Gastronomy guide: The best Greek restaurants around the world

By Sophia Kontogianni
Greek gastronomy is present in almost every corner across the globe, regardless of the differences in the culinary culture of each country - from Uruguay, Mexico and Peru, to Japan, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, Greek restaurants spread the warm, Greek hospitality and the genuine flavors of our country.
This fact is confirmed by Tornos News research, which deals with the presence of Greek restaurants around the world. As their online presence in popular online communities worldwide reveals, countless Greek restaurants have conquered all 5 continents.
These are businesses that are mostly operated by Greek businessmen or restaurant owners with Greek roots, but also foreigners who have traveled to Greece and have faith in its flavors - simple or rich, traditional or modern. It is essential that many Greek restaurants import raw materials from Greece, even if they are operating thousands of miles away. Indicatively, we surveyed 40 Greek restaurants, which have gained the hearts of locals and tourists around the world with their dishes and hospitality. Starting with Europe, 11 of the Greek restaurants that excel in the big cities, constantly gaining more and more Greek food lovers, residents and tourists are:
Meraki στο Sheffield, England, is successfully introducing “meraki”, namely to cook with love and share beautiful food with its guests. The restaurant holds the 8th place among 53 Mediterranean restaurants and the 46th place among 1,048 restaurants in the region. Prices range from 9 to 19 euros. The restaurant has been recently awarded the Certificate of Excellence for 2019.
Germany
Ach! Niko Ach! In Berlin, Ach! Niko Ach! currently holds the 667th place among the city's 6,515 restaurants. Greek decorations, traditional Greek dishes with a modern touch and fair prices starting at 8 euros per serving, have captured the heart of the sleepless city center.
Italy
In Rome, Ilios - Greek Restaurant, ranks first among 24 Greek restaurants and 329th among 9,829 of the Eternal City’s restaurants, with prices ranging from 5 to 10 euros. Ilios is awarded with the Certificate of Excellence since 2016.
France
La Crete, 16th among 1,023 Mediterranean restaurants in Paris and 81st in the overall ranking, among the city's 15,144 restaurants. The restaurant is constantly receiving positive reviews because of its high-quality, authentic Greek cuisine, the welcoming atmosphere, the service and the prices, which is why it is awarded with the Certificate of Excellence every year.
Luxembourg
Ambrosia in Luxembourg is 5th among the 82 Mediterranean restaurants in the city of Luxembourg and 11th in the total of 683 restaurants. A fact that impresses its guests, is that the salad and the bread are free of charge. Ambrosia’s specialties are gyros, squid and shrimp, while several reviews mention that it is perfect for a romantic dinner. Ambrosia is awarded with the Certificate of Excellence since 2015.
Netherlands
Knossos the Greek restaurant ranked 11th among 110 seafood restaurants and 45th among The Hague's 1,024 restaurants. The variety, the quantity, the 12 different Greek dips, and the special goat cheese salad are some of the dishes that have contributed to the restaurant’s success. Knossos has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019.
Austria
Restaurant Mythos Fisch und Lamm Vienna, Austria, is ranked 9th among 325 Mediterranean restaurants and 52nd among 3,632 restaurants in the city. The most popular dishes for Viennese and tourists are chicken gyros, tzatziki, and moussaka. The restaurant receives the Certificate of Excellence since 2015.
Hungary
Mazi restaurant in Budapest, near the Parliament, ranked 3rd among Mediterranean restaurants and 11th among 2,597 restaurants in the city. Its prices range from 5 to 25 euros, with moussaka, Cretan daco and spoon sweets being the favorite dishes of locals and tourists. Mazi has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence for 2019.
Poland
Akropolis, Restauracja Tawerna Grecka in Wroclaw, Poland, 14th among 54 Mediterranean restaurants and 95th of the city's 806 restaurants, serves homemade, nostalgic Greek cuisine. "Little Greece in Poland" as it is called among the locals, mainly attracts Polish, while its specialties are authentic Greek flavors with a contemporary appearance, pies, and baked feta cheese.
Romania
Restaurant Athanasios, 5th among 282 restaurants in Brasov, Romania. The restaurant serves Greek cuisine in a modern setting. Stuffed squid is one of its many specialties. The average price is 35 euros per serving. Athanasios receives the Certificate of Excellence since 2019.
Spain
Greek Taverna in the Canary Islands is 9th among San Augustin's 59 restaurants. The tavern uses authentic Greek ingredients and it receives the Certificate of Excellence since 2015. Prices range from 5 to 24 euros, with moussaka and souvlaki being the most favorable dishes.
In the United States of America, the strong presence of Greeks resulted in a wide variety of Greek restaurants. Four of these restaurants are:
Santorini by Georgios in Florida. It ranks 1st among 79 seafood restaurants in Miami and 2nd in the overall ranking of 711 restaurants in the state. Tourist reviews mention that the food in Santorini by Georgios is better than the food in Greece. Its specialties are octopus and baklava. Prices range from 6 to 36 euros.
Platia in Texas, 1st among Mediterranean restaurants and 3rd in the overall ranking of Frisco restaurants. The restaurant’s specialty is gyros.
Kephi in Virginia, 1st among Mediterranean restaurants and 20th in 234 restaurants in Williamsburg. For 2019, Kephi received a Certificate of Excellence. The restaurant imports traditional products from Laconia. Some of its specialties are moussaka and vine leaves stuffed with, while is highly appreciated for its large portions and good prices.
My Big Fat Greek Restaurant in Florida, 1st among Mediterranean restaurants and 3rd in 57 restaurants of Dania Beach. Locals and tourists prefer meatballs, taramosalata (caviar salad), zucchini and fried Greek cheese. The average price is 25 euro per dish.
Mad Greek Restaurant, 2nd of 76 restaurants in Bristol, Tennessee. The restaurant is a delicious meeting point, during the truck races that are held in the area every spring. Its huge portions are very much appreciated.
In the rest of the world, the most preferable Greek restaurants are:
Brazil
Kouzina, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 1,115th among 37,491 restaurants in this big city. The Cycladic-styled restaurant that serves fresh, Greek food, has conquered the hearts of Brazilians and visitors. Recently, the owners opened a second Kouzina in the city center.
Peru
Cosmo Beans Café in Lima, Peru, offers its delicious services in the last couple of years. The Greek owner emphasizes in coffee and Greek snacks, such as feta sandwich. Because of its great reviews, Cosmo Beans is considered to be the best of its kind in Lima.
Mexico
In Mexico, Milos Restaurant located in Playa del Carmen, ranks 256th among 1,101 restaurants and has received the Certificate of Excellence over the past 4 years. Its specialty is gyros.
Colombia
In Colombia, The Greek Connection restaurant is 25th among 1,303 restaurants in the Medellin region. The restaurant received the Certificate of Excellence for 2019.
Chile
In Chile, Hellenikos Kosmos, 45th among Vina del Mar's 463 restaurants, serves retsina wine from northern Greece, ouzo from Mytilene, moussaka, souvlaki and many other Greek delicacies in a traditional Greek atmosphere. The restaurant has received the Certificate of Excellence for two consecutive years, in 2018 and 2019.
Uruguay
In Montevideo Uruguay, the Greek restaurant Santorini is 459th among the city's 934 restaurants. It is considered to be a value for money restaurant that serves amazingly cooked chicken and other Greek traditional dishes.
China
In China, the Santorini brand name is used for many restaurants and grocery stores. Specifically, the Greek restaurant Santorini in Hong Kong is ranked 20th among the 123 restaurants that serve Mediterranean dishes while in the overall ranking, Santorini is 513th among 10,929 restaurants in the city. Prices range from 17 to 68 euros. The most popular Greek dishes are spinach pie, cheese pie, saganaki and “kleftiko”, lamb in the oven with potatoes and vegetables.
Japan
In Japan, The Apollo is 19th among Ginza's 1,131 restaurants, while the "original" Apollo is located in Australia. The modern Greek dishes are cooked in a traditional wood oven. Grilled sardines and egg soup are at the top of the preference list, with prices ranging from 16 to 64 euros.
Thailand
Odysseus Greek organic restaurant in Thailand, 7th among 162 Kata beach restaurants in Phuket. Serving the famous Greek salad and the delicious moussaka, Odysseus is considered to be a great, value for money.
Singapore
In Singapore, Alati Divine Greek Cuisine restaurant, 34th among 555 seafood restaurants and 351st out of 9,146 restaurants, serves Greek seafood dishes. Lobster, octopus, souvlaki squid, taramosalata (kind of caviar salad) and Greek wines are at the top of the list, with prices ranging from 27 to 36 euros.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, the Mix restaurant in the Old Town of Hoi An serves authentic Greek cuisine and ranks 23rd among the city's 882 restaurants. It is preferred for its moussaka and offers a free dessert, another Greek custom that impresses tourists and locals. The prices range from 2 to 21 euros. It is worth mentioning that in this Vietnamese city, there are a total of 4 Greek restaurants.
Philippines
In San Juan of the Philippines, Gefseis Greek Grill is the first of 69 restaurants to receive the Certificate of Excellence award each year, due to its very good reviews. According to visitors and locals, a few of the restaurant’s highlights are saganaki, souvlaki and large portions of Greek food enjoyed by the sea. The restaurant receives the Certificate of Excellence since 2015.
New Zealand
Costas Taverna Greek Restaurant and Ouzo Bar is 2nd in the ranking of Mediterranean restaurants and 22nd in Christchurch's 826 restaurants in New Zealand. The friendly atmosphere, dishes such as “kleftiko” lamb, olives and homemade dishes, are some of the reasons why the restaurant is awarded the Certificate of Excellence since 2015. Prices range from 6 to 18 euros.
United Arab Emirates
At the Majestic City Retreat Hotel in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Elia restaurant comes 3rd among the 40 Mediterranean restaurants in Dubai. It is popular mostly for its grilled squid, souvlaki and Greek feta while being ranked 123rd among Dubai's 10,280 restaurants. Prices range from 18 to 27 euros. The restaurant is receiving the Certificate of Excellence from 2015 until today.
Zorbas the Greek, in the Caribbean's Grand Bahama, 14th of Freeport's 90 restaurants. The most famous dish is the gyros. The restaurant also owns a bakery that serves Greek pastries. Zorba’s Greek is receiving the Certificate of Excellence since 2016.
Puerto Rico
Το Fleria Greek Cafe in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is 8th among the 26 Mediterranean restaurants and 118th among the 824 restaurants in the area. It serves homemade sausage, dolmas and rose sweets on yogurt, which impresses the tourists.
Sri Lanka
Greek Grill, 7th among Negombo's 191 restaurants in Sri Lanka. Greek owners will soon be introducing pastitsio into the menu as a more "exotic" Greek food. Prices range from 2 to 5 euros, while the restaurant has received a Certificate of Excellence for 2019.
Indonesia
Mykonos Greek restaurant in Indonesia. The restaurant is located in Seminyak and receives consistently good reviews of its squid and lamb.
Nostimo, also in Indonesia is the 17th of the 844 restaurants in Ubud. Prices range from 3 to 12 euros.
South Africa
Maria's Greek Cafe & Restaurant is 15th among 74 restaurants serving international cuisine and 111th among Cape Town's 843 restaurants. The Greek appetizers and squid are the most popular dishes. The restaurant receives the Certificate of Excellence since 2015.
Costa Rica
Santorini Greek Restaurant in Costa Rica, 6th among Playas del Coco's 68 restaurants, serves octopus, mussels, fresh seafood, and meat varieties, from 6 to 27 euros per serving. Santorini received the Certificate of Excellence for 2019.
Israel
Greco Tel Aviv, 179th among 1,409 Tel Aviv restaurants in Israel. It fascinates mainly with the beautiful Greek music, the pure olive oil, feta, oregano, honey, and ouzo. There is a cat in the shop, named Geia mas (which means cheers in greek), that also gets a lot of attention.
Russia
Molon Lave in Russia ranks 35th among 624 seafood restaurants and 213rd among the city's 10,495 restaurants. The restaurant has its own bakery, which is really important. Reviews mention that Molon Lave serves authentic Greek food. Desserts also include bougatsa, a sweet pie from Northern Greece that surprises visitors who are familiar with the Greek cuisine.
- 1) Travel Counsellors reports spike in all-inclusive bookings - Greece among top destinations
- 2) New narratives in tourism: UNWTO leads rethink of sector communications
- 3) Corfu's endless richness unveiled by Marketing Greece
- 4) UN World Tourism Organization: Women take "centre stage"in sector development
01/06 21:23
Media: Calming the waters, Greece and Turkey cancel Aegean military drills
01/06 17:10
Fall in Covid-19 infections and flu cases reported in Greece on May 22-28
01/06 13:28
Greek RES company announces 1.16 billion euros investment in Canada
31/05 23:44
Ivanka Trump: Athens Acropolis is where “history comes alive”
31/05 23:19
Greek supermarket sales grow 9.1% but volumes drop 3.5% in January-April
31/05 19:03
Greek capital celebrates 36th anniversary of Athens 98.4 FM radio station
31/05 16:49
31/05 13:41
EBRD invests $60 million in Skouries mine project in Northern Greece
30/05 21:48
AP report: Top 10 most popular Greek & Roman ruins according to Visited
30/05 20:55
30/05 19:41
Greek Diaspora in special electoral rolls votes in national elections on June 24
30/05 18:45
European judges associations to organize spring session in Athens on June 1-3
30/05 15:34
Greece's Supreme Court Prosecutor looks into exam system cyber attacks
29/05 21:26
Thalassa Benefit for Fordham’s Orthodox Christian Studies Center in NY on May 31
29/05 18:38
Dissolution of parliament & June 25 runoff elections officially announced in Greece
28/05 21:30
New Greek parliament convenes but will be dissolved as early as Monday
28/05 19:52
Holy Trinity Church Cultural Committee holds Ecumenical Patriarchate Symposium
28/05 00:23
Greece ranked second globally in incorporating solar photovoltaic technologies
27/05 00:34
'Social robot' to support autistic children developed at Macedonia University in Greece
26/05 22:16
Former Archbishop of America honored by National Kapodistrian University of Athens
26/05 20:25
Newton Shows and St. Paul Cathedral to jointly present Long Island Greek Festival
26/05 15:32
Reuters report: Greek bonds trading as though they already have investment grade
26/05 00:56
Greece's PPC announces increases in profits, investments and RES projects in Q1
25/05 20:53
New ministers in caretaker government announced ahead of second elections in Greece
25/05 20:08
Greek professor wins WHO annual award for anti-smoking campaign efforts
25/05 17:12
Hike in coronavirus infections and flu cases with 52 deaths In Greece
25/05 14:58
Moody's forecast: New ND government in Greece will be 'credit positive'
24/05 21:27
New public art exhibit flutters into Greektown of Chicago on June 2
24/05 20:36
European Commission: Greece should continue implementing recovery plan consistently
24/05 18:18
Deadline to file taxes is extended in Greece to July 31 by Finance Ministry
24/05 12:31
State Department: Our cooperation with Greece strengthens NATO and makes the region safer
24/05 09:14
ELSTAT: Hospitality enterprises' turnover grows 28.6% in Greece during Q1
24/05 00:22
24/05 00:21
World Committee on tourism ethics promotes responsible and inclusive tourism
23/05 22:19
Greek PM: Higher salaries a main focus of second-term New Democracy government
23/05 19:14
Greek Foreign Minister Dendias visiting Brussels and honored by AHEPA
23/05 19:06
Lamda Development announces deal to build first Mandarin Oriental hotel in Athens
23/05 16:09
Athens Acropolis Museum in 'Green Cultural Routes' action this weekend
23/05 13:24
DBRS: Sunday's vote could lead to credit improvements for Greece
23/05 00:30
New narratives in tourism: UNWTO leads rethink of sector communications
22/05 21:32
Wall Street Journal: Greek voters rewarded ruling party's pro-business push
22/05 21:16
Traffic to be restricted on Alexandras avenue in downtown Athens as of May 23
22/05 20:23
OANA meeting on May 24 over sustainable power generation and summer youth activities
22/05 19:26
US State Department congratulates Greece on Sunday's electoral results
22/05 14:35
21/05 16:41
Media: Greece recovers hundreds of stolen artifacts including Alexander’s statue
21/05 15:51
Participation of Greek voters in today's elections at 31,52% so far
21/05 11:38
20/05 23:54
Travel Counsellors reports spike in all-inclusive bookings - Greece among top destinations
20/05 18:30
City of Athens presents Ecumenical Patriarch with its highest distinction
20/05 14:22
Polls open for Diaspora Greeks in historic first for the country
20/05 14:11
20/05 00:42
UNWTO Executive Council meets in Punta Cana of the Dominican Republic
19/05 21:53
Greece's Interior Ministry releases practical information for voters
19/05 20:09
Zappeion press center open in central Athens as of 9:00 am Saturday
19/05 19:59
National e-Mobility Plan posted for public consultation in Greece to June 16
19/05 16:00
18/05 23:55
Greek Prime Minister: Thessaloniki Metro commitment met successfully
18/05 21:18
Safety Audit for Ground Operations reaches 15 years of advancing aviation safety
18/05 18:51
Athens Megaron Garden events this summer with Lena Platonos feature, opera screenings
18/05 11:42
International Museum Day with free entrance and special events in Greece
18/05 00:02
UNWTO identifies priorities for promoting rural tourim potential
17/05 22:03
International Air Transport Association: Bookings points to strong peak season travel
17/05 17:07
Greek Maritime Golf Event, the best golf tournament returns for its 9th year
17/05 15:17
Green light for the construction of Panathinaikos Stadium in Votanikos of Athens
17/05 14:43
Greek firms announce deal for developing renewable energy projects in Egypt
17/05 14:26
16/05 22:22
Greek FM: Greece and Turkey could create 'a burst of opportunities and growth'
16/05 22:15
The Global Greek Film Initiative holds Inaugural Benefit Event on May 4th
16/05 18:58
Greece requests new €1.72 billion disbursement from EU's Recovery Fund
16/05 16:48
Focus Africa Conference to boost aviation’s contribution to African Development
16/05 13:07
Athens Chamber of Commerce: New type of consumer is emerging
15/05 20:57
Greece launches research center for management of stranded marine animals
15/05 17:02
Prince Albert II of Monaco to visit the island of Elafonissos on May 29
15/05 16:09
Greek budget recorded 2.434 billion euros primary surplus in January-April
15/05 09:13
The President of the Hellenic Republic visiting Iceland on May 15-17
14/05 16:06
14/05 15:14
Greek Tourism Minister expects 2023 sector performance to top last year by 10-20%
13/05 22:01
UNWTO organizes executive training on tourism for rural growth in Middle East
12/05 22:22
Greek PM from Rhodes: South Aegean has had highest population growth in Greece
12/05 21:26
Dr. Jigang Bao clinches UNWTO Ulysses Prize for excellence in tourism scholarship
12/05 21:03
12/05 14:19
Fitch: Greek Stability Programme records strong improvement in public finances
12/05 11:09
Greek FM participating in the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers "Gymnich"
11/05 19:33
Rise in coronavirus infections and drop in flu cases in Greece
11/05 18:25
Diaspora Greeks abroad to cast their vote on Saturday, May 20
11/05 17:36
Greek PM champions vision for thriving cities: Trikala leading the way (video)
11/05 14:41
Ambassador to Athens: French and Greek defence industries must cooperate
11/05 00:05
Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady sets sail to Greek islands on maiden voyage
10/05 23:44
Applications for personal assistant program for the disabled now open in Greece
10/05 22:40
New app 'Cosmote Chronos' reanimates the Athens Acropolis before the viewer's eyes
10/05 22:13
UNWTO’S issues new assessment of Covid pandemic-related travel restrictions
10/05 19:30
Greece ranks 2nd globally after winning 2023 Blue Flag award for coasts and marinas
10/05 16:57
IATA: US passenger compensation rule will raise costs but not solve delays
10/05 14:53
Prices fell or stayed level for 95.69% of 'Household Basket' products in Greece
10/05 14:49
09/05 20:50
Mandatory training of police officers in animal rights begins in Greece on Wednesday
09/05 19:30
Consul General in New York organized event for Greek art collector
09/05 18:35
No tolls on Greek highways for private vehicles on election weekend May 20-22
09/05 18:25
Media: Calming the waters, Greece and Turkey cancel Aegean military drills
Greek RES company announces 1.16 billion euros investment in Canada
Fall in Covid-19 infections and flu cases reported in Greece on May 22-28
Greek supermarket sales grow 9.1% but volumes drop 3.5% in January-April
New narratives in tourism: UNWTO leads rethink of sector communications
Ivanka Trump: Athens Acropolis is where “history comes alive”
EBRD invests $60 million in Skouries mine project in Northern Greece
AP report: Top 10 most popular Greek & Roman ruins according to Visited
UNWTO identifies priorities for promoting rural tourim potential
Greek capital celebrates 36th anniversary of Athens 98.4 FM radio station
Green light for the construction of Panathinaikos Stadium in Votanikos of Athens
New public art exhibit flutters into Greektown of Chicago on June 2
New ministers in caretaker government announced ahead of second elections in Greece
Newton Shows and St. Paul Cathedral to jointly present Long Island Greek Festival
Greece ranked second globally in incorporating solar photovoltaic technologies
Former Archbishop of America honored by National Kapodistrian University of Athens
Reuters report: Greek bonds trading as though they already have investment grade
New Greek parliament convenes but will be dissolved as early as Monday
'Social robot' to support autistic children developed at Macedonia University in Greece
Holy Trinity Church Cultural Committee holds Ecumenical Patriarchate Symposium
Thalassa Benefit for Fordham’s Orthodox Christian Studies Center in NY on May 31
Greek Diaspora in special electoral rolls votes in national elections on June 24
Greek poet Cavafy remembered through Onassis Foundation’s Archive of Desire