Considering Columbus’s vibrant immigrant communities—y’all remember the Greek influx in the mid-20th century, right?—it’s no surprise the city boasts some of the Midwest’s most authentic Hellenic cuisine. From sizzling souvlaki grills to family-run tavernas with generations-old recipes, Columbus serves up everything from flaky spanakopita to slow-roasted lamb. Here’s where you’ll find the best Greek food in Columbus.
Nazareth Restaurant & Catering
$ | (614) 899-1177 | WEBSITE
Nazareth Restaurant & Catering began as a humble catering operation and evolved into a beloved full-service Middle Eastern restaurant in Columbus. Not only can you order hype-worthy classics, like a lamb bowl brimming with spiced rice and tender meat, but also authentic Egyptian koshari and kofta sandwiches praised for their traditional flavors.
Make sure to arrive early for dinner, especially on weekends because, yes, the cozy dining area with its sunlit windows fills up quickly with groups drawn by the live music and warm hospitality.
Greek Express
$ | (614) 928-9280 | WEBSITE
You might think a restaurant called ‘Express’ means sacrificing flavor for speed, but at Greek Express, a charming Greek spot in Columbus, that just means the gyros are ready. Open daily with quick service, Greek Express has been serving hearty and delicious gyros since its founding. Order a juicy and well-roasted gyro at the counter to eat there, or grab a satisfying small size to-go for the whole afternoon.
Greek Express will even pack up their tasty and nutritious chicken and rice dish for around $15.
The mad Greek
$ | (614) 338-0000 | WEBSITE
This Columbus Greek spot is best known for its prompt service and authentic flavors, usually replete with generous portions and friendly staff. The cozy restaurant, filled with warm lighting and traditional touches, also serves a fantastic lunch and dinner menu nearly every day of the week, featuring some of Greece’s greatest hits. You can dive into crispy calamari with lemon aioli and earthy and nutty hummus with fire fries. We can’t get enough of the Pastitsio for a main course.
That baked pasta dish is so creamy, rich, and satisfying—imagine if lasagna and moussaka had a little Greek baby, and then topped it with béchamel sauce. We’ll have another bite, and some lemon sole, please. And if you want to extend your Mad Greek experience, remember their chicken kabob and gyro are also standout options for families and individuals alike.
Lashish The Greek
$$ | (614) 457-5800 | WEBSITE
Unapologetically vibrant, Lashish The Greek is a lively spot that somehow transformed into one of Columbus’s best Greek takeout experiences. Lashish, in both spirit and execution, delivers the kind of quick, affordable meals that make you feel like you’ve discovered a neighborhood secret. Open for lunch and dinner daily, it’s a perfect choice for a satisfying, no-fuss meal.
Try the gyro with fries, which arrives piping hot, or the blackened salmon praised as the best ever—juicy and perfectly cooked. So join the regulars who know the two guys in suits add to the fun, because grabbing a shawarma pita with that subtle lemon chicken soup basically counts as a culinary win.
Agape Mediterranean
$ | (614) 407-1454 | WEBSITE
For all the times you’ve desperately craved, like, 10 different kinds of Mediterranean comfort food, there’s Agape Mediterranean, a Greek spot in Columbus. We appreciate the sheer number of satisfying options here, like the fragrant Basmati rice with perfectly cooked chicken shawarma. Or the mouth-watering gyro bowl loaded with fresh ingredients. Throw in some crispy Greek fries to balance the flavors.
Add on a massive bowl, generously topped with delicious sauces and fresh vegetables, and you’re set. Go here with friends to split a bunch of hearty plates for dinner, or grab an early lunch and skip the afternoon rush. Stay long enough (and eat enough delicious food), and you can almost feel the welcoming atmosphere wrapping you in.
Cottage Inn Pizza Polaris
$ | (614) 888-8488 | WEBSITE
Cottage Inn Pizza Polaris is a pizza spot in the Polaris area that’s known for its straightforward, quality-focused approach, which this local favorite exemplifies. Pizza is the main attraction here. Pies like the BBQ Chicken, Chicken Alfredo, and plain cheese are served fresh and hot. There’s also the Cuban, Favorite, and Hot Honey Chicken pizzas—toppings layered over that standout crust. And a must-try for any visit is the homemade ranch dressing: creamy and tangy, perfect for dipping.
The staff is friendly and quick, making it a solid choice for lunch, even with the limited seating. You can grab a large thin crust pizza and breadsticks for around $20, which feels like excellent value. The sausage is truly great, and the buffalo sauce on the wings is one of the best around, even if the wings themselves are on the smaller side. Overall, it’s a great place for pizza lovers, with unique, high-quality ingredients that stand out from the chain brands.
MEZZE MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
$ | (614) 939-0000 | WEBSITE
The warm, savory aroma of garlic and herbs greets you before you even step inside this unassuming storefront in a bustling Columbus plaza. Mezze Mediterranean Cuisine, a popular (but completely approachable) build-your-own bowl and salad spot, specializes in fresh, customizable Mediterranean fare with healthy protein options and made-to-order hummus.
Throughout the reasonably priced lunch or dinner, the food delivers satisfying simplicity: perfectly seasoned and juicy chicken over rice, incredibly smooth and flavorful hummus with warm pita, crispy-on-the-outside falafel nestled in a fresh salad, and so on. Despite being dedicated to quality ingredients, the overall vibe of Mezze is fairly relaxed, more like a casual neighborhood favorite.
A meal for any occasion, like a quick healthy lunch or a casual dinner out, feels all the more satisfying here. The friendly and helpful staff keep things moving, and the build-your-own option is a popular choice, so expect a pleasant bustle during peak hours.
Loops
$ | (614) 670-8808 | WEBSITE
This beloved Chicago-inspired joint in Columbus has been a neighborhood go-to since opening due to their solid, fresh, and tasty Chicago favorites like gyros and Italian beef sandwiches. Other than a brief fountain drink machine outage, Loops has continuously supplied a steady stream of locals, families, and food enthusiasts with their must-try fireslaw, hearty chili cheese fries, and authentic Loops Dog made with a steamed Vienna beef hot dog and classic Chicago toppings.
The Italian beef sandwich, perfectly paired with flavorful au jus, remains a customer favorite at this family-owned spot with its Chicago-themed decor and nice outdoor patio.
Sababa Mediterranean Grill
$ | (614) 321-2476 | WEBSITE
We appreciate that you can satisfy just about any craving at Sababa Mediterranean Grill, the welcoming Mediterranean spot in Columbus that’s known for its fresh, vibrant flavors and great value. Want to grab a quick falafel wrap or fresh salad to go? You can do that. Interested in sharing a Mediterranean Platter with friends over hummus, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves? That is also an option.
Or customize your shawarma chicken bowl with spicy feta and house sauce, then finish with gluten-free falafel and vegetarian delights. The attentive, friendly crew even offers samples for first-timers. Become transported.
Funny Greek
$ | (614) 864-6666 | WEBSITE
Funny Greek in Columbus automatically makes some of the best gyros in town, and the steady stream of regulars seem to agree. The top-notch cut lamb tastes tender, perfectly seasoned, and authentic, especially when wrapped in warm pita with fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki. And yes, while you can order cheesesteak sandwiches or salads, those are made fresh to order and that just slows down the kitchen, and you don’t want to be that person.
Elia Athenian Grill (Downtown)
$ | (614) 928-9090 | WEBSITE
Both the health-conscious and Columbus’s loyal downtown lunch crowd can easily find a home at Elia Athenian Grill, the Greek kitchen inside the bustling city center. Elia Athenian Grill is named for the traditional Athenian spirit, in which fresh ingredients get transformed into vibrant, satisfying meals. Each bite bursts with bright, savory goodness. It’s frankly kind of rude that more of that spicy lamb bowl doesn’t automatically regenerate on the plate.
This place is clean yet genuinely welcoming, the kind of spot everyone wishes they had in their neighborhood.
Jimmy V’s Grill & Pub Grandview
$$ | (614) 485-9090 | WEBSITE
For those inevitable moments when you crave something hearty and also want to unwind with friends on a sunny afternoon, there’s Jimmy V’s Grill & Pub Grandview. The pub restaurant in Grandview also boasts an amazing patio that’s dog-friendly (a decision of pure genius), so you can take your pub burger and sweet potato fries to go, if need be. Or you can stay and relax all day at the lively tables outside.
The patio seating fills quickly, but you can get that fantastic dining experience any day of the week. Don’t skip the attentive and efficient service from the friendly staff, or Jeremy’s hilarious and prompt welcome, which will make you feel appreciated again. We suggest trying both the delicious food and the great atmosphere, which are equally inviting and enjoyable.
Gyro City Grill
$ | (614) 497-1600 | WEBSITE
Any reason to visit Gyro City Grill is one worth seizing. This Columbus staple is where many locals head when craving a satisfying gyro platter, a quick lunch, or a family-friendly meal that won’t break the bank. It also helps that the place is straightforward and welcoming—with its clean, no-frills setup and ample parking, the dining area feels like a reliable neighborhood spot.
If you’re at Gyro City Grill for lunch, order the gyro platter loaded with a decent amount of meat, try the grilled chicken salad for a great deal, and finish with the gyro salad packed with fresh veggies. Just be prepared that the tzatziki sauce might not always hit the mark—some say it leans toward ranch dressing—but the service is reliably fast and friendly, making it a solid hidden gem worth a try.
The Gyro Shoppe
$ | (614) 442-1200 | WEBSITE
The Gyro Shoppe is a humble family-run haven that serves the best falafel and gyros in Columbus. The no-frills Clintonville spot is filled with warm smiles and handwritten specials on chalkboards. And thanks to their hand-cut fries with that perfect Buffalo sauce zip, this place is even better than any chain alternative. The menu has every classic Greek street food staple, from perfectly cooked gyros, crispy falafel, and fresh salads to that legendary pistachio baklava that melts in your mouth.
Split the family deal of five gyros and two fries, load up on double meat for under nine bucks, and don’t be ashamed to lick the baklava honey from your fingers.