Your Guide to Philly’s Best Greek Food

We all know by now that many of Philadelphia’s diners were owned by Greek immigrants. But they’ve never been the best place to actually find herb-forward fish from the island of Crete, Ottoman-inspired meat dishes from the mountains of Epirus, or fresh olives and oranges reminiscent of the Peloponnese islands.

Thanks to Philly’s rich history of welcoming Greek immigrants, we have everything from quick grill spots where you can get gyros to-go to sit-down tavernas serving moussaka and tyropita with a pour of ouzo and tsipouro (both always over ice, of course) on the side. Here’s where to go to get a taste of Philly’s best Greek food.

South Street Souvlaki, Queen Village

For 50 years South Street Souvlaki has been feeding kebabs and gyros to locals and visitors on busy South Street. But for a deeper dive, try Epirus-style dishes like beets with skordalia, a thick garlic dip; prasopita, a village spanakopita with leeks and cornmeal; and galaktoboureko, a thick, creamy custard and honey dessert wrapped in filo dough. 509 South Street.

Ios RestoBar, Fairmount

There’s a wealth of great taverna food in Fairmount, and Ios is a newer addition to that list. The minimalist decor matches the modern menu: crispy zucchini and eggplant chips, lamb flatbread with tzatziki and spinach, and fasolia fournou made with beans cooked in a rich tomato sauce with carrots, garlic, onions, and red peppers topped with feta cheese. 2028 Fairmount Avenue.

Kanella, Washington Square West

Cretan and Cypriotic meals are known for an abundance of rich herbs and fresh fruits and vegetables. And Kanella delivers plenty of that, with lots of peppers, nuts, and dates on the menu. Try the ezme, a creamy pistachio and feta dip, or the beets with yogurt, honey, and walnuts. 1001 Spruce Street.

Almyra, Rittenhouse

This vibrant Rittenhouse restaurant is carrying the Hellenic torch in the spot formerly occupied by Little Pete’s diner. The happy hour is a great introduction into Greek cuisine, with spread samplers of smoked eggplant dip and whipped feta with jalapeño. The cocktails are similarly lighthearted. Briki is a take on traditional Greek coffee, with espresso, vodka, and oat milk, and the Xios mixes mastiha (a gummy drink from Chios) with gin, cardamom, and fig. For a quieter night out with a similar menu, stop by its sister restaurant, Estia. 1636 Chancellor Street.

Zesty’s, Manayunk

Old favorites are the way to go at Zesty’s. Try the moussaka, a dish of layered eggplant, meats, and cheeses, or pastitsio, a lasagna-style square of thick tube macaroni, beef, and rich bechamel sauce. Wash it down with everyone’s favorite Mediterranean summer drink, the Aperol spritz. 4382 Main Street.

The Bistro at Haddonfield, Haddonfield

A homey atmosphere and Greek takes on comfort food are what you’ll find here. Order the lamb cheesesteak, stuffed with spinach, mushrooms, and gouda cheese, or the gyro omelet, with lamb or beef, feta cheese, tomatoes, and onion and a side of tzatziki. Before heading back over the bridge, nearby Koupa Espresso Bar serves a Greek favorite coffee: Nescafe with condensed milk. 57 Kings Highway East.

Olympia Gyro, Center City

This real deal Reading Terminal Market spot has been slinging gyros since 1982. There are plenty of flavors and styles, from lamb to buffalo chicken souvlaki, but don’t forget to grab a staple Greek side dish, like dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and spanakopita. 1136 Arch Street, #400.

Stina, South Philly

When we talk about the crossover in the Mediterranean diaspora, Stina punches above its weight. Find deep cuts of Greek cuisine, like an authentic mixed grill pikilia of sausage, pork, and chicken, and tyropita (a cheese-forward spanakopita) next to Turkish-style merguez pide stuffed with spiced lamb sausage. 1705 Snyder Avenue.

Zorba’s Tavern, Fairmount

Lamb dishes are the trademark of a classic Greek taverna, and you’ll find several here. Stick with the fourno, a roasted leg of lamb with garlic and lemon sauces. Or kapama, with red wine and tomato sauce. Add gemista, a tomato stuffed with rice and herbs. 210 West Washington Square.

Kostas Bar Restaurant, Fishtown

This Fishtown spot has a great saganaki plate — the block of thick cheese you’ve seen lit on fire in movies. They use kasseri, a sheep and goat’s milk cheese from the mountain regions, rather than feta. This dish comes with pita bread, but you can eat it right from the fork or as a side dish to chicken, pork, or beef skewers. 15 West Girard Avenue.

Yeeroh, Center City, Northern Liberties, Media

If you’re looking for a quick-service gyro spot, Yeeroh has all your favorites plus a few extras that are hard to come by. Try the sweat-inducing diavolo chicken yeeroh topped with spicy feta and ghost pepper sauce, or the sinner made with a trinity of pork, chicken, and beef (or lamb) slathered in tzatziki, ketchup, and mustard all stuffed into a grilled pita. And if you’re not in the mood for a gyro, get the branzino bowl with Aegean slaw, potatoes, and roasted red peppers sprinkled with feta cheese and served with a garlic aioli spread. 1412 South Street, 701 N 3rd Street, 300 W State Street.

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