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Papa Cristo's
Categories: Restaurants Greek Event Planning & Services Caterers Greek, Caterers [Edit]
2771 W Pico BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90006
Neighborhood: South Los Angeles
(323) 737-2970
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 9 am - 8 pm
Sun 9 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
744 reviews for Papa Cristo's
Review Highlights
"Roasted Lamb and Feta Sandwich is bomb."
(in 15 reviews)
"Oh, and their tzatziki sauce is drool-worthy."
(in 40 reviews)
"The gyro again delicious and filling."
(in 196 reviews)
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744 reviews in English
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Review from Jimmy C.
Palo Alto, CA
2/5/2012
Been coming here for over a year now
Wish I had found it sooner (found it on Foodnetwork)
Eat all the things
Dat gyro, dat sizzling feta, dat chicken, dat pita bread, dat yogurt, dat octopus, dem olives
Free parking in the back
Closes too early on Sundays -
Review from Nicole W.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
SO GOOD. Sort of hard to miss if you drive by at night but during the day there's a bright blue sign.
The restaurant/place where they make food is attached to a Greek deli...reminds me of Bay Cities in Santa Monica.
Cute, family owned, great prices, really flavorful food. What more can you ask for? -
Review from Daryl B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/2/2012
I'd like to say good things about this place....but....its gonna be hard....maybe you just have to be greek to get it.....
The sandwiches are ok...thats probably the best thing...
That its a store for greek foods is another...
The lamb chops....thin, greasy, and gritty....way below average...
They increased the prices and didnt cook the lamb kabob medium
as I asked for...so I wasnt lovin it....
The chicken soup....well thats another story....has a lemon flavor...
we always joke when ordering it...that they clear out all the left overs from the
fridge and dump it into the pot for the soup...Maybe even ring out old Papa Christos underwear to give it that last bump of flavor.....lol....but I have been sent to the restaurant more than once for someone who wasnt feeling well to have some of
this magical soup....and it does taste pretty good...
The dining room is a bit dingy and the service, is poor at best..
The area is about as bad as it could be, without going
to south central itself....
How its getting 4.5 stars after so many reviews is not clear to me....
I must need to go with some greeks and get educated so I can bring up
my rating a bit.... -
Review from Nick R.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2012
The gyro sandwich is extraordinary. I have been here for dinner a few times over the past year and have always left satisfied. The only negative is service can be quite slow during lunch.
Cheap eats. -
Review from jennifer s.
Sherman Oaks, CA
1/31/2012 2 photos
This little greek gem is in the heart of south central LA and hipster white folks are lined up outside the door. That should tell you somethin.... lol
This place was yum. Not the best greek Ive tried, but very nice. I wouldve given them 3 stars, had it not been for the attached market. I had the lamb and feta sandwich. The lamb was a bit too big to be inside of a sandwich in my opinion. The pieces were the size of chicken nuggets. With a meat like lamb, it needs to be smaller because if over cooked, which this was, it can be tough.
The grape leaves were VERY good. They also have orzo which is a greek spirit that tastes like black licorice for $3 a glass. MY FAV!!! OPAH!!!!!
The market portion has various cheeses, meats, bottles of wine, baklava, cookies, and other greek wares that make you feel like you stepped right into Mikanos just by walking through the door. I will go back for sure. -
Review from Keila N.
My date was craving gyros. I took him here on a Sunday morning. It was before noon so we got to order before the church crowd walked in.
There was a man who sat at the table and played a string instrument. Surprisingly, he also sang. I loved the ambiance.
The gyro was delicious. The fish took some time. It was moist and simply prepared. Michelle was our server who was fabulous.Listed in: Cheap and Good
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/29/2009
I was introduced to Papa Cristos by a colleague. The food is delicious. I love the lamb kabobs.
… Read more »
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Review from Sarah M.
Los Angeles, CA
2/5/2012
Great food, good portions, friendly staff and atmosphere. The layout was kind if wierd, but you can chose to sit inside where there was a band playing or outside in the patio and enjoy the weather. There's a small market inside too and free valet parking.
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Review from Jon G.
Walnut, CA
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Stopped in here for a quick gyro sandwich after a day of apartment hunting in LA. Figured we should get to know the local spots, and this is probably THE spot for a quick Mediterranean fix.
My gyro sandwich was delicious and just about perfect. My one complaint with the food is that there were bits of crystallized fat (I'm assuming) in the gyro, which are pretty much rocks. I bit hard into not one, but two of them, then softly chewed out a third later. This can be dangerous for people who've had work done on their teeth.
Other than that, the location isn't spectacular at all. You order your food at a counter near the front of the grocery store, then take your number to a lousy garden furnished back room. There was a musician there playing music on some foreign guitar, which was pleasant.
I'll be sticking with a 4-star review because the gyro was absolutely delicious regardless of the pebbles I found in it. -
Review from AJ R.
Los Angeles, CA
1/25/2012
Best greek food I have ever had - period.
This place is awesome. It has a real mom and pop vibe to it and the food is incredible. Its got a deli, a great selection of Greek food for your kitchen (oils and breads etc) but you really need to walk to the back and order a Gyro.....you will NOT be sorry. This place is the bomb.
Get a punchcard too - you'll be back. -
Review from Sally E.
Cerritos, CA
1/15/2012
There aren't many good greek places around, but luckily Papa Cristos is an exception. I believe I ordered beef souvlaki, which was amazing! The food was fresh, filling, and succulent.
Cool ambiance. Very family-style and a bit loud, but it fit the place perfectly.
There's even an attached greek grocery store for people that want to take home greek goodies for home.
I'll definitely be back--there's even a parking lot in the back! -
Review from Andy T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/25/2012 1 photo
Pros:
-actually have gyro on a spit
-tzaziki sauce is really good
-decently priced
Cons:
-close at 8pm (I usually crave this greasy food late at night)
So far this place has the best gyros in L.A. -
Review from Lisha L.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2012
They almost gave our (huge) take-out order to two other people, but the lady giving people their takeout rescued it back for us.
I'm not really sure why I ordered the sizzling feta instead of the saganaki.. I guess I momentarily thought it was the same thing but didn't see the separate sign underneath until after I had ordered.
I think everything we ordered here (gyros, rotisserie chicken, lamb chops) were really good, but I especially enjoyed the grilled octopodakia and roasted garlic from the condiments bar. -
Review from Shening S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
The day before I had eaten steak and other fattening stuff so I didn't really want to eat a gyro..or meat...so I was just gonna get their pizza which I heard was really good...but then I decided to get their gyro pizza....HAHAA I kinda regretted it tho...should have gotten their wrap...
they make their pizza with pita bread they put on the griddle and its nice and toasted with olive oil and then they put their sauce and cheese etc...really good. I dipped my crusts in my friend's yogurt sauce which was really good too.
They have a yelp check-in deal for 2 sandwiches, an appetizer, and 2 small cups of "house" wine- watered down....
the grilled octopus was a nice intro to the meal. We went on a thursday night and it was their special family event where you get the prixe fixed meal and there are belly dancers and errrthang.
I want to come back and get their sandwich or wrap when I'm in the area and craving greek food.. -
Review from Maria C.
Merced, CA
1/11/2012
I ordered a Gyro and tried a Spanakopita. They were both amazing and freshly made. The Gyro was huge, flavorful and very filling.
The service is great and this place has a nice ambiance.
They also baked fresh bread. I was too cheap to get a loaf and avoid being seen as a fatty, so I tried several samples (of the same bread) they had..... I kinda wanted to take the whole bowl of samples, but I resisted my temptation to avoid embarrassing myself and my boyfriend.
I definitely recommend this place. -
Review from Chris B.
Rowland Heights, CA
1/6/2012
Papa Cristos is a great go-to option if you want Greek or some type of Mediterranean, olive-oil-based, tsisuki sauce-based food. Food tastes great, but I think what stops me the PAPA a solid 5-star review is due to the prices. When food is delicious, accompanied by a very fair price, that's a true 5-star WOW factor in my book. However, that's not the case. Great food, but semi-overpriced for a gyros sandwich. I've had my share of them at restaurants so I can estimate the price range.
QUICK TIPS:
-Get the sandwiches. Almost all of them are $6.99 and are well portioned. Not HUGE, but well-portioned. I'm a hungry guy what can I say.
-Avoid the $12.99 dinner plates. Back when I visited Papa Cristos frequently, I regretted wasting my money on them. For what you pay, you don't get that much...just pieces of meat, potatoes, and a small Greek salad. I personally think it's a rip-off.
-The Valet is free, but you can tip if you want
-The lines at the counter can be slow during lunch rushes/dinner rushes. Try going at an odd hour or increasing your patience tolerance beforehand.
-Don't forget to get a FREQUENT EATER STAMP CARD -
Review from Kristine W.
Oakland, CA
12/12/2011
PAPA CRRRRRIIIIISSSSTOOOO!!!! You are one of my favorite restaurants in LA and the BEST GREEK food I've ever had (outside of Greece, of course). And you even got the bf to fall in love your lamb and he never gushes over food like a fatty (ahem, me)! So glad my old college roomie LOVES this place and introduced me!
Been here for their Big Fat Greek Dinner on Thursdays--prix fixe dinner w/ wine tasting, multiple rounds of appetizers, breads, salads, a couple entrees, baklava, and coffee! Basically, never-ending food. Wait, aaaaand there's belly dancers! Wooooo!!! My friend even held a party here and we basically sampled the whole menu--friendly for vegetarians and carnivores alike! Everything fresh and delicious and meats so succulent and juicy! Papa is always super friendly and full of laughs and hugs! Feels like family here.
Your restaurant is one of the very few reasons I'd want to live in LA...oh, and they have a parking lot too! And valet service is free!
Tip: check out their store/ bakery next door! -
Review from Mike F.
Independence, MO
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Gyro was fantastic! Also the baklava was incredible. I wish I lived closer...
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Review from Kelly K.
Los Angeles, CA
Ever since I visited Greece I've been on a mission to find authentic Greek Frappe. Lucky for me, Papa Christos is close and they sell Nescafé instant coffee for frappe.
Foolishly I thought that they would also make an authentic and tasty frappe. So wrong and a waste of $3. The person making my frappe had NO CLUE how to make frappe. It took her 2 tries and she STILL didn't get it right! My cup was mostly foam and very little coffee. What a frustrating experience! Minus 2 stars!
I've certainly learned my lesson and from now on will make my own frappe at home. -
Review from John M.
Redlands, CA
1/7/2012
I've been to Greece and this is one of the few places that compares.
Food is great, and there is a market in case you want to get some olive oil or something like that.
You will probably even see Papa Cris too! -
Review from Nicole C.
Honolulu, HI
2/4/2012
I love this place. They have a market type thing going on in half of their space and the restaurant part in the other. Their gyros, which are large, and baklava, which is super authentic, are great. I highly recommend it, though it should be noted that the parking situation is not the most convenient.
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Review from Tek L.
Houston, TX
12/20/2011
NOTORIETY: Voted LA's Best Greek Restaurant (Zagat 2011)
FOOD:
Gyro plate ($12.99): The tender pieces of lamb & beef gyro meat were flavored perfectly. Hands down THE BEST. The tzatziki sauce complemented the meat well. The side salad was quite refreshing w/ the tart oil dressing. The potatoes were decent, soft & mildly flavored while the pita bread was just ok, soft but not much flavor.
OVERALL: Good restaurant w/ a mini-grocery stores inside. You get a good amount of food for the price that you pay. I would definitely come back again for the gyros unless I find myself a Greek hottie that cooks good Greek food.
TIPS:
Thurs nights (6:30-8:15) are My "Big Fat Greek" Family-Style Dinner. $18.95 for food coma bliss. -
Review from debora l.
11/30/2011
Best Greek food I've had since I lived in Astoria (Queens, New York). And in LA of all places!
Lamb gyro is a must have: perfectly seasoned with lemon, salt, and pepper and very tender. My husband is still daydreaming about it 4 days later.
And tons of vegetarian and vegan options, since it's Greek food! I sampled the hummus, bean salad, and the housemade pitas really make the experience authentic. Did not try the falafel. Greek salad and roasted red potatoes (comes with many gyro plates) were fresh, and cooked perfectly. You can tell that Papa Cristo puts a lot of TLC in choosing the best ingredients.
Portions are healthy (come hungry). We left stuffed for hours; this was the highlight meal of the day.
We also tried the baklava, and a few other desserts: authentic, sweet (but not too), and walnut-ty. Just the way it should be!
Bonus samples in the deli connected to the store, which were delicious. Loved the outdoor seating option (80 deg over Thanksgiving? Only in LA). Check in coupons on Yelp make this place a total bargain. They also take reservations, although when we came at 11am on a Sunday after Thanksgiving there was plenty of seats.Listed in: Vegetarian dining, Vegan Friendly Grub
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Review from Nora A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/20/2012
Delicious greek food in a nice, casual, family friendly atmosphere. I especially love the gyros, grilled eggplant, and all of their desserts.
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Review from Jim A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The food Is always enjoyable here. I just wish The price was a little bit lower. Try the Thursday night family dinner. It's a great time to be had.
My niece loves this place so much she makes me take her to papa cristo ever other visit to Los Angeles -
Review from Eder P.
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've never had a Gyro in my life and don't want it anywhere but here.
I got the steak and lamb gyro and never looked back.
The exterior and interior have seen better days, I've never been to Greece myself but imagine this place can give you a flashback if you have been.
I even used the Yelp deal and it was honored with no hassle.
It was like 2 gyros, an appetizer and 2 classes of house wine for $20.
I'll try to make it here again for sure! -
Review from Tommaso O.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2012
THIS PLACE IS THE BOMB! The only places where I have had such a tasty Gyros are in Greece and in Italy! Worth the drive!! LUV IT!!
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Review from Tai F.
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
So. Much. Food. Seriously, I thought I was going to explode. Every ten minutes more food would come out and we literally could not keep up. There wasn't enough room on the table for all the plates. All of this food can be had at the famous Thursday night dinner at Papa Cristo's. Dana and I had a marvelous evening full of great eats and tons of smiles.
We started with pita, hummus and sausages. Then on to the wine tasting (I mostly passed on that). After that the lovely ladies brought out in rapid succession (and I'm probably missing something): dolmas, feta cheese and olives, spanakopita, french bread, green beans with tomato sauce, tzatziki, potatoes, pork chops and chicken. All of the food was very delicious. I enjoyed the dolmas in particular. My friend Dana enjoyed the green beans a lot. The spanakopita and potatoes were just okay. Both the pork and chicken were well flavored and very juicy. Of the two I preferred the pork.
Around the time that the last plates were coming out the lights dimmed and the guitar player excused himself. We were then treated to a wonderful belly dance show. The dancer was very friendly and enthusiastic. She got the crowd involved a lot (including the cutest baby) and everyone was clapping and having a great time. Since the Thursday night meal is a family style event it makes for really good, friendly vibes. The room was full of awesome energy. Definitely a unique experience.
After the wonderful dancing we had one final plate of baklava and a cup of Greek coffee. The baklava was very good. Honey on pastry is almost always a great idea. Never forget that important lesson. The coffee was served sweetened. Save for the large amount of grinds in mine, it was a good cup of joe.
Attached to the dining room is a mini Greek market with plenty of exciting foods to try out. You may decide you want to continue the experience at home and pick up some more of the wonderful food. I recommend this.
For $25 (that's including tax and tip) I had a super fun evening of Greek dining and belly dancing. The staff (for the most part) was friendly and enthusiastic. Papa Cristo himself was all smiles and everything was splendid. You just can't have a bad time here.
I'd really like to come back and try the octopus salad. In the meantime, a few tips. 1: You have to make a reservation for the Thursday night dinner and they do take your credit card number. 2: On your way out buy a bottle of Papa Cristo's root beer; it's awesome. 3: Socialize, that's what family style dining is for! 4: And most importantly, just GO!! You won't regret it.Listed in: Los Angeles Magazine's 101…
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Review from Daryl C.
El Segundo, CA
11/6/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I eat Greek maybe five times a year, so I am not a critic regarding what is better than somewhere else.
BUT, I can tell you for $7, I got a gryo that was twice, maybe three times larger than anywhere else I have eaten. I can also tell you it was good!
They also had a guitarist playing. What else ya want?
Next time, I'll probably skip the $2 canned soda and have water tho. I just hope next time is soon.
Also, tried a slice of pastrami in their grocery area - pretty good and only $6/lb !! -
Review from Brendan H.
West Hollywood, CA
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came to shop for groceries, but I just couldn't resist their spanakopitas and beer-- They are giant (the spanas), but not dense at all! They make for a great afternoon snack. You know, if you find yourself in the need for a 500-calorie snack. I left really wanting to dive into their menu, since so many Greek restaurants in L.A. are either a culinary bore or complete disappointment.
But seriously, folks. If you want insanely good feta cheese, this is the only place you can buy it from. It's also one of the few places where you can get your hands on Greek oregano, which is far more aromatic than the crap they sell in jars at grocery stores.
So in short, come for the delicious spanas. Stay for all the amazing stuff you'll want to play with in your own kitchen. -
Review from Stephanie L.
Long Beach, CA
1/20/2012
I've been going here since I was a wee one (that is, since my freshman year at USC) and have been a loyal customer since. Papa Cristo himself (Yes, he still works here and is THE friendlist guy you'll ever meet) is one of my favorite parts about this place. It wreaks of the home-y-ness and good hospitality of a family-owned restaurant and has a really AWESOME Greek deli adjoined where you can pick up bread, hummus, oils, a bottle of wine, or, if you can ditch the LA-inspired anorexia for just ONE moment - the AMAZING baklava!
Parking is in the back, go in through the back door, and through the deli.
Get a lamb gyro. And don't skip the carbs - the bread is great. -
Review from Freddy R.
North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2012
Good place, have been here twice already. Today we ordered the lamb souvlaki. It cam in two small skewers with three smal chunks of lamb on each with a coupe of small pieces of onion and gree pepper. The meat, veggie, and skewers could have been a little bigger. The roasted potatos were good as was the salad and pita. Value for the price, hmm, I think since the skewers were small it should have been $10.99 instead of the $12.99. Can of soda at $1.79 is high. Good place still, we'll be back.
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Review from Jessica K.
Los Angeles, CA
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
That check-in deal is money. You get 2 sandwiches, an appetizer, and two cups of wine for $20. Plus, if you come at the right time of day, a cute man will play some lovely guitar to liven the ambience.
Just get the lamb gyro. No questions asked, it's my favorite sandwich there, and while you're at it, get some extra tzatziki sauce ($.50). The lamb meat is so delicious, and they pack your pita with so much of it, pieces of meat just spill out. And the souvlaki is great. The portion is huge with four dense slices of fried yumminess. It's salty, and with their amazing pita, it's just a to-die-for snack. Don't forget the spanakopitas. I like to get them as an appetizer or to-go for the car ride home. Don't judge. I just like food that much. -
Review from Maria N.
Alhambra, CA
1/18/2012
I went today for lunch to this cute different restaurant.,they have the best Greek food i have ever eaten, They have a market, deli, and fresh bakery inside and a very good atmosphere Greek Style. They have a variety of dishes. The Gyros are huge and filling. You get samples of olives , wine , bread and dipping. Prices are reasonable and weekends have Greek music and a singer. On Thursdays evenings, they have Belly Dancers. I loved this place, definitely i will go back.
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Review from Alejandro G.
Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
11/14/2011
I've only actually sat down to eat there a couple of times in over ten years of frequenting Papa Cristo's, but I stop in and buy items at the Greek deli/market quite often.
I love lamb, let me get that out there first and foremost. And, you can buy marinated or unmarinated lamb shoulder chops at a fairly decent price per pound. More fresh than you'd find in your local supermarket, that's for sure, even though I'm certain they come in and are frozen. You can also buy lamb stewing meat and have them cube it for you.
Best tasting lamb in LA I've found.
The baguettes? The BEST ever. Every time I show up at a party or potluck with their baguettes people always rave. So, I know it's not just me.
Their Greek yogurt is so tasty, thick, and creamy it almost tastes like creme fraiche. You don't need to add any topping to their yogurt.
I always have the house Greek spices blend at home and sprinkle it on almost everything I make, when I'm not feeling that inspired.
Great Greek olive oil, decent Greek wines, and awesome ouzos. They have a great olive selection, and their deli meats are the similar to what you'd find in any other deli. I devour their Greek olive tapanade, which they label Olive Caviar. Spread some on their bread and you're in Greek heaven.
But most of all, I enjoy the mix of people at Papa Cristo's. There are Greeks, non-Greeks, Latinos from the neighborhood, and Africans from the Horn region buying items in the store. I'm intrigued with some of those Ethiopian food products they sell, but haven't figured out what to do with green coffee beans or the blood thing they sell. But, it's so cool that you can be in a store and hear English, Greek, Spanish, and Amharic all being spoken at the same time.
Opa!!! -
Review from Michael W.
La Verne, CA
I really like this place!
Its in a part of LA I like to call wishes it could be downtown LA (if you dont know LA thats sarcasm)
Its nothing to look at. A small place across from a Greek church in a strip mall
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
They have a amazing Yelp check in offer two sandwiches one appetizer and two glasses of wine for 20 bucks!
I got the lamb kabob sandwich
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I think they make their own pita because it was soft warm and awesome.
The lamb was juicy and melt in your mouth.
For the appetizer we got cheese and tomatoes.
Yes grilled cheese and tomatoes!
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Halfway through I decided to get rid of the tomatoes in my sandwich and replace it with ......both cheese and grilled tomatoes!
I'm a genius.Listed in: Best of L.A., Yelp Essentials, Yearning for Gyros
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Review from Justin F.
Los Angeles, CA
This place is OFFICIAL !
Everything here is delicious ! -
Review from Matthew K.
Venice, CA
11/8/2011
One Word Description: Gyro!
Pro:
Gyro
Fast
delicious
yogurt sauce
Papa Cristos
parking
Con:
a bit greasy
Gyros are great. I love stopping here when i go back and forth from Ktown to DTLA. You'll always find Papa Cristo walking around... can't miss him. I do love their gyros but it is greasier than others I've had, perhaps that's why it's good. Oh there is a parking lot in the back with valet service!
Price:less than $10 for lunch -
Review from Jc F.
Fullerton, CA
1/9/2012
I lived in Athens for a summer about 10 years ago and this is the closest i've come to Greece in LA. Everything is quite yummy and the staff is super nice. I recommend you come to this restaurant at least once if you are in Los Angeles or Socal for that matter.
Love it!
JC -
Review from TASTEITLA K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/6/2012
TASTE IT LA!!! There is a reason it has 4 1/2 stars on yelp. Its. That. Yum. http://tasteitla.blogs...
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Review from Katrina N.
Arcadia, CA
10/19/2011
Mom has known Cris, the owner, since the late 80s/early 90s when only the Bakery existed. We lived around the corner and my mom came here for bread, spreads, and olives. Prices are reasonable for lunch - I usually get the chicken gyro, and with the extra tzaziki sauce, you can't go wrong.
I still want to try the Thursday night dinners.
TIP: Get on the email listserv for coupons!
