Is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30?

[midiwiz]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.

[Stu from NYC]

Takis is both Greek and Italian

[Skip]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.

Easy to find. Use The Villages Gourmet Club's SEARCH PAGE (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/search.html). You can put in Food Type AND Distance from The Villages.

Our favorite Greek restaurants are in Tarpon Springs. But you're talking over 90 miles away. Some closer in Orlando.

Skip

[midiwiz]

Easy to find. Use The Villages Gourmet Club's SEARCH PAGE (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/search.html). You can put in Food Type AND Distance from The Villages.

Our favorite Greek restaurants are in Tarpon Springs. But you're talking over 90 miles away. Some closer in Orlando.

Skip

I was trying not o go to Tarpon and Otown. those I know about, same for Ormond, etc. so you're saying nothing local.....

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Takis is both Greek and Italian

In my reality, Greek restaurants do not serve cheeseburgers, turkey subs, or Key Lime Pie.

[Stu from NYC]

In my reality, Greek restaurants do not serve cheeseburgers, turkey subs, or Key Lime Pie.

If it is a good key lime pie that raises them in my opinion.

As long as the greek side of the menu is good why do you care about what else they serve?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If it is a good key lime pie that raises them in my opinion.

As long as the greek side of the menu is good why do you care about what else they serve?

They're looking for a certain type and quality of cuisine. Not a Greco-American diner that sells anything and has routine Greek food on the menu.

There were only two "authentic" Greek restaurants in New Haven. for years. You couldn't order take-out, they didn't deliver. One was a full-service real cloth-tablecloth cloth napkin Greek restaurant with live music on weekends. They served Greek cuisine, period. The other didn't go the cloth napkin route except for the dinner menu, and they did have a kids menu with burgers and chicken and fries for the under-10 set. If you wanted a bacon cheeseburger you'd go to a burger joint.

[asianthree]

If it is a good key lime pie that raises them in my opinion.

As long as the greek side of the menu is good why do you care about what else they serve?

Usually if they serve other than Greek, it’s coming from a food source like Gordon’s. My YaYa,s is from scratch, and only Greek food is served. I agree with OP when you grow up in a My fat Greek wedding neighborhood, you really crave true made from scratch Greek. So far, one has to travel more than 30 miles from TV for true Greek

[Stu from NYC]

Usually if they serve other than Greek, it’s coming from a food source like Gordon’s. My YaYa,s is from scratch, and only Greek food is served. I agree with OP when you grow up in a My fat Greek wedding neighborhood, you really crave true made from scratch Greek. So far, one has to travel more than 30 miles from TV for true Greek

Not an expert on Greek cuisine but when we went there thought food was good.

Had nice conversation with owner and she sent us a piece of baklava which we thought was excellent.

[Kgcetm]

In my reality, Greek restaurants do not serve cheeseburgers, turkey subs, or Key Lime Pie.

But Arby's does serve Gyros. And they are pretty good. If you enjoy Gyros you might want to check out Chicago Fire in Leesburg. Gyros, Chicago Pizza and Vienna Hot Dogs.

[Rwirish]

Hope not

[Susan1234]

It’s a ride but Tarpon Springs has the best

[midiwiz]

But Arby's does serve Gyros. And they are pretty good. If you enjoy Gyros you might want to check out Chicago Fire in Leesburg. Gyros, Chicago Pizza and Vienna Hot Dogs.

First off Gyros doesn't make it greek, nor do I need to find it. Second I know about Chicago Fire and they will be tested. Yet it doesn't answer the question. Thanks anyway

[Dotneko]

And do they have locanico or mavrodaphne! I have to bring my own locanico down from MA.

[midiwiz]

It’s a ride but Tarpon Springs has the best

yeah I was hoping for better, but oh well I have my sources in the state so I'm good. I'll just have to map it in with weekend jaunts

[nick demis]

Takis is both Greek and Italian

As a greek, Takis isn't a good greek restaurant. The best we have found so far, is in Tarpon Springs. They are ok.

[Janebish]

We go to Bosphorous in Winter Garden. It is not Greek but it is Middle Eastern. It is the best Middle Eastern food I’ve ever had. Can’t beat the bread, the kebabs, and the homemade lentil soup. And don’t forget to try the baklava for dessert!They also have a restaurant in Winter Park, and we can shop there all day afterwards and bring home delicious pizza for dinner!

[Girlcopper]

yeah I was hoping for better, but oh well I have my sources in the state so I'm good. I'll just have to map it in with weekend jaunts
Takis is excellent.

[Kasolnic]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.

Have you tried Feta Mediterranean in Ocala? It is the closest I have found.

[drgoofy]

Was very disappointed in Takis. Haven't found a go-to Greek nearby in 4 years outside of Orlando and Tarpon Springs. If you're ever in Charleston, try Athens Greek.

[Tom2172]

I cook my own! And I’m very very good at it

[ladyastor1948]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.

Try Santorini in Deland...

[mr kibbles]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.
americanos does serve up pretty good greek dishes and is alot closer than tarpon springs -they have a special on gyros on tuesdays

[spd2918]

You could try Lakis in Ocala. Its more of a diner, but the food is good.

[Dlbonivich]

Why not try something more ethnic to Florida, like Cuban. Embrace what is local.

[BEETHOVENMIKEY]

TAKIS, up by Walmart on 441 is good, without going to Tarpin Springs.
We've had good experiences there

[ProfessorDave]

We like Takis. It has some Italian - but mostly Greek dishes. They even bring in wine from Greece (which we enjoy). They are just off 441 in Lady Lake.

[davem4616]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.


try Lakis in Ocala, it's okay...but Opa's in Orlando really knocks it out of the park and totally worth the extra drive

[Lil GTO]

Takies in Leesburg and Summerfield.

Seems like the food is more consistent at Leesburg.

Their Greek dishes are good. Greek village salads home made Greek dressing.

Pastitso is good, spanakopita is good pork souvlaki is delicious.

Give them a try nice clean place with good service and it’s busy there so they turn over a lot of food.

I think you’ll have a go to place that scratches your Greek food itch until you want to go to Tarpon.


Usually if they serve other than Greek, it’s coming from a food source like Gordon’s. My YaYa,s is from scratch, and only Greek food is served. I agree with OP when you grow up in a My fat Greek wedding neighborhood, you really crave true made from scratch Greek. So far, one has to travel more than 30 miles from TV for true Greek

[TawMar]

It’s about 50 minutes away, but Gyros King in Dunnellon is quite good. I lived in Europe for 32 years and there’s lots of Greek there, which I have sorely missed. We went on a boat trip of the 2 rivers that converge in Dunnellon and then out for lunch. They make it clear that they are a “scratch Greek kitchen”. And they are. We all agreed we would go back. Check out their menu on their website. It was a pleasant drive, too.

[Janebish]

There is a great Greek/Middle Eastern restaurant in Winter Garden called Bosphorous. It has a fabulous lamb, great kebabs, lentil soup and the best bread in the world, all puffed then dipped it in hummus! Not to mention a great atmosphere. It is our go to place and they also have one in Winter Park. Don’t forget to finish up with the baklava!

[asianthree]

Not an expert on Greek cuisine but when we went there thought food was good.

Had nice conversation with owner and she sent us a piece of baklava which we thought was excellent.

Fond memories of my Godmother, Aunt’s at the enormous wood table in the kitchen making dough, and stretching so thin you could read a newspaper, for baklava. Each child was given there own ball to learn the technique, and when you were old enough you graduated to the big table. By the time you were 10 you could make most Greek dishes, perfection came with age.

Food was an event in Greek household, for us. We still make most dishes, but sometimes you want to go out. If it’s not traditional, for us it’s a waste of calories.

[Skip]

Have you tried Feta Mediterranean in Ocala? It is the closest I have found.
"WAS GOOD." Closed over a year ago!

Skip

[golfing eagles]

There is a great Greek/Middle Eastern restaurant in Winter Garden called Bosphorous. It has a fabulous lamb, great kebabs, lentil soup and the best bread in the world, all puffed then dipped it in hummus! Not to mention a great atmosphere. It is our go to place and they also have one in Winter Park. Don’t forget to finish up with the baklava!

It's very good, but it is primarily Turkish food.

[DonnaNi4os]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.

There is a Greek restaurant on 441, Takis. I’ve had take out from there, spanakopita, moussaka, dolmades and
Baklava. They also have Italian food. I do not believe they serve lamb.

[Skeety]

THE best key lime "pie" is Blue Highway Tarts in Micanopy

[dougawhite]

It's only once per year (Jan/Feb) but the Greek Festival in Belleview is a fun experience and they serve authentic Greek dishes and LOTS of pastries!
greekfestivalocala.com/menu

[HORNET]

Go back to where one type of food is your only concern

[golfing eagles]

Go back to where one type of food is your only concern

Nice. OP, welcome to America's friendliest home town :ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[CDerington]

I sure could go for some saganki and Pastitsio.

[Robin Hardwick]

Once a month or so we drive 80 miles to Tarpon Springs Florida and eat at Hellas Restaurant… Delicious and totally authentic Greek. I ask by the tomatoes were so delicious in the salad and they reported that they bring them in with the cheese from Greece…worth the drive…. After you eat, drive through John Howard Park out to Sunset point and enjoy the ocean view!

[REDCART]

After I saved this post, I tried to delete it. This restaurant while originally Greek, appears to have changed hands recently and now bills itself as Mediterranean.

I’ve never been to the Olive Tree Restaurant in Crystal River but relatives have raved about it. Olive Tree Restaurant | The Premiere Mediterranean Restaurant in Citrus County! (http://www.olivetreedining.com/)

The map says about 40 miles from Wildwood, 44 W.
963 N Suncoast Blvd
Crystal River, FL 34429

[asiebel]

Takis in Leesburg and near Bealls off 27/441 in Lady Lake. They serve several different dishes. Last week, the one in Lady Lake was closed.

[midiwiz]

After I saved this post, I tried to delete it. This restaurant while originally Greek, appears to have changed hands recently and now bills itself as Mediterranean.

I’ve never been to the Olive Tree Restaurant in Crystal River but relatives have raved about it. Olive Tree Restaurant | The Premiere Mediterranean Restaurant in Citrus County! (http://www.olivetreedining.com/)

The map says about 40 miles from Wildwood, 44 W.
963 N Suncoast Blvd
Crystal River, FL 34429

hardly greek.

[midiwiz]

I cook my own! And I’m very very good at it

I am also, but I do want to be lazy and have it done for me

[midiwiz]

Once a month or so we drive 80 miles to Tarpon Springs Florida and eat at Hellas Restaurant… Delicious and totally authentic Greek. I ask by the tomatoes were so delicious in the salad and they reported that they bring them in with the cheese from Greece…worth the drive…. After you eat, drive through John Howard Park out to Sunset point and enjoy the ocean view!

i already know what's in Tarpon, Orlando, Ormond, Brevard, Lauderdale...... the question was specifically about here and no where else.

thank you

[Marlene36]

RE: Takis Restaurant - DON'T ORDER GYROS HERE, you would be very disappointed. HOWEVER, outstanding calamari and baked penne entrees! Ate there a few weeks ago.

[Kgcetm]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.

Drive to Tarpon Springs. Start with Hellas and don't miss several others. Great food/pastries at all. Traditional Greek Food with attention paid to quality...no rubber feta. It's worth the trip and a nice overnight if you are taking friends and/or family.

[Florida17]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.
I
More than 30 minutes but Tarpon Springs is a good day Trip. Lot's of Greek restaurants to choose from.

[Luggage]

Reality is very different from many people. Perhaps Twilight zone should be considered as far as great takies is the closest you're going to get within 90 MI

[Luggage]

No no no no no no no. You keep asking and everyone keeps telling you no I just accept the fact there is no true Greek restaurant here Takis is the closest thing.


i already know what's in Tarpon, Orlando, Ormond, Brevard, Lauderdale...... the question was specifically about here and no where else.

thank you

[Dotneko]

Takis is just awful. Spanikopita is soggy and not enough feta. Greek salad shouldn't have lettuce. Moussaka soggy. Pastistio ok. Avgolemeno meh.
Lamb shanks? Nope.
Jack of all trades master of none

[midiwiz]

No no no no no no no. You keep asking and everyone keeps telling you no I just accept the fact there is no true Greek restaurant here Takis is the closest thing.

yeah wish I never asked anything.

[Kasolnic]

"WAS GOOD." Closed over a year ago!

Skip
Oh no! I hadn’t heard. Thanks for letting me know.

[alncon2]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.

Try Lakis Greek Restaurant in Ocala. The review in Yelp! suggest the they have an extensive menu. Here is the link: LAKIS GREEK RESTAURANT - 52 Photos & 55 Reviews - Italian - Colours Plaza 3405 Sw College Rd, Ocala, FL - Restaurant Reviews - Phone Number - Menu (https://www.yelp.com/biz/lakis-greek-restaurant-ocala)

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.

There is an authentic family run Greek restaurant in Ocala is located on route 200 behind Tony’s Sushi, the name is Lakis Calamari everyday, if you want Octopus, call for availability, all Greek dishes are in the menu, really good and reasonable, remember it is a small place. Call them for more information.

[Gramjan]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.

We went to a place north of Inverness on 44 pre-Covid. Tavernos Manos. Believe it's still open. Small, kind of hidden away. Worth the drive, we think.

[Gramjan]

TAVERNA Manos...........requires reservation after 5:00. Or if you go for lunch. Check hours, etc. by "Googlung" it.

[Nick B]

Without having to trudge to Orlando or Tampa, is there an actual Greek restaurant within 30 minutes of here?

To define actual greek - they serve octopus, lamb (rack & chops), and various other delights..... not from a "bar menu" and gyros is not an entree.
In Dunnellon I believe. It's called Gyro king. Very authentic Greek food the grilled octopus was nice. They moved and I have not been since move.

[Nick B]

It’s about 50 minutes away, but Gyros King in Dunnellon is quite good. I lived in Europe for 32 years and there’s lots of Greek there, which I have sorely missed. We went on a boat trip of the 2 rivers that converge in Dunnellon and then out for lunch. They make it clear that they are a “scratch Greek kitchen”. And they are. We all agreed we would go back. Check out their menu on their website. It was a pleasant drive, too.
It is the best around here.

[Lottoguy]

We love Takis, great Greek salad too!

[Aloha1]

In my reality, Greek restaurants do not serve cheeseburgers, turkey subs, or Key Lime Pie.

You back??

[jmpate]

Skip,
How does one join the Gourmet Club in the Villages? My husband and I are very interested! Thanks, Joan

[Koapaka]

If ANYONE finds good grilled octopus around these parts, PLEASE share the info....I'll even buy you dinner for your efforts! I'd also be VERY grateful to find a place that makes a great shrimp cobb salad. Two of my FAVORITE foods

[Koukla]

Make sure you check out St. Mark's Greek church festival when they have it...usually advertise the the Daily Sun- delicious greek food & pastries...they try to have it before Greek lent starts...church is in Belleview.

[Skip]

Skip,
How does one join the Gourmet Club in the Villages? My husband and I are very interested! Thanks, Joan

Joan:
I joined by attending a meeting. Next one is Sunday, October 3rd at Allamanda Rec. Center at 7 PM. Great club for dining out and dining in too. Leaders are a wealth of knowledge. Here's how the club runs: INFO (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/info.html)
Their restaurant website has nearly every restaurant (950+) within 100 miles of The Villages. :eek:
And it's searchable too! Just search for Greek cuisine (or just Souvlaki, or Leg of Lamb) on their Search Page.
We've made many friends there.
Here's their homepage (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/index.html). Incredible amount of info on their website.

Skip

[Skip]

We love Takis, great Greek salad too!

And we would choose Lakis on SR 200 in Ocala over either Takis here. It's about 25 miles up there, however. Been in business a long time.

Skip

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Joan:
I joined by attending a meeting. Next one is Sunday, October 3rd at Allamanda Rec. Center at 7 PM. Great club for dining out and dining in too. Leaders are a wealth of knowledge. Here's how the club runs: INFO (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/info.html)
Their restaurant website has nearly every restaurant (950+) within 100 miles of The Villages. :eek:
And it's searchable too! Just search for Greek cuisine (or just Souvlaki, or Leg of Lamb) on their Search Page.
We've made many friends there.
Here's their homepage (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/index.html). Incredible amount of info on their website.

Skip

I'm sad to see there aren't any Brazilian Barbeque restaurants on the list. Are there none in the area at all? Or maybe they call it something else?

Also, on that website if you mouse your cursor down the page in an attempt to type into the search buffer, the [Polk Area includes] list pops up. And so does every single area on the list that your cursor passes on the way to that search buffer. In order to minimize the list, you have to run the mouse over the little blue arrow next to each area's name. But then as soon as you move your cursor away from that arrow, it hits the arrow on another area, resulting in another popup.

I had 8 popups on my screen completely obscuring the search buffer before I finally just gave up and closed the page.

[Ecuadog]

I'm sad to see there aren't any Brazilian Barbeque restaurants on the list. Are there none in the area at all? Or maybe they call it something else?

...

If you're talking about a Brazilian Churrascaria, I believe the closest one is on Rte 301 in Ocala. There are a few in Orlando too.

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House click here (https://www.ipanemaocala.com/)

[billethkid]

Olympia Restaurant in Orlando.
Olympia Restaurant (http://www.olympiaorlando.com/index.php)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you're talking about a Brazilian Churrascaria, I believe the closest one is on Rte 301 in Ocala. There are a few in Orlando too.

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House click here (https://www.ipanemaocala.com/)

Thanks! It's not something I'd do on a regular basis so being a little further from home is fine. Would probably go to the one in Ocala. Maybe an anniversary treat.

[Skip]

I had 8 popups on my screen completely obscuring the search buffer before I finally just gave up and closed the page.

OBB:
I don't have that problem but I sent your comment to the club's webmaster.
He just replied:
"Unruly TOOL TIPS can be caused by 1. Slow internet connection, 2. Noise on the line causing data packet drops or 3. An old (slow) computer. I can fix that easily by preloading the TOOL TIP texts. Now the page loads a little slower but you get better TOOL TIP response. Have that poster go back and try the new page. (Might have to reload/refresh the page when you revisit.) I'll bet it works for him/her now with no "hangs". SEARCH PAGE (https://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/search.html)
Enjoy. Thanks for the feedback."

I tried it and it looks a little different but it works fine. Give it another shot, OBB.

Skip

[Calisport]

I just got back from Greece. You are right the only Greek food is fresh octopus, fresh lamb, maybe the freshest fish, and home made stuffed warm grape leaves.

[midiwiz]

If you're talking about a Brazilian Churrascaria, I believe the closest one is on Rte 301 in Ocala. There are a few in Orlando too.

Ipanema Brazilian Steak House click here (https://www.ipanemaocala.com/)

$50 for that selection? I'd rather drive to Otown and go to Fogo

[midiwiz]

I'm going to end looking at this thread - Here's my take on all of this -

The best that can be offered "in the area" meaning not Tarpon, Tampa, Orlando etc. is nothing more than cheap to average Italian serving what they think is greek and taking on a greek name.

That being said, I doubt I'd live in this gourmet club either because what my experience has been here for the last 2 months doesn't rate above 3 stars out of 5 if they are lucky. I don't settle and yes I'm selective. I'd rather make it myself than to have it poorly done.

Thanks for all the responses.