Best Greek food in Chicago?

Hi everyone,

I'm going to Greece in October, and I want to sample some good Greek food here in Chicago before I go. What's your favorite Greek restaurant in the city? I've only been to Parthenon, which I thought was good (this was several years ago) but any other suggestions?

TheJesster wrote:Hi everyone,

I'm going to Greece in October, and I want to sample some good Greek food here in Chicago before I go. What's your favorite Greek restaurant in the city? I've only been to Parthenon, which I thought was good (this was several years ago) but any other suggestions?

Not exactly in Chicago, but GNR Avli in Winnetka has a range of Greek dishes well beyond what you'd typically find in Greektown.

Id try Psistaria on Touhy just E of the Edens for the standards. Id go to Boston Seafood in Des Plaines and order the char grilled octopus or whole fish with a Greek salad to get the taste I had in Greece.

Octarine wrote:Id try Psistaria on Touhy just E of the Edens for the standards. Id go to Boston Seafood in Des Plaines and order the char grilled octopus or whole fish with a Greek salad to get the taste I had in Greece.

Indeed, if you're going to the Greek islands and plan on eating a lot of fish, the closest I've come in terms of quality and style is at Boston Seafood. If you're looking to go beyond seafood, you'll obviously need to look elsewhere.

Thanks for all the tips so far. I definitely like beef, lamb, etc more than seafood but I plan on trying a little bit of everything in Greece. Any tips for Chicago Greek restaurants?

I still tend to believe Greek Islands is the most consistent of the Greektown bunch.

TheJesster wrote:Thanks for all the tips so far. I definitely like beef, lamb, etc more than seafood but I plan on trying a little bit of everything in Greece. Any tips for Chicago Greek restaurants?

As Octarine suggested, Psistaria on Touhy is quite excellent these days and would be a great place to try something elevated above Pathanon and other Greektown joints. Avli is also excellent, but it's a bit more of a drive.

Psistaria
4711 W Touhy Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 676-9400

Avli Estiatorio
566 Chestnut St
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-9300

Roditys has been the mainstay of my extended family since before I was born. Solid execution and typically filled with a Hellenic crowd. Sometimes it can get loud and raucous in there.

Roditys
222 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 454-0800

Taxim in Wicker Park has an interesting take. The chef/owner, David Schneider is focused on regional food (vs. the Europeanized cooking that took hold in Greece in the 20th century).

Taxim
1558 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773-252-1558

As one of the resident Greeks on the board, I would second Taxim and Avli.

I have been to The Greek Islands since the time in the very early seventies where they were a humble steam table kind of place on Jackson. I tried all the other places in Greek town. Once I became addicted to the Gardens of Plaka, then to Santorini's, then farther North to the the Athenian Room on Webster.
I also tried Avli in Winnetka, Mykonos in another Northwestern suburb, and others...
I had dinner only once at Taxim and was very disappointed by the food, that is pseudo-original.
Grecian Psistaria on Devon is fine since it was taken over by alumni from Greek Islands.
But you know what? After 42 years of patronage, I always go back to the Greek Islands. To me it is the most reliable, welcoming, comforting, and authentic Greek restaurant in Chicago. From sea bass to lamb and artichokes, everything is satisfying. And the human approach from the management and waiting staff is the best.
But Avli has the best Greek wine list by far, and the patio is great during the summer season.

My favorite is Athena, but mainly for their patio.

I also like Artopolis for dessert or more simpler taverna kind of flavor.

I need to check out the new Psistaria in Lincolnwood. Been hearing loads of great things about the new owners.

I have been going to greek islands for years. I now go to their Lombard location and its generally crowded. I like their simply grilled chicken breast and grilled fish. Also their grilled octopus is good.

BY THE WAY...

If you're in Athens, check out the Fisherman's Taverna in the Anafiotika neighborhood.

http://www.psaras-taverna.gr/en/


Some photos from my visit there:








Mussels Saganaki...showing saganaki is more than just flaming cheese.


Grilled salmon with steamed vegetables. I like to keep it simple.


Seafood salad. My wife unfortunately didn't like the dressing.

Culinaria wrote:

Mussels Saganaki...showing saganaki is more than just flaming cheese.

That place looks great. I've not yet been to Greece, but we're planning a trip for our 25th anniversary in a couple of years.

FWIW, Psistaria on Touhy serves a similar dish made with shrimp, if you get a craving.

stevez wrote:

Culinaria wrote:

Mussels Saganaki...showing saganaki is more than just flaming cheese.

That place looks great. I've not yet been to Greece, but we're planning a trip for our 25th anniversary in a couple of years.

FWIW, Psistaria on Touhy serves a similar dish made with shrimp, if you get a craving.

SWEET! I had read that saganaki is the pan, not the cheese. Cheese saganaki is only one variant. Shrimp and mussels were two other variants. So I'll definitely try.

I have a recipe for mussels saganaki if anyone wants it.