Though a summer in Santorini would be lovely, Dallas can more than satisfy your Greek food cravings without the long-haul flight. Across the Metroplex, you’ll find family-owned tavernas and polished dining rooms serving everything from flame-kissed souvlaki and classic gyros to hearty moussaka layered with béchamel and cinnamon-spiced meat. Fresh seafood, tangy tzatziki, warm pita straight from the oven and honey-drenched baklava round out the experience.
While we don’t condone the breaking of plates in restaurants, we fully endorse these top-notch Greek eateries that will have you shouting “Opa!”
Atheneos Greek Village Cafe
Tucked away in a Mesquite shopping center, Atheneos Greek Village Cafe is a hub of Greek culture. Not only does the restaurant serve fantastic lamb chops and a flavor-packed moussaka, but it also offers cooking classes, dance nights, and wine tastings. 1425 Gross Rd. #100, Mesquite, atheneoscafe.com
Greek Isles Grill and Taverna
Greek Isles has a vast menu, but the seafood is the star of the show. The shrimp Mykonos features pan-seared shrimp topped with Greek tomato sauce, served with a snappy blend of orzo pasta and feta. Another good choice is the salmon ladoregano, served with rice, vegetables, and a tasty lemon sauce. 5934 Royal Ln. #120, Dallas, greekislesgrilledallas.com
Ziziki’s
Open for more than three decades, Ziziki’s is a Dallas institution. The best way to start a meal, the trio of dips showcases side-by-side helpings of artichoke hummus, spicy hipiti, and spinach feta. Dive into the light Grecian chicken, or the rack of lamb, but be sure to save room for dessert. The baklava ice cream cake is a must. 4514 Travis St. #122, Dallas, zizikis.com
Kostas
If you drive too fast down Greenville Avenue, you may miss Kostas. This hidden gem maintains a familial feel inside a house-like setting. The dolmas—grape leaves, stuffed with rice and ground beef—are some of the best in the city, and are even better when dipped in the restaurant’s signature tzatziki sauce. The Greek Veal, sautéd with mushrooms and onions, and served with a side of mixed vegetables and avgolemono soup, is a safe bet. Kostas also has an outpost in Plano. 4914 Greenville Ave., Dallas, kostascafe.com
Greek Lover Food Truck
Though Greek Lover doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar location, it’s worth grabbing a bite if you spot the truck around town. Among the fan favorites, thevegan falafel wrap comes layered with hummus, tomatoes, pickles, cucumbers, and tahini. Beef, shawarma, and chicken wraps are also popular. Find Greek Lover at Klyde Warren Park on most weekends, but for most up to date tracking, check for posts on its Instagram page. instagram.com/greekloverfoodtruck
Sevan G&G
Though Lower Greenville is known for its thriving nightlife, Sevan G&G serves up great food at all hours of the day. Arrive early for brunch, when you can try the eggs al la greek, and order eggs any style paired with gyro meat, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce. Few things are better than starting your day with a flavorful Greek meal. 2221 Greenville Ave., Dallas
Opa! Greek Taverna
With its cozy booths, spacious bar, and paintings depicting the Greek Islands, this laidback restaurant in Rowlett is known for its flavorful comfort food. Fresh pita arrives warm, the perfect container for lamb souvlaki, beef and lamb gyro, or spicy grilled sausage. Try the Mykonos pita pizza with kalamata olives, tomato, onion, pecorino, romano, feta, and tomato sauce. Finish off the meal with a strong cup of Greek coffee and a slice of baklava cheesecake. 3801 Lakeview Pkwy. #600, Rowlett, oparowlett.com
Platia Greek Kouzina
Food and fun come together at Platia Greek Kouzina. Hear Greek music and sporadic shouts of “Opa” from staff while you dine. Start with the saganaki, which will arrive at the table on fire, accompanied by a cheering server, and then order the lamb or chicken souvlaki platter with sides of hummus and tzatziki. 2995 Preston Rd. #1590, Frisco, platiagreek.com
Ardy’s Mediterranean Tavern
Every Saturday night, a guitarist plays live at this casual Greek restaurant in Addison, offering a tranquil pairing for spicy dolmas and labneh. Ardy’s is known for playful plating. Specifically, a number of dishes, known as “towers,” arrive on skewers that are standing up instead of lying down; your server will whisk away the cloche shaped like a metal cone to reveal the masterpiece. A meal at Ardy’s starts with complementary homemade lentil soup and should end with a slice of pistachio cake. 15615 Quorum Dr., Addison, ardysgrill.com
Stratos
Nothing beats dinner and a show, and at Stratos, guests get a festive Greek and Latin experience. Come for delicious plates like the Pastitsio Greek lasagna or the spinach and feta spanakopita, and stay for belly dancing and folk dancing. Stratos plays Latin music after 10 p.m., and guests can hit the dance floor and groove into the early hours of the morning. 2907 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas
