Chicago holds a special place in Greek-American culinary history. When Greek immigrants began settling along Halsted Street in the 1840s, they brought recipes passed down through generations of family cooks.
Today, that remarkable legacy lives on through dozens of restaurants serving everything from flaming saganaki to tender slow-roasted lamb chops. The Windy City delivers Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the sun-drenched Aegean coast.
Let’s discover the top destinations in Chicago’s Greek food landscape.
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Top Greek restaurants in Chicago you need to visit
Greek Islands: the legendary Greektown institution
For over fifty years, Greek Islands has anchored Greektown as the most popular Greek restaurant in the nation. Located at 200 South Halsted Street, this sprawling establishment imports its olive oil, wine, cheeses, and fresh seafood directly from Greece.
The multi-level dining room features blue-and-white decor that evokes charming island villages, while servers flambé kasseri cheese tableside with enthusiastic calls of “Opa!” The creamy avgolemono soup, tender kokkinisto lamb shank, and perfectly charred octopus with tangy vinaigrette consistently earn rave reviews from locals and tourists alike.
A second location in suburban Lombard extends this culinary experience beyond downtown.
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From market-fresh ingredients to traditional recipes, a private chef turns your home into a true local experience.
Andros Taverna: contemporary Mediterranean excellence
Named an Esquire Best New Restaurant in America, Andros Taverna brings modern sophistication to traditional Greek cooking in Logan Square. Chef Doug Psaltis pays homage to his family heritage from the island of Andros through dishes cooked over a wood-burning hearth. The kataifi cheese pie layers shredded phyllo with artisan cheeses, finished with local honey and roasted pistachios.
Diners rave about the prawn saganaki swimming in tomato-pepper sauce, the charred octopus, and house-made pita stretched fresh in the wood-fired oven. The stunning space features polished concrete floors, dangling greenery, and an impressive all-Greek wine list featuring producers from Macedonia to Santorini.
Taxim: regional Greek cuisine in Wicker Park
Distinguished by dramatic metal chandeliers and authentic Byzantine-style artwork, Taxim offers regionally-inspired Greek dishes rarely found elsewhere in Chicago. The restaurant earned recognition from the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Magazine for its innovative approach to Mediterranean cooking that honors tradition.
Signature items include housemade yogurt with young favas and preserved lemon, lamb confit that falls apart at the touch, and wood-grilled octopus with smoky char.
Must-try authentic Greek dishes in Chicago
Understanding traditional Greek cuisine enhances any dining experience. These classic dishes represent the heart of Mediterranean cooking and appear on menus throughout the city.
- Saganaki features kasseri or kefalograviera cheese pan-fried until golden and crispy, then dramatically flambéed with brandy tableside. Chicago restaurants transformed this appetizer into true dinner theater.
- Moussaka layers silky eggplant slices, seasoned ground meat with warm spices, and creamy béchamel sauce before baking until golden and bubbling.
- Gyros stack heavily seasoned meat on a vertical rotisserie, sliced thin and served in warm pillowy pita with fresh tomatoes, crisp onions, and cool tzatziki sauce.
- Spanakopita wraps seasoned spinach and tangy feta cheese in delicate layers of flaky phyllo dough. The best versions achieve perfect balance between fragrant herbs, creamy cheese, and shatteringly crispy pastry.
- Avgolemono transforms rich chicken broth with eggs and bright lemon juice into silky, comforting soup. Fresh dill and cracked black pepper add essential finishing touches to this beloved starter course.
Beyond Greektown: discovering hidden Mediterranean gems
While Greektown remains the historic center, excellent Greek restaurants now flourish throughout Chicago.
Avli
Operates multiple locations including Lincoln Park and River North, bringing modern Greek small plates and impressive wine selections to new neighborhoods.
Yaya Mas
This restaurant in Lincoln Park Combines convenient counter service with authentic flavors, serving everything from golden spanakopita to Greek-style breakfast pastries called bougatsa alongside traditional freddo cappuccinos.
Mykonos
Locate in Niles, it has served chargrilled octopus, roast lamb, and homemade gyros for over four decades in the suburbs.
Thassos
Delivers authentic dishes like braised lamb kokkinisto and pan-fried smelts in Palos Hills.
Bringing authentic Greek flavors to your home
Sometimes the most memorable dining experiences happen in familiar surroundings. Imagine gathering friends and family around your own table while a private chef in Chicago prepares authentic Greek dishes in your kitchen.
No reservations to secure weeks in advance, no parking hassles to navigate, no rushing through courses to accommodate the next seating at the restaurant.
Take a Chef connects you with talented culinary professionals who bring restaurant-quality Mediterranean cuisine directly to your home. You receive a completely customized menu tailored to your preferences, dietary requirements, and special occasion.
Hire a Greek chef and enjoy the best Mediterranean flavors while you simply enjoy your gathering!
Planning your perfect Greek dining experience
Whether exploring Greektown classics or hosting an intimate dinner at home, Chicago offers unlimited possibilities for Mediterranean cuisine lovers. Start by sampling signature dishes at established restaurants to discover your personal favorites.
Chicago’s Greek culinary heritage spans nearly two centuries and continues evolving through innovative restaurants and passionate cooks. From the theatrical flames of tableside saganaki to the quiet satisfaction of perfectly grilled lamb, these flavors connect us to ancient traditions while creating new memories.
Your next great Greek meal awaits, at a bustling Greektown institution or in the comfort of your own dining room.
