Opa! (and yum)

Kate Johnson

November 07, 2007 by Kate Johnson | Staff

0 votes

Family-owned and -operated Greek Islands Restaurant has been near Downtown Indy since 1987. The founders, the Stergiopouloses, passed the love of their homeland and homemade food on to their children, and also to those who dine at the blue-and-white building on South Meridian Street.

The mood

The one-room restaurant has a quaint feeling, rather like your grandmother's kitchen, with framed photos, festive music in the background and warm colors on the walls.

Upon entering and being seated, we were immediately introduced to a flaming appetizer, saganaki. A large slice of graviera cheese was lit at the table, with a shout of "Opa!" It was extinguished with a squeeze of lemon juice and placed before us, along with pita bread.

In one word, the service was flighty. Our server was nice, and informative, but would arrive at our table only to immediately run off for something else.

The food

The "lunch" menu looks more like dinner, with portions to match. Sandwiches, like the souvlaki or pita, come with the side of the day. Other entrees, such as moussaka and pasticchio, are served up with a side or Greek salad.

I was craving spanakotiropita (or, what I call spanakopita) -- just a little taste of that flaky spinach and cheese pastry. The entrée option was too large, and the appetizer portion was even bigger! Our accommodating server put just one in the oven, for Jen and me to split ($1.78). Delish!

My companion chose the traditional gyro, served open-faced and heaped with onions, tomatoes and refreshing tzaziki ($5.95). On the side were two potato wedges. Not just any old taters, mind you. These were prepped by soaking in olive oil, butter and herbs. As our server said, she's never met anyone who didn't love them -- we were no different.

Chicken souvlaki or aspro fileto (tilapia)? A difficult decision. For some reason, I, who don't like seafood, ordered that fish, and it was fantastic. The filet, baked in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and oregano, was placed atop rice pilaf. The rice was rather dry, but I also received green beans and those famous potatoes ($8.95).

To top off a satisfying meal, we ordered baklava -- a perfect treat ($4 for two orders). The phyllo, walnuts and cinnamon spice combo, covered in honey syrup, was fresh and tasty.

The drinks

Two waters, free of charge -- we had to save the dinero for the heavenly food.

The damage: $22.33

Jen and I truly enjoyed our time at Greek Islands and, based on the capacity, so do many others. It's hard to beat authentic cuisine, and for a tad over $20, we got it all: appetizer, entrée and dessert.

If you're in the area for dinner, and the flaming cheese isn't enough to keep your attention, belly dancers on Friday and Saturday nights also entertain.

Forum: Restaurants & Dining

Tags: 

greek, Mediterranean, opa!

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