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Greek Food

Opa! Who’s ready for grape leaves, feta, and olives? For those in Rochester searching for souvlaki, spanakopita, and beyond, you’re in luck. With several Greek restaurants providing everything from layered moussaka to impressively stuffed gyros, you’ll find dozens of delicacies straight from the Mediterranean. 

Authentically Greek 

For gorgeous waterfront dining, Kainos has you covered. Head to the patio for lunch or dinner, and try the Aphrodite Salad—halloumi cheese with fresh figs over greens, walnuts, and fennel with a Greek yogurt dressing. Or, indulge in Pastitsio, a Greek Lasagna featuring lamb and beef, layered with pasta in a creamy bechamel sauce. Make sure to save room for classic Greek desserts like Galaktoboureko, Bougatsa, or the Baklava Cheesecake.  

Vegans and vegetarians will find a plethora of Greek specialties at Voula’s Greek Sweets. Start with homemade spreads like the Melitzanosalata and the Skordalia—a potato and garlic dip. Then move on to the Greek Salad, Tyropita, or Kafteri Egg Sandwich. Before you go, satisfy your sweet tooth with Walnut Spice Cake, nut-filled phyllo pastries, and Sesame Citrus Cookies. And, for those stopping by on weekends, Saturdays and Sundays offer brunch including Horiatiki Salad, tofu scrambles, and lemon potatoes with eggs and feta. 

For more fantastic Greek food, mark your calendars for two different Greek cultural festivals — the Rochester Greek Fest takes place annually at the end of May, and the Highland Greek Festival, is held annually in August. 

American Standards With A Greek Twist  

At Jines Restaurant, lunches and dinners start with Greek favorites like Stuffed Grape Leaves or Saganaki. Rotating specials and main entrees also feature Greek flavors and recipes. Daily dessert specials are available, or there’s always homemade baklava. And, of course, stop by for traditional American breakfast, which includes four-egg omelets, waffles, and hotcakes.

Start your day with breakfast, brunch, or lunch at Morningstar Greek American. Wake up with a Greek omelet or Pork Souvlaki and fries. Be sure to check out the Specials Board, which features a rotating list of Greek and American favorites.

Although eggs are served all day at The Olympia Restaurant, traditional Greek fare can be found here, too. Start with Greek Salad before a plate of Athens Grilled Chicken. Two at the table? Try the Greek Combo Platter, which offers a spectacular array of Greek specialties from Kebabs to Tzatziki. 

Mediterranean And More 

Those in Rochester who are hungry for even more affordable Mediterranean alternatives have plenty of other choices. Stop by Aladdin’s Natural Eatery for the Grecca Pasta featuring feta, cilantro, scallions, and olives or a Falafel-stuffed Pita Pocket. Visit Sinbad’s Mediterranean Cuisine where the staff will bring you a medley of flavors from a variety of countries, including Lebanese dishes, Turkish treats, and, of course, tons of Greek possibilities.

Cedar Mediterranean serves traditional Lebanese cuisine and is a favorite among locals. Polizzi’s, located in Village Gate, serves foods from the entire Mediterranean region, including Greek. Basha is located in the town of Pittsford and offers a menu with plenty of options for vegan, vegetarian and halal diners. Chortke is unique as it is the only Persian-style restaurant in the Rochester area. Newly opened Master Falafel offers “Syrian comfort food” from its location on Monroe Avenue in the city of Rochester.