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A large grilled octopus tentacle on a white plate with tomatoes and frisee.
Chicago is home to a small and passionate community of Greek restaurants.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Where to Find the Best Greek Restaurants in the Chicago Area

Indulge in gyros, souvlaki, and much more at Chicago Greek spots

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Chicago is home to a small and passionate community of Greek restaurants.
| Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Chicagoans have enjoyed quality Mediterranean cuisine for decades thanks to one of the country's highest concentrations of Greek Americans, many of whom originally settled along Halsted Street in the West Loop. Whether it's basic staples like gyros and baklava or traditional dishes such as spanakopita and stuffed grape leaves, these establishments have delights to please nearly every diner.

Greektown has lost several longtime stalwarts in recent years, including 48-year-old destination the Parthenon and 31-year-old legendary seafood spot Santorini. Despite the sea change, there are still excellent options in the neighborhood. Still, the neigbhorhood isn’t the be-all, end-all of Greek dining in Chicago: Several areas — including the suburbs — now boast classic and modern Greek specialties. Dig in while dreaming of post-pandemic adventures along the Mediterranean Sea.

As of March 2, Chicago restaurants are permitted to serve customers indoors with a 50 percent maximum capacity per room, or 50 people — whichever is fewer. At the same time, despite winter weather, a number of Chicago restaurants continue to offer outdoor seating. Regardless, the state requires reservations for both indoor and outdoor dining. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as an endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

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Cross-Rhodes Restaurant

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This Greek-American spot has served specialties like mousaka and spanakopita since 1984 in suburban Evanston. Located inside one of the area’s oldest buildings — a meat packing plant built in 1895 — Cross-Rhodes remains a local favorite even after the passing of founder Jeff Russell in 2012.

Psistaria Greek Taverna

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Restaurants outside of Greektown can be a hit-or-miss affair so can be a bit of a delightful surprise to find an authentic tavern out in suburban Lincolnwood. The kithcen serves up an abundance of traditional dishes, such as crispy spanakopita and well-seasoned lamb chops, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Prices are affordable, portions are generous, and the menu also includes family-style dinners that usually leave diners happy and full.

It's Greek 2 U Grill

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Andersonville’s BYOB counter-service spot for Greek street food has developed a loyal following among residents for its casual yet flavorful dishes and charismatic owner, Vicky Zervas. Hits include taramasalata (imported fish roe, olive oil, lemon spread) with pita, pork belly yeeros stuffed with crunchy french fries, and a selection of imported Greek sodas in flavors like sour cherry.

Avli Taverna

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Every neighborhood should be lucky to have a Greek bar with stellar food like Avli Taverna. Hidden on a tree-lined street in Lincoln Park, chef/co-owner Louie Alexakis challenges customers with plates like perfectly textured moussaka with roasted lamb and more. It’s a spin-off of his suburban Winnetka restaurant, and bartenders are happy to show patrons how to properly drink ouzo. Alexakis continues to expand his burgeoning restaurant empire into a new location in River North and has another opening slated for April in Lakeshore East.

A well-lit Greek bar.
Avli Taverna brings a contemporary vibe to Greek culinary traditions.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Andros Taverna

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There’s a strong Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises feel to this Logan Square restaurant from a former LEYE executive chef. Doug Psaltis, who helped mold Lettuce’s RPM division, and pastry chef Hsing Chen (French Laundry) have teamed up with the owners of Gemini for wood-burning affair off Milwaukee Avenue. Chen’s brunch pastries help make the menu stand out, and there’s plenty of lamb chops and octopus to keep carnivores happy.

A large, airy restaurant dining room.
Andros Taverna brings upscale Greek fare to Logan Square.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Athenian Room

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Quality Greek food in the city isn’t just limited to Greektown. This popular restaurant has been a Lincoln Park staple for more than 40 years, serving a small menu of Mediterranean specialties like chicken Kalamata and flavorful gyros. The roast chicken, in particular, is such a hit that comedian Tina Fey (formerly of Second City) declared the Athenian Room one of her favorite places to eat in Chicago.

Much more than just flaming cheese and souvlaki, chef-owner David Schneider elevates the Greek game with Taxim’s regional fare utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together to pack a punch. But it also has gyros — a tasty but non-traditional duck version. In addition, the extensive Greek wine list and a rooftop bar and small-plates space make this one of the most unique Mediterranean experiences in town.

Greek Corner Restaurant

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For casual sandwiches and salads, Greek Corner is reliable for affordable and quality meals at Augusta and Damen. The chicken is moist, and the gyros are off the spit. The Spartan Wrap with chicken is a highlight.

A corner restaurant with bright blue awning
Locals love Greek Corner.
Greek Corner Restaurant [Official Photo]

Greek Islands

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Considered by many to be the finest Greek restaurant in Chicago, Greek Islands offers an all-encompassing selection of classic dishes. Tourists and locals alike pack the house every night to try everything from fried zucchini with skordalia (garlic-potato dip) and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) to roast lamb and fresh red snapper. “Opa!” indeed.

Athena Greek Restaurant

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Many Greektown restaurants are popular but none have a spacious outdoor terrace (complete with a retractable roof and waterfall) for al fresco dining like Athena. The scenic view and old-world bites like housemade pork sausages and lamb with artichokes in lemon sauce draw crowds to this longtime spot. Many top it all off with galaktobouriko, a dessert of lemon custard in honey-dipped filo dough.

Artopolis Bakery, Cafe and Agora

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Baklava is the most popular Greek pastry but there's much more than just that at this longtime bakery and café in Greektown. Diners indulge in a variety of sweet treats ranging from honey puffs to Grecian cookies or make a full meal out of savory items such as eggplant moussaka and the signature Artopitas, which are a twist on the classic spanakopita spinach pie.

Meze Table (Bridgeport Arts Center)

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Sommelier Elizabeth Gartelos Morris has a successful catering company that focuses on charcuterie, but she’s since expanded to the general public offering meze and gyros plates to the masses. Order delivery via Tock and prepared to be dazzled by one of the most intriguing virtual restaurants born during the pandemic. Keep an eye out for specials.

Cross-Rhodes Restaurant

This Greek-American spot has served specialties like mousaka and spanakopita since 1984 in suburban Evanston. Located inside one of the area’s oldest buildings — a meat packing plant built in 1895 — Cross-Rhodes remains a local favorite even after the passing of founder Jeff Russell in 2012.

Psistaria Greek Taverna

Restaurants outside of Greektown can be a hit-or-miss affair so can be a bit of a delightful surprise to find an authentic tavern out in suburban Lincolnwood. The kithcen serves up an abundance of traditional dishes, such as crispy spanakopita and well-seasoned lamb chops, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Prices are affordable, portions are generous, and the menu also includes family-style dinners that usually leave diners happy and full.

It's Greek 2 U Grill

Andersonville’s BYOB counter-service spot for Greek street food has developed a loyal following among residents for its casual yet flavorful dishes and charismatic owner, Vicky Zervas. Hits include taramasalata (imported fish roe, olive oil, lemon spread) with pita, pork belly yeeros stuffed with crunchy french fries, and a selection of imported Greek sodas in flavors like sour cherry.

Avli Taverna

Every neighborhood should be lucky to have a Greek bar with stellar food like Avli Taverna. Hidden on a tree-lined street in Lincoln Park, chef/co-owner Louie Alexakis challenges customers with plates like perfectly textured moussaka with roasted lamb and more. It’s a spin-off of his suburban Winnetka restaurant, and bartenders are happy to show patrons how to properly drink ouzo. Alexakis continues to expand his burgeoning restaurant empire into a new location in River North and has another opening slated for April in Lakeshore East.

A well-lit Greek bar.
Avli Taverna brings a contemporary vibe to Greek culinary traditions.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Andros Taverna

There’s a strong Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises feel to this Logan Square restaurant from a former LEYE executive chef. Doug Psaltis, who helped mold Lettuce’s RPM division, and pastry chef Hsing Chen (French Laundry) have teamed up with the owners of Gemini for wood-burning affair off Milwaukee Avenue. Chen’s brunch pastries help make the menu stand out, and there’s plenty of lamb chops and octopus to keep carnivores happy.

A large, airy restaurant dining room.
Andros Taverna brings upscale Greek fare to Logan Square.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Athenian Room

Quality Greek food in the city isn’t just limited to Greektown. This popular restaurant has been a Lincoln Park staple for more than 40 years, serving a small menu of Mediterranean specialties like chicken Kalamata and flavorful gyros. The roast chicken, in particular, is such a hit that comedian Tina Fey (formerly of Second City) declared the Athenian Room one of her favorite places to eat in Chicago.

Taxim

Much more than just flaming cheese and souvlaki, chef-owner David Schneider elevates the Greek game with Taxim’s regional fare utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together to pack a punch. But it also has gyros — a tasty but non-traditional duck version. In addition, the extensive Greek wine list and a rooftop bar and small-plates space make this one of the most unique Mediterranean experiences in town.

Greek Corner Restaurant

For casual sandwiches and salads, Greek Corner is reliable for affordable and quality meals at Augusta and Damen. The chicken is moist, and the gyros are off the spit. The Spartan Wrap with chicken is a highlight.

A corner restaurant with bright blue awning
Locals love Greek Corner.
Greek Corner Restaurant [Official Photo]

Greek Islands

Considered by many to be the finest Greek restaurant in Chicago, Greek Islands offers an all-encompassing selection of classic dishes. Tourists and locals alike pack the house every night to try everything from fried zucchini with skordalia (garlic-potato dip) and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) to roast lamb and fresh red snapper. “Opa!” indeed.

Athena Greek Restaurant

Many Greektown restaurants are popular but none have a spacious outdoor terrace (complete with a retractable roof and waterfall) for al fresco dining like Athena. The scenic view and old-world bites like housemade pork sausages and lamb with artichokes in lemon sauce draw crowds to this longtime spot. Many top it all off with galaktobouriko, a dessert of lemon custard in honey-dipped filo dough.

Artopolis Bakery, Cafe and Agora

Baklava is the most popular Greek pastry but there's much more than just that at this longtime bakery and café in Greektown. Diners indulge in a variety of sweet treats ranging from honey puffs to Grecian cookies or make a full meal out of savory items such as eggplant moussaka and the signature Artopitas, which are a twist on the classic spanakopita spinach pie.

Meze Table (Bridgeport Arts Center)

Sommelier Elizabeth Gartelos Morris has a successful catering company that focuses on charcuterie, but she’s since expanded to the general public offering meze and gyros plates to the masses. Order delivery via Tock and prepared to be dazzled by one of the most intriguing virtual restaurants born during the pandemic. Keep an eye out for specials.

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