cafe

1455 W. Elliot Rd. Gilbert

480-590-7973

Greek, Italian

1 article

Mika's Greek

503 W. Thomas Rd. Central Phoenix

602-279-6452

Greek, Restaurants, Menu

Neither a supper club nor one of those depressing, prefab fast-food joints, Mika’s offers surprisingly authentic Greek fare. Having recently expanded its small chain of two East Valley locations to downtown Phoenix, it’s a spotless diner that serves fresh-made gyros, souvlaki, and dolma. Don’t miss the jalapeño hummus.

Moriah

6160 N. Scottsdale Rd. Paradise Valley

480-389-3447

Breakfast, Eclectic, Greek, Mediterranean, Recommended

Mediterranean with a Sonoran flair; the small menu doesn't give the chef much room to maneuver, but there's some talent in this hotel kitchen. Check out the prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin or the tasty Spanish tapas. You can also get Prime-grade steaks at Choice-grade prices. Read our review.

1 article

Caffe Sarajevo

3411 W. Northern Ave. North Phoenix

602-680-7726

Greek, Mediterranean, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

This hidden gem of Bosnian food tucked into an aging strip mall on the city's west side comes courtesy of Bosnian-born owner and chef Seida Turulja, who makes some of the best lepinja (housemade Bosnian bread) in the Valley. Featuring a small and affordable selection of some of the country's favorites (nothing on the menu is over nine dollars) served up in sizable portions; don't miss popular dishes like cevapi (grilled Bosnian kebabs), warm and pillow-y stuffed pitas, and the comforting Bosnian meat stew called Bosanski lonac. The welcoming interior, done to resemble the Bascarsija, the old town market sector where the city was founded, even boasts a working replica of the town's famous fountain, Sebilj, in the center of the room. Read our review.

8 articles

Olympic Flame

4041 E. Thomas Rd. East Phoenix

602-224-0213

Continental, Greek, Mediterranean, Recommended, Menu

Homey Greek fare that won't deplete your drachmas. Check out the saganaki appetizer, baked kasseri cheese flamed with brandy. Zesty dishes include moussaka (an eggplant casserole); and braised lamb with red wine, garlic and tomato; gyro, pork, and souvlaki.

The Paisley Violin

1030 Grand Ave. Central Phoenix

602-254-7843

Breakfast/Brunch, Cafe, California, Coffeehouse, Contemporary, Continental, Deli, Dessert, Eclectic, Greek, Health, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian, Bars and Clubs, Coffee Shops, Music Venues, Recommended, Menu

Temporarily closed: Gina and Derrick Suarez's quirky bohemian bistro is a comfortably cool spot that contains creative endeavors of every shape and size. Situated along Grand Avenue, it's a mecca of Mediterranean and Euro-style edibles served up in an ultra-arty atmosphere accented by a constantly revolving collection of photos, paintings, and sculptures. Boutique wines such as Trinity Oaks and Raw Power are on the menu alongside such microbrews as Shipyard Chamberlain and Odell Five Barrel. Paisley's calendar of weekly events is also quite eclectic, ranging from the sci-fi movie night on Mondays to live sessions by street musicians and indie bands on the weekend. "Peace and happiness all in one," it promises, and the Violin delivers, with a lovingly crafted menu of homemade plates like hummus, stuffed vine leaves, Italian panini, a pastrami sandwich, plus lox and capers. Beer, wine and liquor are available.

6 articles

Paprika Mediterranean Bistro

7116 E. Mercer Lane North Scottsdale

480-948-3776

Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

1 article

Persian Garden Cafe

1335 W. Thomas Rd. Central Phoenix

602-263-1915

Greek, Mediterranean, Persian, Best Of, Menu

This is the place to go for stunning Persian, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and vegan cuisine. Herbs and spices take center stage, adding spark, and sometimes shock, to stir-fries, stews, pastas, and chicken, fish and lamb dishes. Fresh and healthful is king at this low-cost cafe.

5 articles

Pita Jungle

7014 E. Camelback Rd. Central Scottsdale

480-792-6555

Greek, Health, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Best Of, Readers' Choice

Where else can one find both an allergen chart and a nutritionist's bio on the menu, for those who are so health conscious they have to know what's in everything they eat? We love Pita Jungle for this, and for a whole lot more: its eclectic blend of fresh ingredients; creative way with wraps and salads; and especially its Pesto Pizza, made with fresh pesto, tomatoes, spinach, with feta cheese, mozzarella, and herbs. (We always add chicken, too; that's optional.) We wish it were true that life's a jungle, because we'd make ours Pita!

25 articles

Pita Jungle

4340 E. Indian School Rd. East Phoenix

602-955-7482

Greek, Health, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Readers' Choice

Funky, popular spot that features local art on the walls, a healthful, vegetarian-friendly menu, and more dreadlocks and doo-rags (at least at the Tempe location) than you may ever see in one place. Well-known as a cheap-date restaurant with price points set for an ASU student's wallet. Still, you don't have to be a starving scholar to enjoy vittles like the thick baba ghanouj, roasted chicken pita, or "dolphin-friendly" tuna melt pizza. Brown rice, lentils, tabbouleh, tofu and veggie burgers will warm the cockles of your inner Birkenstock-wearer as you get your grub on.

34 articles

Pita Jungle

1431 E. Williams Field Rd. #101 Gilbert

480-814-2535

Mediterranean, Health, Vegetarian, Greek, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

Funky, popular spot that features local art on the walls, a healthful, vegetarian-friendly menu, and more dreadlocks and doo-rags (at least at the Tempe location) than you may ever see in one place. Well-known as a cheap-date restaurant with price points set for an ASU student's wallet. Still, you don't have to be a starving scholar to enjoy vittles like the thick baba ghanouj, roasted chicken pita, or "dolphin-friendly" tuna melt pizza. Brown rice, lentils, tabbouleh, tofu and veggie burgers will warm the cockles of your inner Birkenstock-wearer as you get your grub on.

24 articles

Pita Jungle

7530 W. Bell Rd. Glendale

623-486-2615

Greek, Health, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

Funky, popular spot that features local art on the walls, a healthful, vegetarian-friendly menu, and more dreadlocks and doo-rags (at least at the Tempe location) than you may ever see in one place. Well-known as a cheap-date restaurant with price points set for an ASU student's wallet. Still, you don't have to be a starving scholar to enjoy vittles like the thick baba ghanouj, roasted chicken pita, or "dolphin-friendly" tuna melt pizza. Brown rice, lentils, tabbouleh, tofu and veggie burgers will warm the cockles of your inner Birkenstock-wearer as you get your grub on.

23 articles

Pita Jungle

1850 W. Southern Ave. Mesa

480-615-7482

Mediterranean, Health, Vegetarian, Greek, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

Funky, popular spot that features local art on the walls, a healthful, vegetarian-friendly menu, and more dreadlocks and doo-rags (at least at the Tempe location) than you may ever see in one place. Well-known as a cheap-date restaurant with price points set for an ASU student's wallet. Still, you don't have to be a starving scholar to enjoy vittles like the thick baba ghanouj, roasted chicken pita, or "dolphin-friendly" tuna melt pizza. Brown rice, lentils, tabbouleh, tofu and veggie burgers will warm the cockles of your inner Birkenstock-wearer as you get your grub on.

28 articles

Pita Jungle

20910 N. Tatum Blvd. North Phoenix

480-473-2321

Greek, Health, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Readers' Choice

Funky, popular spot that features local art on the walls, a healthful, vegetarian-friendly menu, and more dreadlocks and doo-rags (at least at the Tempe location) than you may ever see in one place. Well-known as a cheap-date restaurant with price points set for an ASU student's wallet. Still, you don't have to be a starving scholar to enjoy vittles like the thick baba ghanouj, roasted chicken pita, or "dolphin-friendly" tuna melt pizza. Brown rice, lentils, tabbouleh, tofu and veggie burgers will warm the cockles of your inner Birkenstock-wearer as you get your grub on.

26 articles

Pita Jungle

7366 E. Shea Blvd. North Scottsdale

480-922-7482

Mediterranean, Vegan, Greek, Health, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow, Readers' Choice

Hear us out. This 25-year-old local chain is not necessarily pushing culinary boundaries — that’s hard to do when you’re constantly opening new locations — but it’s a well-known stop for a solid Mediterranean lunch or dinner. We mention it here to highlight its role as a transitional restaurant for many Phoenix-area diners attempting to make dietary transitions. The vegan and vegetarian options here are delicious and accessible (all hail the creamy green cilantro jalapeno hummus) and recent new menu items include keto- and paleo-friendly dishes like the Super Green Nordic Salmon Bowl and Shaved Korean Beef Cauliflower Tostada. No specific restrictions, but keen on the dieting part? The sizable broiled chicken salad remains a solid lunch option if you work nearby one of the Jungles.

28 articles

Pita Jungle

4 E. University Dr. Tempe

480-804-0234

Greek, Health, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

Funky, popular spot that features local art on the walls, a healthful, vegetarian-friendly menu, and more dreadlocks and doo-rags (at least at the Tempe location) than you may ever see in one place. Well-known as a cheap-date restaurant with price points set for an ASU student's wallet. Still, you don't have to be a starving scholar to enjoy vittles like the thick baba ghanouj, roasted chicken pita, or "dolphin-friendly" tuna melt pizza. Brown rice, lentils, tabbouleh, tofu and veggie burgers will warm the cockles of your inner Birkenstock-wearer as you get your grub on.

35 articles

Greek in Phoenix

Newsletter Sign Up

Enter your name, zip code, and email