Taverna Tony – Malibu, CA: Perhaps you’ve seen it on television, as it has hosted celebrities and the like. Taverna Tony has a fantastic patio which gives you an outdoor dining experience that is reminiscent of being back in Greece. With traditional recipes, the restaurant even states on its website that they “carefully source only the freshest ingredients and bake our home-made bread daily.” TripAdvisor awarded the restaurant a Certificate of Excellence, and its been reviewed by some of the most notables: Vanity Fair and People For more information, visit www.tavernatony.com. PHOTO BY Z. BENNETT
Evvia – Palo Alto, CA: Sister restaurant to the famed Kokkari Estiatorio in San Francisco, Evvia is just a tad further inland, located in scenic Palo Alto. Evvia has dishes different from Kokkari. Though if Kokkari is one of your favorites and you’re going to try Evvia, you can find a few of the same dishes there too! Stepping into Evvia, you immediately feel a mix of homey rustic, elegance. The décor boasts beautiful, copper pans hanging. Long wooden tables can host a number of guests. Roaring fireplace. A quaint and cozy bar takes space in the back corner of the restaurant, if you’re looking to have mezethes, drinks, and dessert, a perfect place to sit. For more information, visit evvia.net.
Plaka Estiatorio – Seattle, WA: Paying homage to the Plaka in Greece, Plaka Estiatorio aims to bring the feel of the Plaka to Seattle. With a menu of favorite traditional items including briam, taramosalata, horta, paithaikia, and much more, there’s something for everyone who loves the range of Greek delicacies. Plaka Estiatorio also has an extensive list of wines, and in keeping with tradition, Retsina! In 2011, the restaurant was awarded “Best Greek” in the Seattle Weekly. For more information, visit plakaballard.com.
Eleni’s Philoxenia – Portland, OR: Similar to Taverna Tony, Eleni’s Philoxenia in Portland is committed to serving the freshest, and healthiest, ingredients such as organics and meats without hormones. Upon first visiting their website, you’re reminded that philoxenia means hospitality. What a fitting name for a Greek restaurant! They’ve won several awards including, Diner’s Choice from OpenTable. The restaurant also offers a Happy Hour menu from 5-7 p.m., Tuesdays-Fridays and Sundays. For more information, visit elenisrestaurant.com.
Estiatorio Milos – Las Vegas, NV: If you’re looking for a restaurant in the heart of glitz and glam, Estiatorio Milos is the right pick. Located in the Entertainment Capital of the World (Las Vegas, Nevada), the restaurant is inside The Cosmopolitan; which is very well known for the gorgeous bar and lounge, “The Chandelier.” Estiatorio Milos was founded by world-renowned Chef Costas Spiliadis. The restaurant has become a top choice as there are also locations in Athens, London, Miami, Montreal, New York, and two yacht experiences: Milos at Sea and Milos Motor Yacht. For information on the Las Vegas location visit, cosmopolitanlasvegas.com /restaurants/estiatorio-milos. For info on the other venues, visit: milos.ca/restaurants.
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