10 Florida Greek Restaurants That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

Florida’s sunny shores are home to some of the most authentic Greek restaurants outside of Athens. From the historic sponge-diving community of Tarpon Springs to the vibrant streets of Miami, these eateries serve up Mediterranean magic on a plate. Whether you’re craving moussaka, souvlaki, or baklava dripping with honey, these local favorites will transport your taste buds straight to the Aegean Sea.

1. Taverna Opa: Orlando’s Raucous Greek Party

White napkins swirl through the air like confetti at this high-energy Orlando restaurant where dining transforms into a nightly celebration. Located at Pointe Orlando, this lively spot draws both tourists and locals seeking an experience beyond mere eating.

Between bites of tender lamb chops and garlicky skordalia dip, diners find themselves pulled into impromptu dance circles as traditional Greek music pulses through the room. Servers occasionally climb onto tables to lead enthusiastic guests in folk dances.

Despite the party atmosphere, the kitchen takes its food seriously – the spit-roasted lamb gyros feature meat carved to order and wrapped in warm, pillowy pita with house-made tzatziki that strikes the perfect balance between garlic and cucumber freshness.

2. Hellas Restaurant & Bakery: Tarpon Springs’ Crown Jewel

Blue and white tablecloths welcome you to this Tarpon Springs institution where generations of the same family have been serving authentic Greek cuisine since 1970. The aroma of roasting lamb and freshly baked bread fills the air as servers dash between tables.

Don’t miss their legendary moussaka layered with eggplant and seasoned ground beef or the crispy spanakopita bursting with spinach and feta. Save room for the bakery’s honey-soaked baklava or powdered kourabiedes cookies.

Weekends bring live bouzouki music and occasionally impromptu dancing between tables, creating the festive atmosphere of a Greek village celebration right in the heart of Florida.

3. Mykonos: Waterfront Feast With Aegean Flair

Perched along Tarpon Springs’ historic sponge docks, Mykonos captures the essence of a seaside Greek taverna. Fishing boats bob gently in the water just steps from your table, creating an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.

Locals rave about the grilled octopus, tenderized to perfection and kissed with olive oil and lemon. Their Greek-style whole fish is another standout – caught fresh, grilled simply, and served with nothing more than herbs, oil, and a squeeze of citrus.

Family-style dining is encouraged here, with generous portions meant for sharing and a warm, boisterous environment that makes every meal feel like a celebration.

4. The Limani: Casual Waterfront Gem

Sunlight dances across the water at this dockside eatery where sponge boats once unloaded their treasures from the Gulf. Now, The Limani serves up treasures of the culinary kind in a relaxed setting that feels worlds away from tourist traps.

Regulars swear by the gyro platters – thinly sliced meat piled high alongside hand-cut fries dusted with oregano and sea salt. The saganaki arrives in theatrical fashion, flamed tableside with a cheerful “Opa!” that never fails to delight first-timers.

What sets this place apart is the genuine hospitality – servers remember returning guests by name and often bring complimentary loukoumades (honey puffs) to finish your meal on a sweet note.

5. Niko’s Grill House: Homestyle Greek Comfort

Hidden on a side street away from Tarpon Springs’ main tourist area, Niko’s feels like stepping into a Greek grandmother’s kitchen. The modest exterior belies the culinary magic happening inside this family-run establishment.

Handwritten specials change daily, but the lamb shank is legendary – slow-braised until it falls off the bone, swimming in a rich tomato sauce infused with cinnamon and allspice. Regulars know to request extra pita bread for sopping up every last drop.

Unlike its flashier competitors, Niko’s skips the belly dancers and plate-smashing in favor of honest cooking and reasonable prices. The tiny dining room fills quickly with locals who value substance over spectacle.

6. Greek Islands Taverna: Fort Lauderdale’s Authentic Haven

Brothers Sam and George have been serving Fort Lauderdale residents their family recipes since 1999. The no-frills dining room, adorned with blue and white checkered tablecloths, fills nightly with regulars who come for food that tastes straight from Athens.

The grilled whole snapper is their signature – deboned tableside and drizzled with a lemon-olive oil dressing that perfectly complements the delicate fish. Vegetarians flock here for the imam baildi – roasted eggplant stuffed with tomatoes, onions, and garlic in a light tomato sauce.

Service runs at a European pace, encouraging lingering conversations over bottles of Boutari wine and plates of honey-drenched galaktoboureko for dessert.

7. My Big Fat Greek Restaurant: Lively Waterfront Celebration

Weekend evenings at this Fort Lauderdale hotspot burst with energy as belly dancers weave between tables and servers balance flaming cheese high above their heads. The sprawling waterfront patio offers stunning Intracoastal views that complement the festive atmosphere.

Food portions match the restaurant’s name – enormous platters of grilled meats arrive at tables alongside mountains of lemon-roasted potatoes. Their mixed grill for two easily feeds four hungry diners with skewers of souvlaki, lamb chops, and loukaniko sausage.

Friday nights feature bouzouki players who encourage diners to join impromptu dance circles between tables. Even first-timers find themselves linking arms with strangers for traditional sirtaki dances by evening’s end.

8. The Greek Corner: Orlando’s Bright Neighborhood Favorite

Sunlight streams through large windows in this cheerful Orlando eatery where families gather for affordable Greek classics without the tourist markup. The owners, originally from Thessaloniki, greet many customers by name.

Their avgolemono soup has developed a cult following for its velvety texture and perfect balance of lemon brightness and chicken comfort. Regulars debate whether the pastitsio or moussaka reigns supreme, though both pasta and eggplant dishes inspire fierce loyalty among neighborhood fans.

The restaurant’s small patio fills quickly during pleasant weather, where diners linger over Greek coffee served in traditional copper briki pots alongside honeyed loukoumades sprinkled with cinnamon and chopped walnuts.

9. Mandolin Aegean Bistro: Miami’s Romantic Mediterranean Escape

Housed in a restored 1940s bungalow in Miami’s Design District, Mandolin transports diners to a seaside taverna on a Greek island. The magical courtyard, shaded by trees strung with twinkling lights, has become one of the city’s most sought-after dining spots.

The menu spans both Greek and Turkish influences, reflecting the owners’ heritage. Their grilled octopus arrives perfectly charred yet tender, while the Turkish sampler offers delicate spreads – hummus, tzatziki, and spicy tirokafteri – alongside warm, pillowy house-baked bread.

Unlike the boisterous Greek restaurants of Tarpon Springs, Mandolin offers a refined, tranquil experience where conversations flow as easily as the crisp Greek wines carefully selected to complement the Mediterranean fare.

10. Meraki Greek Bistro: Downtown Miami’s Hidden Courtyard Oasis

Tucked away in a downtown Miami alleyway, Meraki’s charming blue-and-white courtyard feels like a secret passage to Santorini. Trailing bougainvillea and twinkling lights create an intimate atmosphere that’s become a favorite among locals seeking authentic flavors without crossing the Atlantic.

The mezze-focused menu encourages shared dining experiences – crispy zucchini chips with tzatziki, tender lamb chops, and flaky spanakopita arrive at tables family-style. Their house specialty, Meraki moussaka, elevates the humble casserole with layers of tender eggplant, seasoned beef, and a cloud-like béchamel topping.

Weekend brunches have developed a loyal following for dishes like Greek yogurt pancakes drizzled with thyme honey and walnuts, paired with strong Greek coffee served in traditional copper briki pots.