Welcome to Greek Islands Restaurant
Located in Chicago, Greek Islands Restaurant offers a taste of authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a variety of traditional dishes. From the tender Grilled Octopus to the flavorful Greek Islands Cold Plate, each dish is a delicious journey to Greece. The White Fish Mediterranean Sea Bass (Tsipoura) stands out as a highlight, cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and tender interior. The ambiance transports diners to Greece, creating a memorable dining experience. With friendly service and generous portion sizes, Greek Islands Restaurant is a must-visit for lovers of Mediterranean flavors.
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200 S Halsted St Chicago, IL 60661200 S Halsted St Chicago, IL 60661 Hotline: (312) 782-9855
Welcome to the Greek Islands Restaurant, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago at 200 S Halsted St. This esteemed establishment has made a name for itself in the Mediterranean food scene, delivering authentic Greek cuisine that beckons food enthusiasts from all walks of life.
The restaurant's ambiance is warm and inviting, reminiscent of a charming taverna on a sun-kissed Greek isle. As you step inside, you are greeted by the enticing aromas of grilled meats, fresh seafood, and aromatic herbs, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The lively atmosphere buzzes with the sounds of laughter and conversation, making it an excellent spot for gatherings with family and friends.
Let’s delve into the menu, a treasure trove of delectable offerings. The Chichen Shish Kabob stands out, featuring juicy marinated chunks skewered with colorful vegetables and grilled to perfection. Each bite bursts with flavor, offering a delightful contrast between smokiness and tenderness. Meanwhile, the White Fish Mediterranean Sea Bass (Tsipoura) is often highlighted by patrons for its crispy exterior and flaky, tender flesh—this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers!
Vegetarian options at the Greek Islands are equally enticing. The Briami, a medley of roasted vegetables, is a dish that embodies the essence of Greek flavors. Coated in olive oil and oven-baked to enhance its natural sweetness, it serves as a comforting and delicious side. For something lighter, don’t miss their Rice Pilafi, subtly flavored and perfectly cooked—a lovely accompaniment to your meal.
Starters are equally impressive. The Fried Calamari and the cheese-filled Saganaki (which is flambéed for that classic ‘Oopa!’ moment) can’t be overlooked. Both appetizers set the tone for a hearty meal, showcasing the skill and passion that the staff pour into every dish. Each plate arrives with freshness that sings with every bite.
And let’s not forget about the service! Guests rave about the attentive staff, who ensure that every need is met with a smile. Whether it’s refilling water glasses or suggesting wine pairings, the servers bring a genuine warmth that enhances the overall dining experience.
In summary, if you are looking for an authentic taste of Greece without leaving Chicago, Greek Islands Restaurant should be your first destination. From expertly prepared seafood and succulent meats to vibrant vegetarian dishes, every meal is a celebration of Greek culinary traditions. The balance between ambiance, service, and gourmet offerings makes it a standout in the bustling city. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this restaurant promises to deliver a slice of the Mediterranean right to your plate. Don’t miss out on discovering this treasure—your palate will thank you!
09/06/24 - Greek Islands Restaurant. We met my wife's friend her husband, daughter & 2 grandkids here around 5:45 pm for dinner. It's a good thing we arrived because it got real crowded real fast. The waiter brought out a couple of bakers of bread while we looked at the menu. We started w/a few appetizers like fried calamari, saganaki (oopa) & a pink dip & pita slices. My wife, her friend and I all ordered the grilled bronzini. The bronzini came w/rice & potatoes (which both my wife & I ordered) or overcooked vegetables (yuk). My wife & her friend had theirs whole while I had the server debone mine. The bronzini was cooked to perfection, tender w/a nice charcoal char on the skin. Her husband ordered a dish of grilled chicken that looked delicious. Her daughter ordered a salad w/gyro meat on top? The older grand daughter ordered salmon that came w/huge pieces of steamed broccoli & cauliflower the younger one another plate of fried calamari. All of the seafood dishes came w/a cup of soup. My wife and I ordered the fish soup which was pretty good. Overall the food was very good. The service was outstanding w/our server & bus boy bringing our food & keeping the table clear of empty dishes. The restaurant was packed w/people seated & staff buzzing about. When we left the restaurant the waiting area was packed w/people. I guess they do a pretty good volume. They also have free valet parking. You pull up on Adams just west of Halsted & the valet takes your car. When you return give your ticket stub and they pull up your car from the lot just west of the restaurant. I tipped him $5 and everyone is happy
I got my dinner delivered from here. Flaming saganaki cheese was a mildly flavored cheese. Rice pilafi was also mildly flavored. Gyro came in good quantity. That alone was more than enough for one person's dinner. There was a lot of complimentary bread. Overall everything I had was of good quality and had enough quantity. It is slightly saltier for my taste.
Greek Islands Restaurant in Chicago is an absolute gem for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine! Food: The White Fish Mediterranean Sea Bass (Tsipoura) was the highlight of my meal. Cooked to perfection, the fish had a wonderfully crispy exterior while remaining flaky and tender on the inside. It's my go-to dish here, especially since I'm a fan of low-sodium options that are also rich in healthy fats. I also tried the Briam, which was a delightful blend of roasted vegetables that captured the essence of Greek flavors. It was the perfect side dish--comforting and full of taste. The Chicken Shish Kabob was another standout. The chicken was juicy and well-seasoned, and the grilled vegetables were a delicious complement. This is a dish I would happily order again. Service and Ambience: The service at Greek Islands was top-notch--friendly and attentive, with staff who made sure our dining experience was perfect. The ambience was lively and inviting, with a genuine Greek vibe that made the experience even more enjoyable. It felt like a little slice of the Mediterranean right in the heart of Chicago. Conclusion: If you're looking for authentic and delicious Greek food in Chicago, Greek Islands Restaurant should be at the top of your list. Whether it's the perfectly cooked sea bass, the flavorful Briam, or the juicy Chicken Shish Kabob, every dish is a winner. I can't wait to return and explore more of their menu!
Everything was delicious Servers always friendly and attentive Our favorite restaurant! The ambience is just like being in Greece. Greek Island's is a great place to dine.
When in Chicago, I knew I had to try the Greek Islands. This is definitely one of the most famous Greek restaurants in the United States, and for good reason. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is nice, and so is the service. I tried a variety of their items: cold sampler with Taramosalata, Melitzanosalata, Tirokafteri, skordalia, create a combo with spanakopita and gyro, as well as all the sides that come with it. Everything on the sampler was delicious. The skordalia is a tad creamy and they are very generous with the garlic! It might be a tad much for those who don't like garlic. The taramosalata was quite good, too. It had a somewhat unnatural look to it, though. Very bright pink. The flavor itself was quite salty and savory, and I did enjoy it with some pita, but thr color did throw me off. The Tirokafteri was probably my favorite of the spreads. It wasn't really spicy, had a great creamy and salty feta base, and nice touch of freshness from the peppers. Definitely had a lot of cheese in one sitting thanks to this dip. My main meal was just as good as the appetizers we tried. The gyro was pretty perfect. Very generous portion, great savory flavor. The spanakopita was also near perfect. Great portion, perfect balance of feta to spinach, crispy on top. The tzatziki sauce they served it with was creamy and delicious. Lots of little cucumber chunks. And, the roast potatoes were a nice complimentary addition. We were seated quickly and were attended to by the servers in a great manner. Water was refilled regularly. We saw some other people ordered saganaki, and they light the fire right near you. Next time I come, I'd like to try that. The entrance itself is also very nice, with the seafood display, awards they've won, and so on. Overall, this is a very nice Greek place. I'd love to come back and try more of their delicious items and eat some more gyros. Definitely recommend.
We're back in Chicago....and back to the Greek Islands place. A great restaurant this place is!! Fried cheese dish is always the best we've had at Greek places. The fried eggplant was a great appetizer too. Now, I'm a big beef person, BUT, the chicken shish kabob was better than the beef! The fish dish was fabulous.
Food for the soul. Come hungry leave fulfilled from the inside out. Our party of 9 was sat in under 30 minutes and our server was fabulous. You must get saganaki (flaming cheese) and be sure to ask for extra lemon, it's way better with extra lemon. I ordered the Lamb Orzo special, which tasted exactly like my mother in law's... sauce consists of tomato and lamb fat with Greek Mezzithra cheese on top. Finished the meal with Greek Coffee (fortune included) and the best baklava I've had since being in the homeland.
Food: generous in portions, they bring seafood from Greece price is very fair. Free bread but not the tastiest bread. Saganaki cheese is a show in itself. Since we went as a big group, I tried many dishes. However, I feel that its food lack a little bit in spices and flavors. Service: waiters are very nice, however they run out of a few items in the menu. One of them was even advertised as todays special. They take reservation by phone call. Ambience: lively, ideal for a big group dinner.