The Best Greek Restaurants in Boston

Ever heard of a Greek version of Chipotle? Well, Saloniki Greek is exactly that. This fast-casual eatery, located in the heart of Fenway, gives you the option of building a grain bowl, pita, or salad or choosing from the restaurant’s own creations. So get in line and pick your fancy as the pita cooks and rises on the griddle right in front of you for that extra personal touch. The “Herc with Pork Shoulder and Spicy Whipped Feta” is not one to miss. Pair this with one of their beers on tap and skip the footlong frank at the next Red Sox game.

Located in a strip mall-like structure filled with restaurants in an area quickly becoming high-rise central, Gyro City is a staple of the Fenway area. This tight, quick-serve, no-frills locale holds only a long counter and a handful of tables where diners can sit and offers authentic gyros made to order filled with rotisserie meat, fries, tzatziki sauce, and onions, all rolled into one. Portions are large with affordable prices, so head on over with a relatively empty stomach.

Located at the intersection where the Financial District meets Faneuil Hall, ZO combines fast food with homemade goodness. It’s a small establishment—with not enough tables to seat its bustling lunch crowd—that is a great spot to grab yourself a gyro and soup. ZO is only open for a few hours a day during the week, so plan ahead to avoid missing the chance to fill yourself with a freshly made meal that even a yiayia (Greek grandmother) would be proud of.

If you want Greek food without any twists or innovations, KAVA Neo-Taverna is the place to be. This dining establishment is a small, welcoming restaurant that offers a selection of genuine Greek food prepared as one would find throughout Greece—don’t miss out on their zucchini chips. Traditional Greek-style wooden chairs and tables fill the space, and Greek music sets the atmosphere. KAVA Neo-Taverna does not accept reservations, so go early to avoid crowds and enjoy a slice of authentic Greek food in South Boston.

Located on Newbury Street with both indoor and outdoor patio-style seating, Gre.Co provides fast, healthy and fresh Greek food. There is an assortment of sauces and tender meats to choose from, and don’t forget to add an order of house zucchini chips to complete your order. Do yourself a favor and order loukoumades, which are Greek-style doughnuts, to top off your meal. Seating is limited, and the waiting line can snake around the block; therefore, go early enough to avoid the lunch and dinner crowds or be prepared to wait.

Desfina is a family-run business on a quiet corner at the edge of Cambridge’s Kendall Square. The atmosphere exudes the feeling of a Greek restaurant tucked into an oceanside basement right out of a postcard. But nothing brings more excitement to the restaurant like an order of saganaki, best known for being an appetizer of fried cheese. Waiters use a lighter to ignite a piece of sheep’s milk cheese to kick-start your meal, so sit back and enjoy this cozy little taverna.

Committee sits in the Seaport District in Boston, and its roomy and industrial vibe is a reflection of the neighborhood surrounding it. Stop by and get a feel for how the Greeks drink with their extensive drinks menu, which includes ouzo—a liquor made from the sap of a Greek island tree. The Greek-inspired food served tapas style is meant to be shared between people. The feta saganaki, halloumi, traditional spinach pie and grilled octopus are must-haves.

If you’re just looking for a satisfying Greek meal, try the Greek Corner Restaurant. It’s nothing fancy, not all organic, not cheap or expensive—it’s just a solid Greek restaurant with generous portions well worth the price in the Greater Boston area. The sampler appetizer for two is a must-try. It includes dolmadakia gialantzi (grape leaves stuffed with spices and herbs), hummus and tabbouleh, spinach pie, and more. The moussaka with rice pilaf is another must try. Greek Corner Restaurant offers a number of vegetarian options as well.

A longtime favorite of the Greater Boston area, Esperia Grill has a vast menu that doesn’t stray from the classics. From $4 bowls of soup to a $5 homemade spread, it’s affordable and authentic. One of their most popular dishes is avgolemono—soup with egg, lemon, and rice that is similar to the consistency of porridge. If you’re in the mood for a quintessential Greek meal, this is the place for you.