Calling all lamb-eating vegetarians! In all seriousness, Olympian cuisine leaves no taste behind. Greek food centers on bold flavors: Kalamata olives, raw red onion, mouth-puckering feta, and spiced meats. And don’t forget about the kebabs, wood-fired pizzas, and oven-baked pasta.
That said, it’s time to head to one of these olive oil and garlic-infused favorites for an entree that packs a Herculean punch.
GreekTown Restaurant
It might be a rule that all Greek restaurateurs must be named George. If so, George Vassiliou had a winning start when he opened his blue-and-white jewel in Phoenix’s North Mountain neighborhood during the early ‘80s. His well-rounded menu is filled with traditional Greek fare, including the Capama, a braised lamb dish in a spiced wine sauce over pasta, or the customer-favorite, lemon-infused Kalamari, still made from grandma’s recipe.
Beyond the food, Vassiliou has established a celebratory atmosphere that might make you want to grab your neighbor and dance. 8519 N. 7th St., Phoenix, greektownrestaurant.com
The Greek’s Grill
Another family-owned winner, The Greek’s Grill in Chandler is Halal-certified and makes everything in-house. There are numerous pita and platter options, such as the curried Chicken Shawarma, a recipe that has a unique flavor in a sea of shawarma options here in the Valley, and the grilled Lamb Kabob Platter, which can be made into a Combo with an additional meat added, such as chicken or beef, and grilled veggies on the side.
Don’t forget to try the Falafel, a garbanzo bean patty with herbs and nicely fried. That crunch hits so good, as do so many items on this menu. 610 N. Alma School Rd. Ste 26, Chandler, greeksgrillaz.com
George’s Famous Gyros & Pasta
George Salvaridis, owner of George’s Famous Gyros & Pasta, comes from a family of hosts and culinary entrepreneurs. Hailing from Chicago with Greek roots, when his family first arrived in the Valley in the early 90s he and his dad would drive to all the way to Tucson for a good gyro. He decided the trek was a little far and opened multiple pita-based spots in the Valley over the years, shaping his current menu.
The Original Pita started it all, made with the guest’s choice of marinated meat, and from-scratch tzatziki with every pita made to order. The “Real Greek” Gyro, a new addition, oozes street-food vibes with its mix of pork, gyro meat, the usual tomato-onion-tzatziki toppings, and a few fries thrown inside.
Look for family recipes too, such as his father’s Theo’s Pasta, spaghetti noodles smothered in pesto and fresh mozzarella; and his grandma’s Yaya’s Chicken, a plate of white-wine garlic sauce with feta, baby bella mushrooms, and fresh chicken breast. If you’re seeking Greek food made by real Greeks, look no further. 20206 N. 27th Ave. Ste. A, Phoenix georgesphx.com
George’s Famous Gyros
Not to be confused with George’s Famous Gyros & Pasta above, while Salvaridis founded this Scottsdale Greek spot, he sold it eight years ago. The new owners have continued to offer fresh food in portion sizes no one will argue with.
Staples such as Spanakopita, a phyllo-layered spinach-and-feta pie with its crispy, flaky texture, keep customers loyal. If you’re especially hungry, order the Chicken Faliro, a pasta or rice dish topped with chicken in a lemony sauce with capers and artichokes, or choose from the many gyro options. 7620 E. McKellips Rd. #6, Scottsdale, georgesfamousgyros.com
George’s Kitchen
That’s right, we’ve got a fourth George helping to satisfy our Greek cravings. This family-owned spot in Uptown provides a low-key atmosphere and is run by George Deligiannis, whose father came here in the ‘70s and founded the local hit. The Lemon Chicken Soup and Salad (Greek or Caesar options) is a popular lunch dish, along with rotating daily specials.
Another winning plate is the Saganaki starter, a golden-brown, pan-fried cheese with pita. There are also plenty of pizza selections too, such as the Greek Pizza, overflowing with gyro meat, feta, and olives. The floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the corner spot provides a bright, airy vibe, perfect for enjoying some Greek fare. 6102 N. 16th St. Ste. 1, Phoenix, georgeskitchenphx.com
King Gyros
Widad Narssi was an engineering tech, but her husband dreamed of owning a restaurant, so she took a leap of faith with him to buy this West Phoenix gyro spot 25 years ago. The rest, as they say, is history. Sadly he passed away six years ago, but Narssi and her sons continue the legacy; her youngest is the head chef, while she runs the front, wearing her bold, warm presence and pink lipstick.
The family makes everything from scratch, and has felt the love from customers through tough times like the pandemic, so she tries to give back as much as she’s able to. Top sellers on the menu include the Chicken Greek Salad with fresh greens, perfectly ripe tomatoes, onions, and other veg alongside olives, pepperoncinis, and feta, topped with juicy, turmeric-bright grilled chicken. Other menu classics include the Gyro and the Baklava, made with honey and walnuts. Don’t forget to order the ultra-creamy Hummus, which comes with warm pita. 4243 W. Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix, kinggyrosaz.com
Greek Wraps
You don’t need to be Aristotle to understand why Peoria’s Greek Wraps has been putting smiles on guests’ faces since 2003. The fast-and-casual diner has cooked its way into locals’ hearts with easy eats, such as the popular rice-and-herb stuffed grape leaves called the Dolmades Appetizer.
Winning entrees include the Steak Kabob Plate, made with flame-broiled tri-tip sirloin; and the Chicken Plate with lemon-marinated and charbroiled chicken breast with sauces of your choice. According to one regular, “Whatever you get at Greek Wraps, add house-made bread and their garlic sauce to the order. The best.” 7369 W. Bell Rd., Peoria, greekwraps.com
Alexander’s Greek Kitchen
This Fountain Hills restaurant, Alexander’s Greek Kitchen, comes with a literal fountain view and impressively traditional menu. It offers both Cold Dolmades with the usual rice, lemon, and herbs filling, and Hot Dolmades with the addition of beef. Also order the grilled octopus appetizer, which comes seasoned with parsley and olive oil.
For hot weather, there are Greek greens, such as the Horiatiki Salad with Mediterranean vegetables, feta, capers, and pepperoncinis. On the large entree side look for lamb, steak, and chicken. Another standout worth mentioning is Pastitsio, a kind of Greek lasagna with spiced meat and a béchamel sauce. For those living in the extreme East Valley, this is the spot to find the best Hellenic plates. 13014 N. Saguaro Blvd. #101, Fountain Hills, agkaz.com
