6 Greek restaurants to try in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay has a rich Greek history. The small coastal city of Tarpon Springs, located on the Gulf about 40 min from the city, is home to the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the country. Greek sponge divers settled the area back in the early 1900’s. Today, more than 25% of residents still claim Greek ancestry. In addition to numerous authentic restaurants, there are a number of annual Greek events. The Greek Festival, going strong for almost 40 years, is one of the oldest cultural festivities in the city.

There is no shortage of Greek dining options, with cities in every Bay county offering their own delicious assortment of Greek restaurants, so you can treat yourself to a fresh Greek salad, gyro, spanakopita, or baklava anywhere you go.

Obviously you will want to head out to Tarpon if you can to immerse yourself in the local history & ambiance. However, there are plenty of great options elsewhere, no matter where your adventures may take you. This guide will highlight my recommended stops for new visitors!

Louis Pappas

• Location: Although the original Pappas Riverside is now closed, there are several Pappas throughout Tampa. Find a location
• Highlight: Chopped Greek salad
• What to try: Chopped Greek salad with the falafel appetizer

This popular counter quick service style restaurant is a good choice for anyone seeking tasty affordable Greek food in a no fuss setting. Although the décor is a bit blah, the space is clean and the food is good. Also, at the Tampa cafe, there is a nice patio to enjoy your meal if the weather is tolerable.

This restaurant is now owned by 3rd generation members of the Pappas family. Louis Pappas arrived in Tarpon Springs in the 1920’s and opened Pappas Riverside Grill featuring the now famous Greek salad served with potato salad. Today, this Greek gem is most well known for their delicious chopped Greek salads. Fresh produce from local farms and high quality meats and cheeses are used for all dishes. Quick does not mean you lose quality! Do try the Greek salad chopped, along with their amazing falafel.

What to do in the vicinity (Tampa cafe): Take a stroll around Hyde Park Village, an outdoor shopping destination home to numerous cafes, coffeehouses, boutique shops, and a dine-in theater.

Hellas Restaurant

• Location: 785 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
• Highlight: Beautiful dining room
• What to try: Chicken souvlaki

Due to a convenient location in the sponge docks district of Tarpon Springs right across from a popular cruise line, Hellas is quite popular with tourists. It was the first Greek restaurant in the city I tried on my first visit. The setting is really beautiful with colorful murals adorning the dining room, as well as a covered patio. The ambiance is great with the lively chatter of tourists enjoying a vacation meal. The food, while decent, is brought out rather quickly, thus making for a rather rushed meal.

The spanakopita and chicken souvlaki are both excellent choices here, although the Greek salad is a bit sparse on the toppings. What Hellas does best is dessert! As you walk in you will notice the most enormous bakery filled with every Greek dessert you could ever imagine. It’s hard to leave without trying one, although they all look so tempting. You really cannot go wrong with a slice of Baklava cheesecake! And do order a tasty Greek coffee to savor alongside your treat!

What to do in the vicinity: Take a dolphin island cruise aboard Odyssey.

Mr. Souvlaki

• Location: 802 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
• Highlight: Non touristy ambiance, affordable pricing
• What to try: Spanakopita, Greek salad

Considered the local’s favorite in Tarpon Springs, Mr Souvlaki is a nice choice for the tourist seeking a quiet cozy Greek restaurant away from the crowds. This place has that homestyle vibe going for it for sure. The food is fresh and authentic and prices are reasonable. The decor is a bit limited, however, the dining room is clean and well-maintained. The crowd is mainly locals, and thus, the atmosphere is super casual.

Mr. Souvlaki is most famous for their Greek Chow Mein, an interesting dish which consists of rice pilaf, sauteed peppers and onion, shredded feta, and your choice of chicken, pork, veggies, shrimp, or gyro. Another highlight is their delicious spanakopita, listed as an app, but definitely filling enough to serve an an entree. Also be sure to split the Greek salad amongst your party – it’s huge and totally delicious. The rest of the menu consists of traditional and contemporary apps and entrees, all reasonably priced.

What to do in the vicinity: Explore the sponge docks region and pick up a natural bathing or cleaning sponge in one of the boutique shops.

The Hungry Greek

• Location: See locations list
• Highlight: Fast service & consistent quality at every location
• What to try: Greek salad topped with falafel

This popular Florida chain is cheap, convenient, while also serving delicious food. A rare find in the fast food world. There are 5 locations around the Tampa metro, so if you are craving quick Greek food that hits the spot, there is almost always a location within drivable distance. The food quality is consistent at all locations, so you cannot go wrong. The Wesley Chapel location features a nice outdoor patio and the food and service are always great. I dined here for lunch once a week and never had any problems.

The menu is simple and consists of Greek bowls, pitas, salads and soups, and entrees. The Greek salad topped with falafel is definitely the way to go. The huge salad includes the standard lettuce, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, olivers, beets, pepperoncini, green peppers, and feta, plus potato salad, as well as pita. Choose falafel for your protein and request tzatziki on the side and you have a terrific meal! They also serve super tasty pitas (try the veggie) with french fries.

What to do in the vicinity: Take a bike ride or walk at beautiful Flatwoods Park.

Bread and Butter Deli

Location: 1880 ALT-19, Tarpon Springs FL 34689

Highlight: Homemade deli favorites

What to try: Mediterranean Plate

This Greek deli and cafe is a great casual pick in Tarpon Springs. I sometimes stop here for a healthy meal after biking the Pinellas trail. As a vegetarian, I can find a lot to eat here. They offer all the traditional Greek/Mediterranean appetizers, a huge assortment of sandwiches, fresh salads, homemade soups, and Greek entrees. What I really love here is The Mediterranean Plate which includes 2 falafels, tabouli, hummus, Baba Ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, cucumber salad with yogurt, pickled turnips, and pita bread. Basically, you get to enjoy all the best apps for one low price. They always offer specials as well. Mike really loves the Thanksgiving dinner plate!

What to do in the vicinity: Check out the local shops and attractions on Main St. There is a great coffeeshop here (Urban Grounds), a pinball arcade (Replay), and the best antique shop (Bear Haven).

Acropolis Greek Taverna

• Location: See locations list
• Highlight: Pretty outdoor patio
• What to try: Falafel appetizer

Acropolis is a popular local Greek chain with numerous Tampa Bay locations. The highlight here is a clean modern setting. The dining room is very attractive, and so is the beautiful outdoor patio which surrounds a fountain. On the downside, pricing is quite high compared to other Greek restaurants. Also, service is a hit or miss.

Acropolis serves the best appetizers. Some delicious items to try include spanakopita, stuffed mushrooms, and saganaki. Their falafel, topped with salsa and their special zesto sauce, is the must try here. The Greek salad is decent although a bit overpriced, and unfortunately does not include pita. Consider treating yourself to the Chicken Gyro Platter for lunch which includes a small Greek salad and fries for a great price.

Another great option is the falafel bowl, a healthy choice which includes mixed veggie slaw, diced tomato, pickled turnips, & roasted jalapeño – topped with zesto sauce over couscous.

What to do in the vicinity: Alligator watch at Lettuce Lake Park, a leafy local favorite for nature walks.