Where To Eat Greek Food In California
Within California’s rich culinary landscape lies a collection of Greek restaurants that capture the essence of the Mediterranean.
Here, family recipes are passed down and perfected, while modern chefs add their own inspired touch. From succulent souvlaki to delicate, honey-soaked baklava, these 16 destinations offer an edible journey straight to Athens.
1. Kokkari Estiatorio – San Francisco
Rustic elegance defines this upscale Greek haven in San Francisco’s Financial District. Named after a small fishing village, Kokkari serves traditional Hellenic cuisine with a sophisticated twist.
The wood-fired oven produces magnificent roasted meats, while the seafood dishes showcase the kitchen’s devotion to fresh ingredients.
When my boss celebrated her promotion here, the grilled octopus literally changed her opinion about tentacled creatures forever.
2. Souvla – Hayes Valley, San Francisco
Fast-casual Greek food gets a modern California makeover at Souvla. The menu focuses on a few items done exceptionally well – rotisserie meats wrapped in warm pita or served atop hearty salads.
Their frozen Greek yogurt, topped with baklava crumbles or sour cherry syrup, provides the perfect sweet finish.
The bright, airy space with white walls and blue accents makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a contemporary Santorini café.
3. Milos Meze – San Francisco Marina
Small plates rule at this Marina District gem where sharing is encouraged. The blue and white décor instantly transports diners to the Greek isles while the menu showcases authentic meze – small, flavorful dishes meant for passing around the table.
The grilled halloumi cheese sizzles with tangy delight, and the spanakopita arrives perfectly flaky. During my cousin’s wedding weekend, our family of twelve ordered practically everything on the menu and still talked about the feast weeks later.
4. NOVY – Noe Valley, San Francisco
Family recipes shine at this neighborhood favorite where Greek classics meet California innovation. The avgolemono soup – a velvety lemon-chicken concoction – warms souls on foggy San Francisco evenings.
Moussaka arrives bubbling hot with layers of eggplant, spiced meat, and béchamel that would make any Greek grandmother proud.
The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes NOVY perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend celebrations.
5. Evvia Estiatorio — Palo Alto
Silicon Valley’s power players gather at this upscale Greek establishment where ancient recipes meet contemporary flair. The mesquite-grilled meats deliver smoky perfection, while the seafood dishes honor Mediterranean traditions with pristine execution.
I still remember bringing my Greek professor here – his eyes welled up when he tasted the galaktoboureko dessert, claiming it transported him straight back to his childhood in Athens.
The warm, wood-paneled interior creates an atmosphere of refined comfort.
6. Taverna – Palo Alto
Bright, airy, and bustling with energy, Taverna brings casual Greek dining to downtown Palo Alto. The open kitchen lets diners watch as chefs craft traditional dishes with modern presentations.
Their whole grilled fish, deboned tableside, showcases simplicity at its finest – just olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
The mezze platters offer perfect sampling opportunities for those new to Greek cuisine, with standouts like velvety taramasalata and perfectly crisp zucchini fritters.
7. Elia — Walnut Creek
Contemporary Greek cuisine finds its East Bay home in this stylish Walnut Creek restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light while blue accents remind diners of Aegean waters.
The menu balances tradition and innovation – try the braised lamb shank with orzo or the grilled octopus with fava bean puree.
Their Greek wine list deserves special attention, featuring boutique producers rarely found outside Greece.
8. Barbayani Greek Taverna – Los Altos
Peninsula diners flock to this hidden gem where hospitality rivals the exceptional food. Stone walls and wooden beams create a rustic Mediterranean atmosphere perfect for lingering over multiple courses.
The saganaki arrives flaming tableside with theatrical flair, while the pastitsio pasta casserole delivers comforting layers of flavor.
My grandmother visited from Greece last year and declared their dolmades better than any she’d tasted outside her village – high praise indeed!
9. Mykonos Meze – Burlingame
Blue doors welcome diners to this Peninsula favorite where the spirit of Greek hospitality shines brightly. The extensive meze menu encourages exploration – from classic dips to lesser-known specialties like loukaniko sausage and kolokithokeftedes zucchini fritters.
Friendly servers guide newcomers through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. The patio transforms into a lively gathering space on weekend evenings, with occasional bouzouki music adding to the authentic atmosphere.
10. Nick the Greek – Napa
Quick-service Greek food gets the wine country treatment at this Napa outpost of the popular Bay Area chain. Gyros stuffed with locally-sourced ingredients satisfy hungry visitors between wine tastings.
The Greek fries – topped with feta, oregano, and olive oil – pair surprisingly well with Napa Valley reds.
When I brought my vegetarian friend here, she couldn’t stop raving about the falafel pita, which comes packed with fresh vegetables and house-made sauces.
11. The Great Greek – Sherman Oaks
Valley residents celebrate this family-friendly spot where generous portions satisfy hearty appetites. The build-your-own plate concept lets diners customize their perfect Greek meal – choosing proteins, sides, and dips to create personalized feasts.
Their gyro meat rotates slowly on vertical spits, developing perfect caramelization before being shaved onto warm pita.
The relaxed atmosphere welcomes everyone from families with young children to friends gathering for casual weeknight dinners.
12. Delphi Greek – Westwood
UCLA students and Westwood locals have made this taverna a neighborhood institution for decades. The charming courtyard, draped with grapevines, creates a Mediterranean oasis in the midst of busy Los Angeles.
Their lamb chops arrive perfectly grilled with lemon potatoes that somehow remain both crisp and tender.
Back when I was a broke college student, the owner would sometimes slip extra dolmades onto my plate – a kindness I’ve never forgotten even fifteen years later.
13. Greekman’s — Silver Lake
Hipster vibes meet traditional Greek cooking at this trendy Silver Lake spot where young Angelenos gather for creative cocktails and updated classics.
The space balances industrial elements with Mediterranean touches – think concrete floors with blue accents and hanging plants.
Their updated moussaka incorporates farmers market vegetables while staying true to traditional flavors. The Greek-inspired cocktail menu deserves exploration – try the Mykonos Mule with ouzo, ginger, and cucumber.
14. Christakis Greek Cuisine – Tustin
Orange County’s Greek food lovers congregate at this family-owned establishment, where recipes from the islands of Crete and Cyprus dominate the menu.
The warm, rustic interior features stone walls and wooden beams that transport diners to a Mediterranean village. Their kleftiko – slow-roasted lamb wrapped in parchment – falls apart at the touch of a fork.
Weekend evenings often feature live bouzouki music and impromptu dancing between tables, creating memories along with excellent meals.
15. Meze Greek Fusion – Gaslamp, San Diego
Modern interpretations of Greek classics thrive at this downtown San Diego hotspot where traditional ingredients meet contemporary techniques. The sleek, upscale interior features Mediterranean blue accents against stark white walls.
Their seafood-focused menu showcases the bounty of both the Pacific and Mediterranean – try the sea bass wrapped in grape leaves or scallops with saffron orzo.
Last time I visited with clients from Greece, they insisted on ordering another round of the grilled octopus, declaring it better than what they get back home.
16. Olympic Cafe – North Park, San Diego
Neighborhood charm defines this unpretentious North Park eatery where quality ingredients and generous portions keep locals coming back. The casual counter-service operation belies the careful preparation of each dish.
Their gyro plate arrives with enough meat for two meals, alongside perfectly crispy fries dusted with oregano and feta.
The family who runs Olympic remembers regulars by name and order – creating a community gathering place as much as a restaurant.