Brian Nagele
You can expect to find excellent Greek food in cities such as New York and Boston, while Detroit, Michigan, is not mainly known for its Greek food.
However, if you live in this bustling city or are visiting soon and are a fan of this Mediterranean fare, you’re in luck.
In addition to its thriving sports, arts, nightlight, and music scene, Detroit offers several excellent Greek eateries — both within and outside of the Greektown area — that you can treat yourself to while you’re there.
In this article, I’ll share the best Greek restaurants in Detroit and explain why they’re my favorites.
Detroit Shawarma
19420 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203
Phone: 313-635-5500
Detroit Shawarma is a relaxed Mediterranean eatery offering takeout, delivery, and a small dine-in area.
It’s located in the Palmer Woods area next to the Renaissance Bowling Center, so it makes for a great, quick lunch before meeting up with friends in the alley or taking a stroll through nearby Palmer Park.
You can make hefty bowls full of healthy and tasty ingredients such as onions, cucumbers, and rice. They also have tasty chicken with a lovely smokey flavor.
I like ensuring that my chicken, veggies, and rice aren’t dry, so I always put a good amount of their delectable garlic sauce on top.
But the best thing about Detroit Shawarma is the affordable price!
It’s the type of restaurant you don’t feel guilty about in your stomach or your wallet.
Pegasus Taverna
558 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-964-6800
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Pegasus Taverna is a cozy little spot in Greektown that specializes in, you guessed it, Greek food!
This family-style restaurant with a charming, rustic atmosphere serves plenty of Greek classics you know and love, such as souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, and baklava. The saganaki is also incredible.
But my absolute favorite thing to order here is the lamb shank.
It’s baked to the perfect tenderness level and goes well with rice and peas on the side.
The lively environment and rustic-chic decor make the space feel very romantic and heartwarming, making it an excellent place for date night.
The Greek
535 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-209-6667
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Like Pegasus, The Greek is also on Monroe street right in Greektown, across from the Hollywood Casino.
The Greek is popular for serving Greek and American food, making it appealing to go with a large group of friends or family.
Everyone you’re with will be able to find something they enjoy on the menu.
However, I highly recommend sticking with the Greek food here.
The Greek’s saganaki is perfect, and their spanakopita is out of this world, especially if you’re a big fan of spinach.
I always get their chicken shawarma plate when I’m playing it safe, but you can’t go wrong with any of the meals at this contemporary-styled restaurant.
Athens Souvlaki Detroit
Penobscot Building, 645 Griswold St Suite 137, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-265-3178
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Athens Souvlaki has multiple locations in Michigan, but their eatery in Detroit — in Fort/Cass near Campus Martius Park — is one of my favorite spots for lunch.
It’s a small, super casual spot that’s very unassuming but serves some of the city’s best and most authentic Greek food.
For lunch, I tend to order a greek salad with grape leaves on the side or a gyro pita if I’m a bit hungrier.
The gyro meat is always so tender and juicy, but if you’re not a fan of lamb, the vegetarian pita is also exceptional.
They also make excellent greek yogurt, so treat yourself to it after your meal!
Olympic Grill
119 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-832-5809
Olympic Grill is located between Midtown and the Cultural Center near the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Institute of Arts, and Michigan Science Center.
Olympic Grill is a fantastic option after a day of exploring and learning at all these incredible places.
The food at Olympic Grill is fantastic, and the portions are large enough to ensure you’ll leave with a full stomach. For greek food, I tend to order the grilled chicken pita, especially when I’m there for lunch.
However, they offer a fantastic breakfast where you can also get American classics like eggs, bacon, and hash browns.
Golden Fleece Restaurant
525 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-962-7093
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Golden Fleece is one of the best Greek restaurants in Detroit because of its comforting atmosphere, staple items on the menu, and convenient locations in Bricktown near Downtown Detroit.
Some people might find it a bit stuffy, but I appreciate the compact space, especially after they renovated it in 2021.
My favorite menu items include lamb chops, lemon potatoes, grape leaves, and saganaki.
