Greek Islands Taverna: Line Up for Lamb Chops and Legendary Taramasalata

When the search for authentic Greek cuisine leaves you overwhelmed, trust the crowd: Greek Islands Taverna is the unequivocal “must-visit.” The sheer volume of recommendations (nearly 200 responses on a Facebook group for menu suggestions!) confirms this is where every dish is a celebration. This is where outstanding food meets enthusiastic demand, delivering an experience that is well worth the wait.

The atmosphere is one of vibrant, communal celebration. Located almost at the foot of Oakland and Ocean Blvd, this spot is almost always busy—you will notice a line along the front of the restaurant. However, the line is well warranted, and the good news is we were seated within the first 10 minutes (and nobody was turning around and leaving!). Our waiter, Kosta, immediately brought over some freshly made hummus and bread, setting the stage for the feast to come.

The flavors are extraordinary. Start your dining experience with a variety of appetizers, because you truly cannot pick a favorite. Order the Pikilia (an assortment of four traditional dips) and the Kalamaria (fried squid seasoned to perfection). But the non-negotiable must-have is the Baby Back Ribs; they are so tender the meat just falls off the rib and melts in your mouth like butter.

For the main course, you must not miss the highly recommended classics. The Lamb Chops were the hands down most recommended dish, char-broiled and seasoned with Lemon, Oregano, and Olive Oil. The Garides Tou Sotiri (large Baked Shrimp with a secret sauce) was the second most recommended and a savory delight. Whether it was the Filet Mignon Shish-Ke-Bob or the whole Florida Yellowtail Snapper, every single dish was delicious and we all cleared our plates clean.

Greek Islands Taverna offers experiences that few other restaurants dare to attempt, including an excellent value lunch. The very extensive and reasonably priced lunch menu is worth a daytime visit. For dessert, you absolutely must try the Chocolate Mousse Cake (the most recommended dessert on our social group site) and the flaky Cheesecake Baklava, both absolutely delicious and artfully presented.

The ultimate FOMO moment comes from seeing that long, patient line—it exists for a reason, and you’ll want to be in it. The quality and the service are Outstanding, and this establishment will be revisited very soon.

This restaurant’s high local demand, particularly for its legendary Lamb Chops and authentic cooking, means you must plan accordingly: they do not take reservations. Fortunately, they have a very large parking lot and the line moves quickly.