Top 10 Greek Restaurants to Try in Chicago, IL

Chicago has one of the most storied Greek food histories in the entire country. Greek immigrants began settling along Halsted Street as far back as the 1840s, and the neighborhood that became Greektown in the West Loop remains a living piece of that heritage today. Whether you are heading to a Greektown institution that has been feeding the city for over fifty years or a modern taverna in Logan Square turning heads with contemporary Greek cooking, Chicago delivers at every level. 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.

Greek Islands

A Greektown institution since 1971 and one of the most popular Greek restaurants in the entire country, Greek Islands at 200 South Halsted Street is the starting point for any serious exploration of Chicago Greek food. The multi-level dining room imports olive oil, wine, cheeses, and fresh seafood directly from Greece, and the menu covers all the classics with impressive consistency. The avgolemono soup, grilled octopus, saganaki flambéed tableside with an enthusiastic Opa, and the lamb kokkinisto with tender braised meat are all must-orders.

Andros Taverna

Named one of the best Greek restaurants in the United States by Chowhound, Andros Taverna in Logan Square is the most exciting Greek restaurant to open in Chicago in years. Michelin-starred chef Doug Psaltis and pastry chef Hsing Chen opened the restaurant in 2021 as a love letter to Psaltis's Greek heritage and grandmother's cooking. The wood-burning oven, terra cotta bricks, and open kitchen set the stage for dishes like grilled octopus, slow-roasted gyros, keftedes meatballs, and a brunch menu that puts a Greek spin on American favorites.

Taxim

Distinguished by dramatic metal chandeliers and Byzantine-style artwork rather than the typical blue and white island decor, Taxim takes a more scholarly and regional approach to Greek cuisine. The Chicago Tribune and Chicago Magazine have both recognized the restaurant for its innovative cooking that honors tradition without being bound by it. Housemade yogurt with young favas, lamb confit, and wood-grilled octopus with smoky char are among the standouts on a menu that consistently surprises.

Avli

A beloved Greek mini-chain that started in the suburbs of Winnetka and expanded into the city, Avli has locations in Lincoln Park and River North that draw loyal crowds of regulars. The long dining room fills up with families and friends sharing feta-topped salads, meaty moussaka, and whole branzino punched up with dill citronette. The patio in Lincoln Park during warmer months is one of the best places in the city to enjoy a proper Greek meal outdoors.

LYRA

Located in the Fulton Market district, LYRA is one of the most ambitious Greek restaurants to arrive in Chicago in recent memory. Chef Athinagoras Kostakos, an internationally acclaimed Greek chef, helms the kitchen and wields a custom wood and charcoal hearth with technique honed on the islands of Greece. The earth-toned indoor-meets-outdoor space brings a fresh, holistic sensibility to Greek cooking, and on weekends the restaurant transforms into a high-energy late-night dining experience.

Athena

A Greektown staple with one of the best outdoor patios in the neighborhood, Athena is a go-to for warm-weather Greek dining in Chicago. The large open-air terrace is a genuine draw in the summer months, and the menu delivers reliable Greek favorites with generous portions. It is a strong choice for groups and family dinners looking for a classic Greektown experience.

Yaya Mas Greek Kuzina

One of Chicago's newest and fastest-growing Greek concepts, Yaya Mas Greek Kuzina opened in Lincoln Park in 2024 and quickly became a local favorite. The counter-service spot serves hand-carved gyros, crispy spanakopita, fresh bougatsa pastries, and traditional freddo cappuccinos in a cozy blue and white dining room. A small Greek market inside stocks imported olive oils, honey, and Greek pantry staples. The kitchen stays open until 5 AM on weekends, making it one of the best late-night Greek food options in the city.

It's Greek 2 U Grill

A casual neighborhood spot in Ukrainian Village with blue and white gingham tablecloths and a devoted local following, It's Greek 2 U Grill was called Chicago's best Greek food by WGNTV and has been praised by The Infatuation for serving some of the best gyros in the city. The Kronos gyro loaded with juicy shaved meat, onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki on soft pita is the signature, and the Grecian chicken platter with herby poultry and lemony potatoes is a reliable second choice.

Ema

A modern Mediterranean small plates restaurant that leans heavily Greek in its influences, Ema is a consistent crowd-pleaser with an approachable menu and excellent service. The small plates format makes it ideal for groups who want to share and sample widely, and the wine list is well-curated. It is a versatile spot that works equally well for a casual dinner or a more celebratory occasion.

Greek Prime

A Bridgeport neighborhood restaurant that blends classic Greek cooking with the energy of a local bar, Greek Prime is the kind of place that earns deep loyalty from the people who live nearby. The avgolemono is hearty and warming, the lamb chops with tzatziki are tender and well-seasoned, and the more playful bar food options make it a fun spot for game nights and casual hangouts. It is a genuine neighborhood gem that deserves more attention than it gets.

Conclusion

Chicago's Greek food scene stretches from the historic blocks of Greektown all the way to Logan Square, Lincoln Park, and Fulton Market. Whether you are chasing the classics or looking for something more contemporary, the city has a Greek table waiting for you. Start with this list and let the saganaki flames guide the way.