California Greek Restaurants That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

California’s love affair with Mediterranean cuisine has given rise to some incredible Greek restaurants across the state. From family-owned tavernas to modern eateries with ocean views, these spots offer authentic flavors that transport diners straight to the Greek isles. Whether you’re craving perfectly charred souvlaki, creamy tzatziki, or flaky baklava, these beloved local haunts deliver the goods with California flair.

1. Petros Restaurant

Manhattan Beach locals flock to Petros for its unique Hellenic-California fusion cuisine. Owner Petros Benekos draws inspiration from his native island of Crete, infusing traditional recipes with locally sourced ingredients and contemporary presentation.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning ocean views, while the crisp white and blue color scheme transports diners to a Greek island taverna. Their feta-stuffed lamb burger topped with tzatziki has developed a cult following among South Bay residents, who often debate whether it’s better than the traditional moussaka.

The restaurant’s Greek yogurt pancakes have revolutionized brunch in the area, served with honey from Petros’ family beehives in Greece. During summer months, the outdoor patio becomes a neighborhood gathering spot where regulars eat Greek specialties while watching spectacular Pacific sunsets.

2. Kokkari Estiatorio

Nestled in San Francisco’s Financial District, Kokkari Estiatorio elevates Greek dining to an art form. Massive wooden beams frame the rustic-chic dining room, centered around a roaring fireplace that roasts succulent meats on spits throughout the day.

Named after a small fishing village on the island of Samos, Kokkari honors the Greek tradition of philoxenia – a generosity of spirit shown to travelers. Their grilled octopus arrives tender and smoky, while the moussaka features delicate layers that practically melt on your fork.

Local tech executives and neighborhood families alike return for the mesquite-fired lamb chops and whole fish preparations that highlight California’s coastal bounty. Despite its upscale reputation, Kokkari maintains the warm, convivial atmosphere that makes Greek dining so special.

3. Taverna Tony

Malibu’s Taverna Tony brings Mediterranean magic to the beach crowd with its sun-drenched patio and lively atmosphere. Founder Tony Koursaris created this coastal gem in 1995, quickly turning it into a celebrity favorite without losing its authentic Greek soul.

Fresh seafood shines in dishes like whole grilled branzino, simply prepared with lemon, olive oil, and herbs that let the quality ingredients speak for themselves. The restaurant’s signature saganaki – flaming cheese dramatically presented tableside – never fails to draw gasps and applause from first-time visitors.

Weekend evenings transform the space with traditional Greek music and occasional impromptu dancing between tables. Regulars know to save room for the house-made galaktoboureko, a custard-filled phyllo dessert that grandmothers throughout Greece would approve of.

4. Evvia Estiatorio

Silicon Valley’s power players gather at Evvia Estiatorio in Palo Alto, where tech deals close over plates of perfectly grilled lamb and crisp Greek salads. Sister restaurant to San Francisco’s Kokkari, Evvia maintains its own distinctive charm with warm terracotta walls and a bustling open kitchen.

The wood-fired oven produces impossibly light keftethes (meatballs) with hints of mint and oregano, while the spanakopita arrives with flaky phyllo that shatters at the touch of a fork. Stanford professors and local families share long tables during weekend lunch service, creating a community atmosphere.

Evvia’s dedication to sourcing shows in their Greek horiatiki salad, featuring tomatoes and cucumbers from nearby farms alongside imported feta cheese. Their roasted lamb shank falls off the bone after slow-cooking with aromatic spices that perfume the entire restaurant.

5. Ulysses Voyage

Hidden within Los Angeles’ bustling Farmers Market, Ulysses Voyage offers an escape to the Greek isles without leaving the city. Colorful mosaic tables dot the open-air dining space, where market shoppers pause for authentic Mediterranean fare amid the historic surroundings.

Founder Hector Ladopoulos named the restaurant after Homer’s epic poem, and the menu reflects a similar journey through Greek culinary traditions. Their avgolemono soup – a velvety lemon-chicken concoction – has comforted Angelenos through rare rainy days for over two decades.

Families gather around heaping platters of mezedes (small plates) featuring dolmades, hummus, and taramosalata with warm pita. The restaurant’s central location makes it a favorite meeting spot for friends coming from different parts of the sprawling city, united by their love for the crispy calamari and flavorful souvlaki.

6. Christakis Greek Cuisine

Tustin, California residents consider Christakis their neighborhood treasure, a family-owned taverna where three generations of the Christakis family work together in perfect harmony. The restaurant occupies a converted craftsman home, with intimate dining rooms that create a cozy atmosphere for lingering meals.

Grandmother Koula still makes the dolmades by hand every morning, stuffing grape leaves with seasoned rice and herbs from the restaurant’s garden. Their pastitsio – Greece’s answer to lasagna – features layers of macaroni, ground meat, and béchamel sauce that customers drive across county lines to enjoy.

Sunday afternoons bring multi-generational families together for slow-roasted lamb and lively conversations. The staff remembers regulars by name and often sends out complimentary loukoumades (honey puffs) to celebrate special occasions, creating a community that extends far beyond typical restaurant service.