This is another location that comes highly recommended by my mother’s friend, Ruth. About 4 years ago, my mother treated me to lunch and I instantly fell in love with the place. I did a small write-up for the SoFloDining Blog and decided that I would return one day and write a full-blown review. For one reason or another, I was unable to return until now.
This year, I decided to celebrate my father’s birthday here and bring the family. Earlier in the day before going I posted on our SoFloDining Facebook Group that we were going to visit the location for dinner and would like some menu suggestions. I was overwhelmed by the response, almost 200 responses within eight hours! Armed with various recommendations in hand and a party of five, we set off for dinner. Upon our arrival, we noticed a line along the front of the restaurant. This was to be expected as almost everybody that commented on our group stated that we should be prepared for a small wait.
Small wait indeed; we were seated within the first 10 minutes. Our waiter, Kosta, brought over some freshly made hummus and bread and then promptly took our drink orders. Once the drinks arrived at the table I placed the order for appetizers. For the table I ordered 4 appetizers: the Pikilia, that is an assortment of four traditional dips – Tzatziki, Melitzanosalata, Scordalia and Tyrokafteri, served with Pita, Octopus that is grilled and immersed in Lemon-Oregano Olive Oil, Baby Back Ribs that come char-broiled and seasoned with Lemon, Oregano and Olive Oil and Kalamaria which is squid fried and seasoned with Lemon. One was more delicious than the next. We could not pick a favorite at the table. As for the ribs, the meat just falls off the rib and melts in your mouth like butter. The calamari was seasoned and fried to perfection and of course, the grilled octopus was also a culinary delight.
For our entrees, we ordered the Lamb Chops which were hands down the most recommended dish. They come char-broiled and seasoned with Lemon, Oregano, and Olive Oil with Patates Ladoregano, and Vegetables. Shish-Ke-Bob is made with Filet Mignon that came with vegetables served over rice. Garides Tou Sotiri which was the second most recommended dish, are large Baked Shrimp, splashed with Sotiri’s Secret Sauce, and served with Rice. The birthday boy ordered the Whole Florida Yellowtail Snapper that came char-broiled and was served with Vegetables and Rice. Without a doubt, I can tell you every single dish was delicious and we all cleared our dishes clean.
As for dessert, we ordered the Chocolate Mousse Cake and the Cheesecake Baklava which were absolutely delicious and artfully presented. I will tell you that the Chocolate Mousse Cake was the most recommended on our group site. Once again, do I really need to repeat, all dishes were returned to Kosta, cleared, and cleaned. LOL.
They have a very extensive lunch menu and they are reasonably priced. I do highly recommend Garides Tou Sotiri (baked jumbo shrimp) over rice and the Baby Back Ribs Ladoregano which are both House Specialties.
They are located almost at the foot of Oakland and Ocean Blvd. The food and the service are Outstanding. The line in front is well warranted. The funny thing about the line outside to get in was, that I didn’t notice anybody turning around and leaving. Everybody waited patiently to come in and enjoy the fare. The place was packed for good reason and like I said I will revisit very soon. OPA!
3 responses to “Greek Islands Taverna”
One of our favorite places. We just had lunch there as well
Yes this is a wonderful restaurant Yes, i was introduced to this restaurant by my friend RUTH ITS ALL GOOD
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