Went there for dinner last Saturday, not very crowded, great wait staff, and yummy food. I had the sample platter and a salad - just enough to try everything and be satisfied. Hubby had the gyro plate, and 3.5-year old had their spaghetti and meatballs. Will definitely go back.
(4)
T H.
This restaurant was such a disappointment compared to Big Greek Cafe. I've eaten at both only once, but this will be my last time at Greek Island. Let's start with the pros: the staff was nice, the chicken souvlaki was decent (not great), the "Greek" potatoes were decent. The cons: the restaurant was dirty, the napkin in the bread basket was stained (I hope it was only a stain), the floors and menus were sticky and the highchair that I put my baby in was gross! I don't think it had ever been wiped down (thank goodness I keep a highchair cover in the car). I ordered the cream of crab soup as a starter. It had a crab flavor but a ton of black pepper instead of old bay. I tasted a little old bay but the predominant flavor was pepper. There wasn't much crab meat in the soup. There were also a ton of shells. Almost one in every bite. Maybe it's my fault for ordering a crab soup from a Greek restaurant, but hey, it's Maryland. Don't put it on the menu if you can't do it justice. My husband got the brunch buffet. He said it was terrible. The breakfast items were old so he didn't even bother (and he loves breakfast). The Greek items were not very good. He was not happy. The prices were very high. Especially considering the quality. I feel bad for our server and the other staff. I get the feeling that they want to do a good job, but the kitchen has to back them up. Otherwise they will all be out of a job. I noticed a few specials advertised on the door. Less gimics please, all you need is good food, good service and a clean restaurant. Greek Island only had 1 out of 3 (good service).
(2)
Mike W.
Delicious food but definitely was a little pricey for the Cloverly area. They have a nice covered outdoor patio which, in good weather, is perfect. The Greek Island Combo platter we ordered was spectacular. Seasoned, well cooked meats with salad, pita and an ample serving of Tzatziki. The prices for the platters were in the $14-$18 which is not unbelievable but still a little pricey for that area of town. Service was above average, our waitress was helpful and friendly but was hard to find when it was time to pay the bill. Other than that, no complaints.
(4)
Joe R.
Always a great time! If you want authentic flavor and friendly people, this is the place to go!
(5)
heather r.
My husband and I are new to the area and came across Greek Island Grill. It is delicious! My favorite is the chicken souvlaki. I get it every time we go for dinner.
(5)
Calem H.
Great food! Had the buffet and was really happy with my choice. Definitely will go back.
(5)
Mark E.
This "neighborhood gem" (per many online reviews) was quite out of the way for us but proved to be worth the drive. Situated in a converted Pizza Hut (unmistakable architecture) at the end of a suburban strip mall, the mediocre curb appeal had nothing to do with that we found inside. Inside, our palates were sated and then some with tasty Greek cuisine imaginatively prepared by a very solid and experienced kitchen. Competence shows; we are picky and were not disappointed in the least by the food. We had made reservations, which proved to be a good thing because within minutes of our 6:30PM Saturday arrival, the place was packed. The wait staff seemed somewhat overwhelmed from time to time, but we were in no hurry and tempered our view of this with the realization that we were seeing Greek Island under the strain of a full house. With another waiter or two, five stars are not beyond the pale of possibility, and we do plan to be back despite (for us) the drive.
(4)
Shawn M.
Not a bad little place and obviously a family ran restaurant. Best thing about it is it is right down the road from where we live, the worst thing about it: The food is sometimes not so good. Like last night, we were served day old bread because the bread truck hadn't come the day before because of the weather. Well, that is why you make your own bread. I would have prefered they had served us the pita bread the first time around rather than the hard as rock bread we got the first time around. Luckily, hummus makes even stale bread taste decent. We ate from the buffet. We had an option for gyro meat and some other stuff I can't pronounce, but it was all excellent tasting which is what is most important at a restaurant, in my opinion. Some suggestions: 1) raise the lighting in the evening. I know they're going for ambiance, but it was actually hard to see the food I was selecting because the light level was so low. 2) Get rid of the old Pizza Hut roof. You can tell the restaurant used to be a Pizza Hut, which just annoys me every time I go there. 3) Make bread IN HOUSE. Don't buy it from somewhere else.
(3)
Michelle K.
This is my favorite greek place. I usually get the gyro platter. The gyro meet is so flavorful and they give you a nice sized portion. The fries and salad are my favorite sides and I love the tzatziki sauce here. My husband likes the pecan salmon and we often come for the buffet on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons.
(4)
Heike Y.
We where looking for a new Greek place in the area of Silver Spring that has a bit of atmosphere and good food. We tried out Greek Island Grill, it is a bit out of the way for us but it was worth the trip. Family run restaurant, many locals frequenting the place, friendly service, and we enjoyed the food and wine. They also have a little outside seating and if you mentioned it, they make sure no one smokes there while you have dinner. I agree with another reviewer that it is a decent option to Bethesda. We had no problem with the pub noise next door.
(4)
Sujit B.
Food is really good. i recommend it. The Tzatziki is good and the spanakopida plate is good. salad is delicious, and u get two sides.
(4)
Samuel J.
Food took too long to come out. Gyro meat and yogurt sauce was good. Good Greek custard pie for dessert. Average restaurant for the area but wouldn't go out of my way to come here.
(3)
Lisa W.
This place has really gone downhill!! CANNED, COLD green beans, MUSHY rice and TOUGH lamb! Not to mention, a waiter who acted aa if he couldn't give a damn & actually slammed the drinks down and 'tossed' the check on the table!!!
(1)
Tu-van L.
Came here for the Thursday buffet with a co-worker. Small buffet but you can find a little bit of every Greek dish you want to try. Mmmm....mousaka...
(3)
John L.
We had wanted to try this place for quite some time and finally got the opportunity last night. We went for an early dinner due to evening obligations. We found the menu to be very well balanced with a wide range of pricing options. One of us had the Dolmades Avgolemono and the other had the Pork Souvlaki. Both were well prepared and the portions were appropriate for the price. The but was the service. We were greeted and seated right away as the restaurant was almost empty. Although the service was fast, the waitress was almost cold and left us feeling like maybe we were outsiders. There are other items I would like to try here but, honestly, not sure I want to go back to somewhere where we were not made to feel like welcome customers.
(3)
Kathleen K.
I don't know why I come here -- maybe it's because they're open on Mondays when il looking for lunch. I ordered avgolemono soup, village salad ("Greek" salad without the lettuce) & a side of potatoes. The soup was the best of the lot - not very flavorful & a bit too lemony (I love heavy lemon but it's all I could taste). The salad was small considering the hefty $13 price tag & ice cold. So cold my teeth were like ice. The cucumbers were heavy on seeds & tomatoes were overripe & pithy. I got a few crumbles of feta as opposed to big chunks or slices. And the potatoes tasted like canned & were served with a copious amount of water on my plate. I know it's water because I wondered if it was a vinaigrette so I tasted it. Water. Blah! Now I know they probably weren't canned - I don't think you can get canned potatoes that big - but how in the heck they got them to TASTE canned is beyond me. Save your $$ & go to the mucho deliciouso Big Greek Cafe at the corner ofNorbeck rd (route 28) & Georgia ave. it's near Olney just south of the ICC entrance. Prices are waaaayyy cheaper, folks are very welcoming, portions are enormous, & most importantly, I've never had a bad morsel of food from them. Wonderful. If only Big Greek Cafe was open on Mondays. Sniff. Sniff.
Best gyros in Maryland. I drive from Columbia and can't get enough. Chix souvlaki and flaming cheese (saganaki?) are amazing as well
(5)
PJ S.
A total rip-off. The sampler platter is $20 for a miserably small serving. And the prices on the menu never match what you end up being charged. It does taste good, but it's not worth the cost.
(2)
Pearl P.
Updating my review to include the price for the bomb Thursday lunch buffet: 11.99/person (drink not included)... totally worth it!!!
(5)
Oscar S.
Just went here for the first time, and I'm sure my family will return many more times. Delicious food, casual family atmosphere, and very kid friendly. The souvlaki was delicious. I recommend the Greek Island platter, which comes with chicken and pork souvlaki, a gyro, and a pork loin. My wife had the Shrimp Sanotirni, which she loved, and apparently my 18-month old loved it too because he ate half of it. Food is very reasonable for what you get, in the $12-20 range for entrees. Decent kids meals, though they were a little expensive, $6.25 each.
(4)
Pat G.
We love Chicago Greek Food, so were a bit disappointed at dinner here. The atmosphere was nonexistent. Could have been any diner. No tablecloths, not like the picture. Online menu was huge compared to the true one. Chicken & Lamb souvlaki were tasty, but only veggie was a mountain of green beans...which we all had on our plates. Veggie Mousaka was full of carrots, & looked like more green beans, and not the usual veggies. The big hit was the cheese saganaki, which they DID flame tableside, Chicago style. Excellent. Nice selection of greek beers.
(3)
Wendy E. T.
A gem of a restaurant! Ample parking, outdoor dining, great staff and great food. You're not just limited to an abundance of Greek dishes, but also fabulous Mediterranean fare as well. The portions were bountiful, and thoughtfully seasoned. The vegetables fresh and not over-cooked.Often, so many restaurants over-salt their dishes---a real turn-off for me. The quality of the food was also very good: my friend had Broiled Salmon while I opted for Fried Calamari and Chicken Piccata. I asked for a vegetable substitute for the accompanying salad, and was obliged without a word. Our waitress was wonderful and a chat with the owner, Christina, was delightful. I was introduced to Greek fare by a high school classmate and the food reminded me of solid Greek home cooking--and then some. Yes--I'm a fan and recommend it highly as a friendly, casual dining experience. The next foray will probably be the All You Can Eat buffet to sample more of this delicious fare. They also feature a kid's menu, live music on Thursdays and lunchtime delivery during the week. (Yes! An alternative to bad Chinese food and boxed pizza!!!) Who'd have thought Clovery, MD would be home to such a charming restaurant? Run, don't walk to Greek Islands Grill; your tummy will thank you!
(4)
Alex F.
We really like this place and go there at least once every few weeks. The food is very good. I recommend the chicken souvlaki and the cheese saganaki appetizer. Service has always been good but the food is not cheap! With a family of 4, it can get pricey really quick, especially with a few drinks. One of our "go to" spots though.
(4)
Paul T.
Very impressed with the food and service! My wife had the excellent lemon rice soup - perhaps the best she's had. I had the traditional sampler- everything was great, especially the pastitio. Fast fluid service made it no wonder the place is busy. Even so, there was no waiting. We will be back. Often.
(4)
Rob B.
The bill can add up but the food is very good. My favorite entree is the catfish. You won't need your knife. I also like to order the dolmades as an appetizer. It would be nice if they were open later.
(4)
Jerome W.
My compliments to the staff for a turn-around in service quality - I now feel welcome as a customer; that makes the food taste even better. My wife and I have been frequenting this restaurant on-and-off for a number of years. I have always enjoyed it, but the service always left me feeling a bit like I had inconvenienced them by trading. The last two visits, about a month apart, have been a pleasure. The food is good, but the wait staff seems to have made a complete turnaround. The server now visits frequently, interacts politely, and generally makes us feel welcome. Our typical lunch purchase, a Chicken Souvlaki platter and a beer, never fails to please. This was preceded by a Calamari appetizer; a nice mixture of rings and leg clusters, the meat was tender and flavorful, with a light golden fried coating.
(4)
Christina E.
We had a blast at this restaurant and can't wait to bring our friends so we can enjoy good food and beautiful weather out on their patio. The dip platter was scrumptious. Taramasalata dip is my favorite and gets it nice flavor from caviar (roe). Our server checked in with us just the right amount of times and food appeared at good time intervals. The owner made a round of the restaurant and we enjoyed a friendly chat. We got the Traditional Sampler and glad we did. Each item had its distinct flavor and texture; I love the hint of nutmeg in the moussaka and the spanakopita had a good balance of spinach and feta enveloped in crispy filo dough perfection. We will be back.
(5)
Kelly R.
This place is great! Casual on the inside. Food was amazing. I got one of the specials which was whole broiled rockfish. Our waiter was great!! So nice and on top of everything. Will definitely be coming back here!
(5)
John T.
A really yummy and reasonably priced Greek restaurant to soak up wine after tasting at Great Shohls nearby!
(4)
Barbara T.
Love the Veggie Mousaka, salad that comes with it and bread! A glass of red wine - What a great meal!!! Service is good and place is nice!
(5)
P R.
Best French Toast ever!! Waitstaff very attentive and positive atmosphere. We will definitely be returning.
(5)
Steve S.
Current overall average of 3.5 stars is right on the money. One waiter working the dining room for a weekday lunch did a nice job. Food quality varied somewhat; to my taste, the lemon chicken had too much lemon; very good lamb shank; nice sandwiches.
(3)
Nyasa B.
If you want good Greek food, eat somewhere else. I ordered carryout after taking my kid to dance class across the street. I wanted something fast and good for myself and teenage son. We ordered the Gyro platter and a Greek salad. Two Gyro Platters and one salad for $42.00. To add insult to injury, we got over cooked meat, a dry nasty salad and cold greasy fries. The place has gone down over the years and unless some television restaurant makeover show saves this family owned dive, they won't be around long. As we waited for our food we over heard conversations about long hours and no money. If you run your business like you care, you would be much busier and people would come back. I am not ever going back because I feel like I wasted my money on salty dried up and burnt Gyro meat.
(1)
N I.
This place was great. The food was authentic and tasted great. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. The menu was very good and it was hard to choose, but I went with a combo platter that included souvlaki and gyro meat with a side and pita bread. The meat and tzatziki were excellent. I look forward to returning soon.
(4)
Dave G.
My wife and I frequently dine here - and when we bring family, they LOVE it. The food is excellent, whether you are more adventurous and try some of the wonderful dishes like Dolmades, Pasticio, Avgelemeno, or Spanakopita (pardon my spelling!) or if you want something more traditional like Salmon or Steak, everything here is wonderful. The food is awesome - the service is great, and the owners and employees are SO friendly. Because we are there at least twice a month, the owner comes by and says hello, asks how everything is, and makes sure we are happy. They have a Buffet on (Sundays?) I haven't been to it in a while, but I highly recommend this place! LOVE it.
(5)
Mark K.
BEWARE OF GREEKS BEARING LUNCH MENUS: The economics of today's restaurant industry must be more dire than consumers imagine. An $11.95 Horiataki Salad -- promised with "Dolmades" (plural), i.e., stuffed grape leaves, came with ONE solitary stuffed grape leaf. Vegetables -- cucumber, tomato, and onion, along with three Kalamata olives -- were fine, and in fact the tomatos were delightful. But no pita was offered (it's $1.25 extra, our not-very-cheerful server explained), and for just under TWELVE DOLLARS, both the portion and the product were, frankly, disappointing. It would be better for the owners to either LOWER the price or ADD VALUE to this offering. There are other Greek restaurants nearby -- one is 2.4 miles away -- and it's a pity (not a pita!) that the Greek Islands Grill's owners seem blissfully unaware of that fact. Oh, and to add insult to (consumer) injury, the restaurant does offer a Greek buffet for $11.99 on Thursdays. What's the sense -- economically or customer-wise -- of offering a carload of food one day and being so parsimonious with someone spending $0.04 less another day?
(2)
Jennifer C.
We used to order take out from here frequently. We asked for one extra piece of pita bread and one extra order of tzatziki sauce and we were charged $6.00! Outrageous! When my husband asked why it was so expensive the lady said 'you should know - you ordered it'. Rude. We ordered over the phone and their menu online doesn't have a price for this things. We certainly wouldn't expect $3.00 for a piece of pita bread and $3.00 for a little plastic container of sauce. So they made $6.00 that day and lost our approximately $40.00+/ week would would spend there. Poor (and not very good for business) customer service.
(1)
Nicola L.
This is a great local option for Greek food. Lamb chops were excellent! 4 very meaty pieces that will leave you full. Staff was friendly offering suggestions. Nice to have a decent option without having to drive to Bethesda. Outside seating is great for the summer if you can ignore the noise of pub next door and New Hampshire Ave.
(3)
Michael S.
Our favorite Greek restaurant in the area. We always get the Gyro platter or the Gyro Salad; both of which have very authentically seasoned meat. Another favorite is the Mousaka. Don't miss the Greek fries, Souvlaki and Cheese Saganaki. The Tzatziki is some of the best we'd had anywhere. The bar is interesting; if you have an adventurous spirit, try one of the Greek wines with your meal. We usually try to get in there every couple of months to satisfy that Gyro craving. Oh, and the meals are big enough to always have leftovers!
(4)
Anastasia W.
This is a wonderful restaurant, and I've always had a good experience. I'm rather stuck on the Gyros platter, but my friends order more diverse items and they are good too.
(5)
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Address :15410 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD, 20905
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.
Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.
For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.
Jodi W.
Went there for dinner last Saturday, not very crowded, great wait staff, and yummy food. I had the sample platter and a salad - just enough to try everything and be satisfied. Hubby had the gyro plate, and 3.5-year old had their spaghetti and meatballs. Will definitely go back.
(4)T H.
This restaurant was such a disappointment compared to Big Greek Cafe. I've eaten at both only once, but this will be my last time at Greek Island. Let's start with the pros: the staff was nice, the chicken souvlaki was decent (not great), the "Greek" potatoes were decent. The cons: the restaurant was dirty, the napkin in the bread basket was stained (I hope it was only a stain), the floors and menus were sticky and the highchair that I put my baby in was gross! I don't think it had ever been wiped down (thank goodness I keep a highchair cover in the car). I ordered the cream of crab soup as a starter. It had a crab flavor but a ton of black pepper instead of old bay. I tasted a little old bay but the predominant flavor was pepper. There wasn't much crab meat in the soup. There were also a ton of shells. Almost one in every bite. Maybe it's my fault for ordering a crab soup from a Greek restaurant, but hey, it's Maryland. Don't put it on the menu if you can't do it justice. My husband got the brunch buffet. He said it was terrible. The breakfast items were old so he didn't even bother (and he loves breakfast). The Greek items were not very good. He was not happy. The prices were very high. Especially considering the quality. I feel bad for our server and the other staff. I get the feeling that they want to do a good job, but the kitchen has to back them up. Otherwise they will all be out of a job. I noticed a few specials advertised on the door. Less gimics please, all you need is good food, good service and a clean restaurant. Greek Island only had 1 out of 3 (good service).
(2)Mike W.
Delicious food but definitely was a little pricey for the Cloverly area. They have a nice covered outdoor patio which, in good weather, is perfect. The Greek Island Combo platter we ordered was spectacular. Seasoned, well cooked meats with salad, pita and an ample serving of Tzatziki. The prices for the platters were in the $14-$18 which is not unbelievable but still a little pricey for that area of town. Service was above average, our waitress was helpful and friendly but was hard to find when it was time to pay the bill. Other than that, no complaints.
(4)Joe R.
Always a great time! If you want authentic flavor and friendly people, this is the place to go!
(5)heather r.
My husband and I are new to the area and came across Greek Island Grill. It is delicious! My favorite is the chicken souvlaki. I get it every time we go for dinner.
(5)Calem H.
Great food! Had the buffet and was really happy with my choice. Definitely will go back.
(5)Mark E.
This "neighborhood gem" (per many online reviews) was quite out of the way for us but proved to be worth the drive. Situated in a converted Pizza Hut (unmistakable architecture) at the end of a suburban strip mall, the mediocre curb appeal had nothing to do with that we found inside. Inside, our palates were sated and then some with tasty Greek cuisine imaginatively prepared by a very solid and experienced kitchen. Competence shows; we are picky and were not disappointed in the least by the food. We had made reservations, which proved to be a good thing because within minutes of our 6:30PM Saturday arrival, the place was packed. The wait staff seemed somewhat overwhelmed from time to time, but we were in no hurry and tempered our view of this with the realization that we were seeing Greek Island under the strain of a full house. With another waiter or two, five stars are not beyond the pale of possibility, and we do plan to be back despite (for us) the drive.
(4)Shawn M.
Not a bad little place and obviously a family ran restaurant. Best thing about it is it is right down the road from where we live, the worst thing about it: The food is sometimes not so good. Like last night, we were served day old bread because the bread truck hadn't come the day before because of the weather. Well, that is why you make your own bread. I would have prefered they had served us the pita bread the first time around rather than the hard as rock bread we got the first time around. Luckily, hummus makes even stale bread taste decent. We ate from the buffet. We had an option for gyro meat and some other stuff I can't pronounce, but it was all excellent tasting which is what is most important at a restaurant, in my opinion. Some suggestions: 1) raise the lighting in the evening. I know they're going for ambiance, but it was actually hard to see the food I was selecting because the light level was so low. 2) Get rid of the old Pizza Hut roof. You can tell the restaurant used to be a Pizza Hut, which just annoys me every time I go there. 3) Make bread IN HOUSE. Don't buy it from somewhere else.
(3)Michelle K.
This is my favorite greek place. I usually get the gyro platter. The gyro meet is so flavorful and they give you a nice sized portion. The fries and salad are my favorite sides and I love the tzatziki sauce here. My husband likes the pecan salmon and we often come for the buffet on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons.
(4)Heike Y.
We where looking for a new Greek place in the area of Silver Spring that has a bit of atmosphere and good food. We tried out Greek Island Grill, it is a bit out of the way for us but it was worth the trip. Family run restaurant, many locals frequenting the place, friendly service, and we enjoyed the food and wine. They also have a little outside seating and if you mentioned it, they make sure no one smokes there while you have dinner. I agree with another reviewer that it is a decent option to Bethesda. We had no problem with the pub noise next door.
(4)Sujit B.
Food is really good. i recommend it. The Tzatziki is good and the spanakopida plate is good. salad is delicious, and u get two sides.
(4)Samuel J.
Food took too long to come out. Gyro meat and yogurt sauce was good. Good Greek custard pie for dessert. Average restaurant for the area but wouldn't go out of my way to come here.
(3)Lisa W.
This place has really gone downhill!! CANNED, COLD green beans, MUSHY rice and TOUGH lamb! Not to mention, a waiter who acted aa if he couldn't give a damn & actually slammed the drinks down and 'tossed' the check on the table!!!
(1)Tu-van L.
Came here for the Thursday buffet with a co-worker. Small buffet but you can find a little bit of every Greek dish you want to try. Mmmm....mousaka...
(3)John L.
We had wanted to try this place for quite some time and finally got the opportunity last night. We went for an early dinner due to evening obligations. We found the menu to be very well balanced with a wide range of pricing options. One of us had the Dolmades Avgolemono and the other had the Pork Souvlaki. Both were well prepared and the portions were appropriate for the price. The but was the service. We were greeted and seated right away as the restaurant was almost empty. Although the service was fast, the waitress was almost cold and left us feeling like maybe we were outsiders. There are other items I would like to try here but, honestly, not sure I want to go back to somewhere where we were not made to feel like welcome customers.
(3)Kathleen K.
I don't know why I come here -- maybe it's because they're open on Mondays when il looking for lunch. I ordered avgolemono soup, village salad ("Greek" salad without the lettuce) & a side of potatoes. The soup was the best of the lot - not very flavorful & a bit too lemony (I love heavy lemon but it's all I could taste). The salad was small considering the hefty $13 price tag & ice cold. So cold my teeth were like ice. The cucumbers were heavy on seeds & tomatoes were overripe & pithy. I got a few crumbles of feta as opposed to big chunks or slices. And the potatoes tasted like canned & were served with a copious amount of water on my plate. I know it's water because I wondered if it was a vinaigrette so I tasted it. Water. Blah! Now I know they probably weren't canned - I don't think you can get canned potatoes that big - but how in the heck they got them to TASTE canned is beyond me. Save your $$ & go to the mucho deliciouso Big Greek Cafe at the corner ofNorbeck rd (route 28) & Georgia ave. it's near Olney just south of the ICC entrance. Prices are waaaayyy cheaper, folks are very welcoming, portions are enormous, & most importantly, I've never had a bad morsel of food from them. Wonderful. If only Big Greek Cafe was open on Mondays. Sniff. Sniff.
(1)Juli A.
Haven't been here in a long time and today I remembered why. $12.00 for a bunch of iceberg lettuce with some measly dusting of feta, some cukes, tomato, way too many onions which were so strong I had to pick them out and one little dolmade. Also had mezze (small plates) of the calamari, which was overcooked and had way more little squids than nice rings, the tiropita, which was primarily dough and not much cheese and tzatziki, which thank god was decent. $39.00 later, we left feeling unsatisfied and still hungry because we only a small portion of any of it, I also don't get the feeling that the food is very fresh. There are 2 other Greek places very close to here, Greek Village and The Big Greek Café (which always rocks!), not sure how this place stays open. The only reason I tried this place again is that I had a long day at work, didn't feel like going home to cook and the The Big Greek Café is closed on Mondays :-( I won't ever go back here again, yuk.
(1)Marcus D.
Best gyros in Maryland. I drive from Columbia and can't get enough. Chix souvlaki and flaming cheese (saganaki?) are amazing as well
(5)PJ S.
A total rip-off. The sampler platter is $20 for a miserably small serving. And the prices on the menu never match what you end up being charged. It does taste good, but it's not worth the cost.
(2)Pearl P.
Updating my review to include the price for the bomb Thursday lunch buffet: 11.99/person (drink not included)... totally worth it!!!
(5)Oscar S.
Just went here for the first time, and I'm sure my family will return many more times. Delicious food, casual family atmosphere, and very kid friendly. The souvlaki was delicious. I recommend the Greek Island platter, which comes with chicken and pork souvlaki, a gyro, and a pork loin. My wife had the Shrimp Sanotirni, which she loved, and apparently my 18-month old loved it too because he ate half of it. Food is very reasonable for what you get, in the $12-20 range for entrees. Decent kids meals, though they were a little expensive, $6.25 each.
(4)Pat G.
We love Chicago Greek Food, so were a bit disappointed at dinner here. The atmosphere was nonexistent. Could have been any diner. No tablecloths, not like the picture. Online menu was huge compared to the true one. Chicken & Lamb souvlaki were tasty, but only veggie was a mountain of green beans...which we all had on our plates. Veggie Mousaka was full of carrots, & looked like more green beans, and not the usual veggies. The big hit was the cheese saganaki, which they DID flame tableside, Chicago style. Excellent. Nice selection of greek beers.
(3)Wendy E. T.
A gem of a restaurant! Ample parking, outdoor dining, great staff and great food. You're not just limited to an abundance of Greek dishes, but also fabulous Mediterranean fare as well. The portions were bountiful, and thoughtfully seasoned. The vegetables fresh and not over-cooked.Often, so many restaurants over-salt their dishes---a real turn-off for me. The quality of the food was also very good: my friend had Broiled Salmon while I opted for Fried Calamari and Chicken Piccata. I asked for a vegetable substitute for the accompanying salad, and was obliged without a word. Our waitress was wonderful and a chat with the owner, Christina, was delightful. I was introduced to Greek fare by a high school classmate and the food reminded me of solid Greek home cooking--and then some. Yes--I'm a fan and recommend it highly as a friendly, casual dining experience. The next foray will probably be the All You Can Eat buffet to sample more of this delicious fare. They also feature a kid's menu, live music on Thursdays and lunchtime delivery during the week. (Yes! An alternative to bad Chinese food and boxed pizza!!!) Who'd have thought Clovery, MD would be home to such a charming restaurant? Run, don't walk to Greek Islands Grill; your tummy will thank you!
(4)Alex F.
We really like this place and go there at least once every few weeks. The food is very good. I recommend the chicken souvlaki and the cheese saganaki appetizer. Service has always been good but the food is not cheap! With a family of 4, it can get pricey really quick, especially with a few drinks. One of our "go to" spots though.
(4)Paul T.
Very impressed with the food and service! My wife had the excellent lemon rice soup - perhaps the best she's had. I had the traditional sampler- everything was great, especially the pastitio. Fast fluid service made it no wonder the place is busy. Even so, there was no waiting. We will be back. Often.
(4)Rob B.
The bill can add up but the food is very good. My favorite entree is the catfish. You won't need your knife. I also like to order the dolmades as an appetizer. It would be nice if they were open later.
(4)Jerome W.
My compliments to the staff for a turn-around in service quality - I now feel welcome as a customer; that makes the food taste even better. My wife and I have been frequenting this restaurant on-and-off for a number of years. I have always enjoyed it, but the service always left me feeling a bit like I had inconvenienced them by trading. The last two visits, about a month apart, have been a pleasure. The food is good, but the wait staff seems to have made a complete turnaround. The server now visits frequently, interacts politely, and generally makes us feel welcome. Our typical lunch purchase, a Chicken Souvlaki platter and a beer, never fails to please. This was preceded by a Calamari appetizer; a nice mixture of rings and leg clusters, the meat was tender and flavorful, with a light golden fried coating.
(4)Christina E.
We had a blast at this restaurant and can't wait to bring our friends so we can enjoy good food and beautiful weather out on their patio. The dip platter was scrumptious. Taramasalata dip is my favorite and gets it nice flavor from caviar (roe). Our server checked in with us just the right amount of times and food appeared at good time intervals. The owner made a round of the restaurant and we enjoyed a friendly chat. We got the Traditional Sampler and glad we did. Each item had its distinct flavor and texture; I love the hint of nutmeg in the moussaka and the spanakopita had a good balance of spinach and feta enveloped in crispy filo dough perfection. We will be back.
(5)Kelly R.
This place is great! Casual on the inside. Food was amazing. I got one of the specials which was whole broiled rockfish. Our waiter was great!! So nice and on top of everything. Will definitely be coming back here!
(5)John T.
A really yummy and reasonably priced Greek restaurant to soak up wine after tasting at Great Shohls nearby!
(4)Barbara T.
Love the Veggie Mousaka, salad that comes with it and bread! A glass of red wine - What a great meal!!! Service is good and place is nice!
(5)P R.
Best French Toast ever!! Waitstaff very attentive and positive atmosphere. We will definitely be returning.
(5)Steve S.
Current overall average of 3.5 stars is right on the money. One waiter working the dining room for a weekday lunch did a nice job. Food quality varied somewhat; to my taste, the lemon chicken had too much lemon; very good lamb shank; nice sandwiches.
(3)Nyasa B.
If you want good Greek food, eat somewhere else. I ordered carryout after taking my kid to dance class across the street. I wanted something fast and good for myself and teenage son. We ordered the Gyro platter and a Greek salad. Two Gyro Platters and one salad for $42.00. To add insult to injury, we got over cooked meat, a dry nasty salad and cold greasy fries. The place has gone down over the years and unless some television restaurant makeover show saves this family owned dive, they won't be around long. As we waited for our food we over heard conversations about long hours and no money. If you run your business like you care, you would be much busier and people would come back. I am not ever going back because I feel like I wasted my money on salty dried up and burnt Gyro meat.
(1)N I.
This place was great. The food was authentic and tasted great. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. The menu was very good and it was hard to choose, but I went with a combo platter that included souvlaki and gyro meat with a side and pita bread. The meat and tzatziki were excellent. I look forward to returning soon.
(4)Dave G.
My wife and I frequently dine here - and when we bring family, they LOVE it. The food is excellent, whether you are more adventurous and try some of the wonderful dishes like Dolmades, Pasticio, Avgelemeno, or Spanakopita (pardon my spelling!) or if you want something more traditional like Salmon or Steak, everything here is wonderful. The food is awesome - the service is great, and the owners and employees are SO friendly. Because we are there at least twice a month, the owner comes by and says hello, asks how everything is, and makes sure we are happy. They have a Buffet on (Sundays?) I haven't been to it in a while, but I highly recommend this place! LOVE it.
(5)Mark K.
BEWARE OF GREEKS BEARING LUNCH MENUS: The economics of today's restaurant industry must be more dire than consumers imagine. An $11.95 Horiataki Salad -- promised with "Dolmades" (plural), i.e., stuffed grape leaves, came with ONE solitary stuffed grape leaf. Vegetables -- cucumber, tomato, and onion, along with three Kalamata olives -- were fine, and in fact the tomatos were delightful. But no pita was offered (it's $1.25 extra, our not-very-cheerful server explained), and for just under TWELVE DOLLARS, both the portion and the product were, frankly, disappointing. It would be better for the owners to either LOWER the price or ADD VALUE to this offering. There are other Greek restaurants nearby -- one is 2.4 miles away -- and it's a pity (not a pita!) that the Greek Islands Grill's owners seem blissfully unaware of that fact. Oh, and to add insult to (consumer) injury, the restaurant does offer a Greek buffet for $11.99 on Thursdays. What's the sense -- economically or customer-wise -- of offering a carload of food one day and being so parsimonious with someone spending $0.04 less another day?
(2)Jennifer C.
We used to order take out from here frequently. We asked for one extra piece of pita bread and one extra order of tzatziki sauce and we were charged $6.00! Outrageous! When my husband asked why it was so expensive the lady said 'you should know - you ordered it'. Rude. We ordered over the phone and their menu online doesn't have a price for this things. We certainly wouldn't expect $3.00 for a piece of pita bread and $3.00 for a little plastic container of sauce. So they made $6.00 that day and lost our approximately $40.00+/ week would would spend there. Poor (and not very good for business) customer service.
(1)Nicola L.
This is a great local option for Greek food. Lamb chops were excellent! 4 very meaty pieces that will leave you full. Staff was friendly offering suggestions. Nice to have a decent option without having to drive to Bethesda. Outside seating is great for the summer if you can ignore the noise of pub next door and New Hampshire Ave.
(3)Michael S.
Our favorite Greek restaurant in the area. We always get the Gyro platter or the Gyro Salad; both of which have very authentically seasoned meat. Another favorite is the Mousaka. Don't miss the Greek fries, Souvlaki and Cheese Saganaki. The Tzatziki is some of the best we'd had anywhere. The bar is interesting; if you have an adventurous spirit, try one of the Greek wines with your meal. We usually try to get in there every couple of months to satisfy that Gyro craving. Oh, and the meals are big enough to always have leftovers!
(4)Anastasia W.
This is a wonderful restaurant, and I've always had a good experience. I'm rather stuck on the Gyros platter, but my friends order more diverse items and they are good too.
(5)