Best of Toronto
The Best Greek Restaurants in Toronto
The best Greek restaurants in Toronto are, unsurprisingly, mostly to be found on the Danforth. While the inherent Greek-ness of Greektown may arguably be eroding, it still remains the Toronto spot for plenty of authentic Greek eats. It also helps that you can start to hear the sidewalk chatter even before you hit Logan, making you feel as though you've left Toronto and landed somewhere in Athens. Okay, maybe not, but it's better than a strip mall in Don Mills.
The best Greek restaurants in Toronto offer great atmosphere along with chicken souvlaki, and hopelessly literal decor that, for some reason, seems to work at these places. So don't cover up that blue paint!
Here are the best Greek restaurants in Toronto.
Lead photo split by Jamie G. and Daniel Kuseta
See also:
Messini
Say you will about the fries in its Gyros, Messini certainly has no problem making its signature offering known. Whether it is indeed authentically Greek or not (the inevitable conversation that seems to spawn from a Messini Gyros mention) the Gyros, like the rest of Messini's menu, is filling and delicious, best enjoyed on its Danforth patio on a late summer night. More »
Volos
Volos makes Greek sleek (excuse the rhyme), which is a change from the blue-and-white Athens feel of many of the Greek restaurants you might find, say, on the Danforth. But the fare here at this new dining destination on Richmond Street is indeed faithfully Greek, from its Moussaka to its list of Greek wines. More »
Avli
Now Avli, on the other hand, is everything you'd expect from a Danforth Greek restaurant; aging decor, a cozy dining room, patrons at the next table who talk too loudly, and some truly fantastic homemade dips. The Kopanisti must have a little something extra, because it's impossible to leave even a remnant on the plate. The Avli-licious menu, despite its cringe-worthy name, offers good bang for your buck with $15 lunch and $25 dinner prix-fixe menus. More »
Square Boys
Square Boys has been around forever, and though it certainly looks it, its, uh, retro decor is all part of the Danforth restaurant's charm. When in the area, Square Boys is a solid choice for some of the best Souvlaki and Gyros around, at a price that can't be beat by its Greektown neighbours. More »
Pan on the Danforth
What would a charming Greek restaurant be without a lone woman gyrating next to your table as you dine? The lucky patrons of Pan of the Danforth can enjoy two such occasions each week with live belly dancing performances on Friday and Saturday nights. The lamb at Pan is certainly a customer favourite, and it can be enjoyed for the best value as part of the restaurant’s often offered prix-fixe menu. More »
Astoria
It may be number six on this list, but Astoria is number one on mine, especially when I'm craving a hearty plate of chicken souvlaki. While I often surrender to my love of sweatpants and resign to order in, Astoria really is best experienced in its Danforth dining room. The Saganaki just isn't the same at home with an over mitt and old pack of lighters, alas. More »
Mezes
Mezes is one Danforth restaurant where you can usually count on a wait. That's because the spot is often packed, buzzing with activity and chatter, as well as lots of authentic Greek dishes big enough to share. Mezes has a great wine list and roster of homemade desserts, which include Baklava and Chocolate Baklava, Galaktoboureko, and Yaourti Me Meli. More »
Folia Grill
Folia Grill serves up snacking goodness in the form of its delectable zucchini fries. In my opinion, they totally blow the French variety out of the water. The mostly take-out spot is known for its hefty meals and fair prices, where $5.25 will get you a Chicken Gyro Pita and $12 for 8oz N.Y. Strip loin. More »
Karbouzi
Lastly, a North Toronto spot to throw into the mix. Karbouzi has been on Avenue Road north of Lawrence (albeit, in various forms) for over four decades, now settled as a neighbourhood favourite family-owned Greek restaurant. Swathed, of course, in blue, Karbouzi offers all the favourites including Spanakotiropita, Souvlaki, and Moussaka, though few watermelon dishes, despite the English translation of its name. More »
Discussion
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Messini (get the lamb!) and Folia (get the zucchini fries) are also excellent for authentic fast food-style Greek.
I want to love Mezes (been there maybe 10 times), but they ALWAYS seem to overcook the seafood - especially the octopus. Astoria is "white people" Greek food. You never see real Greek people in there. It's like choosing Mandarin for best Chinese - sure it's tasty, but you know you're not having the REAL thing.
Honorable mention to Omonia and Zorba's.
If you don't mind the wait then please check it out. Grill Calamari is excellent. Grill Octopus is quite good too. Fish is the best.
Maybe you should actually go and eat in some of these restaurants before creating a list.
Based on the restaurants chosen for this list, I have a tip for your 'Best Italian'....(whispers) East Side Marios...amazing!
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and to the comment about the whole fries in the gyro thing - that's how they serve 'em up in Greece...and it's awesome.
EXMALOTOS......ME TIN ETHNIKI KLIRONOMIA TIS ELLATOS...
STO TORONTO 220 OAK STRIT....
MA TIN NBG TORONTO ESXATI PROTOSIAN..
GA TA RESTORANT.....ARXIMAGIRAS KOSTATIN POLIZOS
AFTOKRATORAS III APO TIN TANFORT TOSA XRONIA THEN PATE KATHOLU KALA GREEKS
EXI GINI ITI I ANASTASIMU ROTISTE NA SAS TA PUNE...
SEBASMIOTATOS HOLY INPIRIOL EMPRA O III...KOSTATINOS POLIZOS.........HOLY ARXITSENAROL ELLAS......
I had a Caesar salad with artificial bacon bits and boxed croutons. Store-bought bread with some tapenade from a jar.
The gyros were dry, the calamari looked like it came from a Highliner box. Also, how can you charge $20 an entree and serve water out of a plastic jug?.
I must say that the service was excellent. Very friendly, attentive staff and the restaurant and washrooms were very clean.
(another new authentic gyros). Not better than Messini gyros though. Which deserves the 1st spot above. Pan is included but should be amongst first places not 6th.