Top Gyros In Denver
(credit: Axios Estiatorio)
There are a lot of amazing Greek restaurants in Denver, thanks to the large Greek population and the many families serving up their own classic recipes that have been handed down through generations. One of the best and most familiar Greek foods to enjoy is the gryo, a dish of roasted meat, usually lamb and beef, though sometimes made with chicken or pork, that has been roasted on a vertical spit. The meat is sliced thin and usually served with tomatoes and onions and a side of tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumbers, dill and spices). It's a simple meal, usually very inexpensive, but packed with tons of flavor, and it's the perfect way to introduce Greek cuisine to anyone who has never tried it before. If you're looking for the best gyros in Denver, here are the restaurants you simply have to visit.
Pete's Gyros Place
2819 E. Colfax
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 321-9658
www.petesrestaurantstoo.com
When it comes to Greek food in Denver, Pete's Gyros Place is at the top of the pack. This small diner is here to serve up your favorite meat several different ways. The classic gyro sandwich is served with all the trimmings you'd expect of the traditional meal, in a pita with onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce, or you can opt for the gyros plate for a larger portion. There is also the Gryos Greek style that comes with a classic Greek salad and a large portion of the flavorful meat. If you can't decide, then opt for the Greek sampler for a taste of gyro with souvlaki or chicken kabob and all the trimmings. This neighborhood favorite is always packed, and one bite of the delicious food will explain just why that is.
Yanni's
5425 Landmark Place
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(303) 692-0404
www.yannisdenver.com
Yanni's is the kind of restaurant that you'll want to take your whole family to. Enjoy large family-style plates of classic Greek cuisine, sip a glass of wine and sample all the amazing cuisine at this family-owned local gem. The traditional gyro plate is served with the familiar tomatoes and onions with a toasted pita and house-made tzatziki sauce, and you can order it regular or with double meat. It's packed with flavor and cooked to perfection with just the right blend of lamb and beef. Finish off your Greek meal with some incredible baklava ice cream or traditional baklava and you have the perfect evening out with your whole family.
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Axios Estiatorio
3901 Tennyson St
Denver, CO 80212
(720) 328-2225
www.axiosdenver.com
Axios Estiatorio is the third restaurant that owner Telly Topakas has opened in Denver, showing off his Greek heritage with a modern twist. Since 2011, Axios has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, with Topakas' family recipes that have been perfect through generations. It's the sister restaurant of Jake and Telly's Greek Taverna in Colorado Springs, which has served up the best Greek food in the Springs since 1997. Enjoy a classic and very flavorful gyro sandwich with toasted pita, tomato, onion and tzatziki and you'll see why this restaurant is known for some of the best gyro meat in town. There is even a smaller mini version for the kids, so you can bring the whole family down to enjoy this classic Greek staple. Finish off the meal with some homemade baklava or bougatsa with baklava ice cream and you may never want to eat at another restaurant again.
Café Byblos
400 Corona St
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 777-7553
www.0369b08.netsolhost.com
For classic Mediterranean food in a lovely and comfortable environment, you'll love Café Byblos. This warm, family-friendly eatery not only offers lots of classic Mediterranean dishes, but also offers some beautiful paintings on the walls by local artist Abbas Khajeaian. The bright colors and active patterns create the perfect background for a memorable meal at Café Byblos. Start off your meal with some traditional Greek small plates like dolmades, hummus or falafel, then it's on to the main course. The gyro is a delicious blend of meats, served with all the tzatziki you could want. Get it as a plate or in a sandwich with toasted pita and you'll have everything you need for an amazingly delicious Greek meal.
Related: Top Mediterranean Food In Denver
Jerusalem Restaurant
1890 East Evans
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-8828
www.jerusalemrestaurant.com
Anyone that has been searching for amazing food late at night in Denver has already been to Jerusalem Restaurant in the University of Denver neighborhood. This hot spot is open until the early hours of the morning, making it a late-night favorite for the after-bar hours or anyone up late into the night. There is a huge variety of different Mediterranean foods to try and just about everything is fantastic. The gyro plate is packed with flavor with all the classic Mediterranean spices you would want. You can also try something different here with the chicken gyro, made with the same traditional spices but rotisserie-broiled chicken instead of the usual lamb and beef. If you've never been to Jerusalem Restaurant, you are missing out one of the best late-night options in Denver, so head over to the University of Denver neighborhood and try this spot today.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
