Greek restaurants in Alameda share certain hallmarks: generous portions, lemon-drenched sides, and dishes worth savoring like every cherished memory. The truly exceptional ones make even seasoned souvlaki lovers feel they’re tasting it anew. In a town brimming with options, knowing which tavernas serve plates worth the pilgrimage can be elusive. That’s precisely why we crafted this guide.
Ikaros Greek Restaurant (Takeout & Catering)
$$ | (510) 899-4400 | WEBSITE
Despite the name, Ikaros Greek Restaurant isn’t all about the takeout and catering. Everything the Greek spot makes is pretty great. From the excellent sides like the particularly flavorful potatoes to the various dishes (go for the Gyro Stacker) and loaded House Salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, red onions, and Kalamata olives, it’s all going to make you feel like you’ve been doing this meal thing all wrong.
Of course, all of the Greek classics are fantastic, but it’s the tender lamb and beef Gyro Sandwich served on pita with tomatoes, red onions, and tzatziki that has us ordering again. They’re only open for takeout and delivery at the Adeline Food Hall now, with no dining room or table service, so plan ahead to leave with something you’ll be talking about tomorrow.
Athenian Cafe
$ | (510) 817-4737 | WEBSITE
Step into this Greek cafe in Alameda around lunchtime and you may discover that half the neighborhood has already claimed all the gyro plates from the kitchen. Don’t let this happen. If it does, have no worry—Athenian Cafe also serves excellent mazza plate samplers as well as refreshing cucumber salads. Stop by when you want traditional tea in the afternoon, or on a weekday for their popular gyro meat dishes with generous portions.
Troy
$ | (510) 559-8769 | WEBSITE
There’s a ton of great Greek food in Alameda, and Troy is up there among the best. The casual spot is simple, but it’s a great place to grab some quick take-out or a gyro platter after work. Our favorites here are the signature Gyros Wrap and the fried zucchini, but you can pick a bunch of different things like Pastitsio or Moussaka and get them all served with friendly, helpful service.
The homemade spicy sauce adds a nice kick, and the prices are reasonable for the area, making it solid value for money even if the atmosphere isn’t fancy.
Wally’s Cafe (Emeryville)
$ | (510) 597-1303 | WEBSITE
Although it’s one of the best Greek spots in the area, there’s never a crowd at Wally’s Cafe in Emeryville. This means you’ll feel like you discovered a hidden gem when you come in for the combo plate with beef and chicken or the falafel and lentil soup. You can always count on this place for generous portions that are well-seasoned—which is even better as leftovers for two more meals at around $25—so it has a savory, satisfying punch to each bite.
You’ll encounter regulars who’ve been here three times this week and friends chatting in the small space while they wait for their takeout orders.
The Park Street Tavern
$$ | (510) 671-2867 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you find yourself craving that first bite of spanakopita all afternoon, or imagining the perfect martini while stuck in traffic. The Park Street Tavern, an upscale Greek spot in Alameda, has us fantasizing about both of these, as well as a filet mignon cooked to tender perfection and seasoned just right. This is also a fantastic place to unwind with a cocktail and enjoy the lively atmosphere since they have a popular bar area where you can order food.
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen
$$ | (510) 850-5020 | WEBSITE
This Alameda restaurant is where you go for classics like bell falafel and fluffy rice pilaf, as well as Adana kebap wraps. It’s one of the best Greek spots in the Bay Area. The BYOB has lots of large wooden tables, so it’s an easy place to walk in with a few friends at the last minute, pass around some wine, and share plates of flaming cheese. While there are lots of dishes on the menu, they have our favorite lamb shank in the city.
The tender braised meat falls off the bone, served with couscous or eggplant for a comforting blend of savory and rich. Since they’re often busy, it’s a good solution after a day at the beach or when you realize you have nothing to eat at 8pm and need some reliable Mediterranean comfort food.
Nick The Greek Berkeley
$ | (510) 570-2930 | WEBSITE
One bite into the gyro bowl at Nick The Greek Berkeley has us feeling better than a surprise day off. The bowl comes piled high with lamb and beef and has a savory, charred flavor highlighted by fresh tzatziki. And it isn’t the only generous thing on the Greek spot’s menu. The Berkeley restaurant has hummus with pita and chicken skewers that can be shared around the table with a big group, and they even have wraps for when nobody wants to cook on a busy weeknight.
ALA Mediterranean Grill & Mezzes
$$ | (510) 263-8226 | WEBSITE
The line outside ALA Mediterranean Grill & Mezzes on a Friday evening rivals the one at the local farmers market on opening day. Once you make it inside, though, be sure to order the lamb burger with fries and a side of the Shepard salad. The lamb burger has a subtle smokiness from the grill and a hint of earthiness from the herbs and spices they blend in.
As for the Shepard salad, it’s bursting with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing—we’re making it our mission to decode the exact herb combination. Until then, we can tell you that this refreshing, vibrant dish has us crossing the bridge from Oakland anytime we crave it.