By: Susan and Peter Martin

Best of the Best Award Recipient

Sometimes a restaurant surprises you in the best possible way. When Susan and I visited The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in St. Johns, we expected a simple counter-service meal. What we discovered instead was a place delivering authentic Mediterranean flavors with impressive quality and generous portions.

From the moment the food started arriving, it was clear this kitchen takes pride in what it serves.

We began with the Four Dip Combo, a platter featuring tzatziki, hummus, tirokafteri, and melizanosalata served with warm pita. Each dip offered something unique, but the house-made hummus quickly stole the spotlight. Creamy, bright with garlic and lemon, and perfectly balanced with olive oil, it was so memorable that we awarded it our Culinary Duo Best of the Best Dish recognition.

I followed with a classic gyro plate paired with feta fries, and it delivered exactly what you hope for in this Greek favorite. The gyro meat was flavorful, and the tzatziki sauce tied everything together beautifully, bringing freshness and balance to every bite.

The surprise of the evening was Susan’s Atlantic salmon, which we ordered partly out of curiosity. It turned out to be one of the highlights of the meal. The fish was cooked perfectly, seasoned beautifully, and served with rice and bright lemon potatoes, adding a wonderful Mediterranean touch.

On a return visit, we explored more of the menu and continued to be impressed. The Falafel Plate, made with house-prepared chickpea fritters, delivered a great balance of flavor and texture, while the Australian Lamb Souvlaki was tender, well-seasoned, and cooked just right. We also added Garlic Shrimp Souvlaki, which proved to be another excellent choice.

Portions are generous, and the value is exceptional. In fact, we left with leftovers, including baklava, which made for a perfect late-night dessert.

While The Great Greek operates as a counter-service restaurant, the staff was friendly and attentive, bringing food to the table and checking in on us throughout the meal.

This is the kind of restaurant that proves great food does not require white tablecloths. Authentic flavors, thoughtful preparation, and generous hospitality are what truly matter.

For those reasons, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has earned a place on our Favorite Tables Around Town list, and it is certainly a place we look forward to visiting again.

STAR RATING:
★★★★★