Top 10 Greek Restaurants to Try in Albany, NY

Albany's Greek food scene is anchored by a nationally recognized fine dining destination that has been voted one of the top fifty Greek restaurants in America and includes a beloved family-run downtown gyro counter, a creative food truck bringing authentic street food to the Capital District, and a corner Turkish-Greek gem whose preparation and presentation earn Michelin star comparisons from devoted regulars. From the Empire State Plaza neighborhood to downtown Pearl Street, the Capital District delivers genuine Mediterranean flavor across every price point. Please note that the restaurants below are not listed in any particular order. Every spot on this list is worth a visit in its own right.

Athos Restaurant

The finest Greek restaurant in Albany and one of the most acclaimed in all of America, Athos Restaurant has been voted one of the top fifty Greek restaurants in the country by the National Herald and is the Capital District's only restaurant devoted exclusively to classic Greek-Mediterranean cuisine. The stuffed eggplant rola is outstanding, the lamb lollipops are sensational, the feta cheese dip with red peppers and pita is a worthy opener, the lamb shank over orzo in tomato sauce is deeply satisfying, the grilled octopus is amazingly tender, and the lamb chops are perfectly cooked. Live jazz every Friday evening in the Taverna, a beautiful summer patio, and a warm and attentive service team make Athos the standard against which all other Greek restaurants in Albany are measured.

Kismet Mediterranean Grill

A crown jewel of Albany dining described by devoted regulars as worthy of a Michelin star, Kismet Mediterranean Grill sits on an inconspicuous corner with a tastefully decorated and pleasant interior and delivers exemplary service alongside some of the most consistently outstanding Greek and Mediterranean food in the Capital District. The chicken kavourma is wonderfully aromatic and deeply flavorful, the hummus is wonderful, the lamb chops are the best in the area, the baba ghanouj is fantastic, and the overall quality of preparation and presentation reflects a kitchen operating at a genuinely exceptional level. A must-visit for anyone serious about Greek food in upstate New York.

The Greek House

A family-run authentic Greek restaurant with locations in downtown Albany and Troy that brings simple and honest Greek cooking to the Capital District with genuine warmth and quality, The Greek House delivers original gyros, kebabs, lemon potatoes, eggplant fries, spinach puffs, and a Greek burger in a bright and casual environment. Regulars describe it as the best Greek food they have had since visiting Greece, the service is friendly and efficient, and the overall authenticity and commitment to honest Mediterranean cooking have made it one of the most beloved casual Greek spots in the Albany area.

Greek on the Run

A popular Albany Greek food truck and catering operation that has built a devoted following across the Capital District for its fresh and authentic Greek street food, Greek on the Run delivers outstanding beef and lamb gyros, generous Greek salads, shiny stuffed grape leaves, and the kind of genuinely authentic flavors that prompt regulars to describe it as the best Greek food they have found in the area. The gyros are wrapped fresh and full of flavor, the Greek salad is crisp and well-dressed, and the overall quality and consistency reflect a genuine passion for Greek street food done right.

The Spinning Gyro

A well-regarded Albany gyro spot on South Pearl Street near the Hilton Albany that delivers genuine gyros cooked on a rotating spit from top-quality lamb and beef, The Spinning Gyro is one of the most exciting casual Greek dining options in downtown Albany. The classic gyro with tzatziki is easily the best in the area according to devoted regulars, the lamb gyro is outstanding with great flavor, the Greek salad is fresh and delicious, and the stuffed grape leaves are a worthy addition to any order. A natural stop for anyone exploring downtown Albany who craves authentic street food.

The Greek Island

A well-regarded Albany Greek restaurant that earns consistent strong marks for its authentic and flavorful Greek food, warm and welcoming service, and the kind of honest and satisfying Greek cooking that builds a loyal neighborhood following, The Greek Island is a dependable and enjoyable option for Greek cuisine across the Capital District. The food is made with genuine care and quality ingredients and the overall experience reflects a real commitment to Mediterranean cooking done well.

Delaware Cafe

A well-loved Albany area Greek and American cafe that delivers the kind of honest and satisfying Greek diner food with great hospitality that has made it a dependable neighborhood institution across the Capital District, Delaware Cafe is a reliable and enjoyable option for Greek food in the Albany area. The food is fresh and well-prepared, the service is warm and welcoming, and the overall comfort and quality of the operation make it a worthwhile stop for anyone seeking a satisfying and unpretentious Greek meal in Albany.

Simone's Kitchen

A well-regarded Albany Greek and Mediterranean kitchen that earns consistent strong marks for its authentic and flavorful food, fresh ingredients, and warm and genuine service, Simone's Kitchen is a solid and dependable option for Greek and Mediterranean cuisine across the Capital District. The food reflects a genuine commitment to honest Mediterranean cooking done with care and quality, and the overall experience makes it a reliable casual dining option for Greek food in Albany.

Ali Baba

A well-loved Albany Mediterranean and Greek restaurant that earns consistent praise for its very authentic Greek food, excellent lamb gyro, fresh and flavorful dishes, and warm and welcoming atmosphere, Ali Baba is a dependable and satisfying option for Greek and Mediterranean cuisine across the Capital District. The lamb and falafel are both great, the Greek salad is fresh and well-dressed, and the stuffed grape leaves are a worthy addition to any meal.

Mazadar Mediterranean Kitchen

A well-regarded Albany Mediterranean and Greek kitchen that earns consistent strong marks for its fresh and flavorful food, excellent gyros, and warm and welcoming service, Mazadar Mediterranean Kitchen is a solid and enjoyable option for Greek and Mediterranean cuisine across the Capital District. The food is made with genuine care and quality ingredients and the overall experience reflects a real love of Mediterranean cooking that earns it consistent local praise.

Conclusion

Albany's Greek food scene reflects the Capital District's character as a city that takes its dining seriously without pretension, from a nationally recognized fine dining destination that fills its Taverna with live jazz on Friday nights to a beloved food truck serving gyros with the flavor of Athens on the streets of upstate New York. There is more genuine Greek and Mediterranean dining worth discovering across Albany than most visitors ever take the time to find.