Souvlaki GR – Lower East Side
Greek restaurant · Lower East Side ·
Dips, pitas, skewers, and Greek wine in island-themed setting
Dips, pitas, skewers, and Greek wine in island-themed setting
"Souvlaki GR is where you go when you want to feel like an extra on the set of the latest Mamma Mia! sequel. Get their $24 dip trio—any of their seven spreads are a good choice, but the tyrokafteri should be your main priority. The trio comes with a heaping pile of warm pita, and you can add on another small round of any dip for just $3." - will hartman, willa moore, ciera velarde, sonal shah
"It’s obvious you’re about to have a fun time at Souvlaki GR on the Lower East Side before you even step foot inside. A blue-and-white facade that looks like a set from the latest Mamma Mia! sequel greets you, and on weekend nights, the roar of groups catching up over dips and $40 bottles of wine often spills out to the street. The tiny tables are packed so close together, you’re liable to knock elbows with your neighbors, but that’s just the charm of this Greek spot. Despite its small dining room, it’s always easy to get a reservation here, and walk-ins are seated fast. Everything on their menu is consistently good and comes in massive portions, but your best bet is to order one of their pitas that’s stuffed with grilled meat, vegetables, and fries. Food Rundown Mezedes You could come to Souvlaki GR just eat their dips and spreads and leave 100% satisfied. And we actively encourage that. The best way to sample as many as possible is their $24 dip trio. Pick three out of the seven dips—make sure the chunky, slightly spicy tyrokafteri is part of that selection. photo credit: Ciera Velarde Kolokithokeftedes These zucchini croquettes are a solid appetizer, but we just wish they were a little more crispy. You only get five, and they’re pretty small, so prioritize the dips over this, especially if you’re dining with a big group. photo credit: Ciera Velarde Souvlaki Pita Tylikto Our favorite main course option. You choose your grilled protein (or just vegetables) and whether you want tzatziki or spicy feta slathered inside. It’s filling, affordable at just around $10, and the meat is always perfectly charred. photo credit: Ciera Velarde Handcut Greek Fries You could get these without the feta and oregano sprinkled on top, but that’s the wrong choice. Always order a platter to share, and feel free to dig in with a fork. It’s the best way to ensure a perfect fry-to-cheese ratio in every bite. photo credit: Ciera Velarde" - Ciera Velarde
"The taramosalata at Souvlaki GR should come with two little yellow strips of mouth caution tape for after you eat it (it’s intensely fishy, amazing, and we think about it all the time). Aside from the fish dip, we rely on the Greek wraps and other mezzes at this place for a quick and inexpensive meal that’s consistently good." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, neha talreja, carina finn koeppicus
"The Lower East Side, Midtown, and Midtown East locations of this Greek spot are doing takeout and delivery right now, which means a feast of spanakopita, greek salad, and meat skewers are just a few clicks away." - hannah albertine, nikko duren, bryan kim, arden shore, matt tervooren
"Souvlaki GR feels like the kind of casual spot you might stumble into after a run along the coast in Greece, and the white-walled space with hanging lights and flowers is a nice place to eat salads, dips, and various types of skewers after a run. In fact, when you dip a bifteki skewer or pita with Greek sausage in tzatziki here, you might mistake the rumbling J train for a herd of sheep on the Greek countryside. Well, no it won’t, but you get the idea." - matt tervooren
