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.
Greek in Phoenix
Showing 1 - 22 of 31For 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]