Greek Islands Restaurant

I and my friend went to the restaurant yesterday. The foods were very delicious. I ate meatball and rice pilafi. it was very delicious. I couldn't eat dessert because portions were very big!
Be sure to try the restaurant.

Pros: very fast services

Cons: very crowded

Posted 08/07/09

When asked what was on the menu, the owner took my friends and I on a tour of the kitchen and probably would have let us sample, but we didn't ask. The service was outstanding. Drinks were refilled, bread basket was never empty, and the food. Absolutely delicious Greek food. The price was totally reasonable. For two people including appetizer and entree + soft drink, it was around $40. One of my favorite restaurants in the world. Not to be missed!

Posted 07/28/09

By far best rest in Greek Town

Service is excellent even during dinner rush on week ends

Food is flat out great, quality, taste, portions, selection, etc.
Wait staff so effecient you wonder how any rest can top

Cost of meal is same as an Outback, Fridays's but his place is better than Gibson's, Morton.s. Cap Grill in quality and tatse.

Words do not do this place justice.

You can take clients, kids, family, a date, etc to GI.

I travel and eat out every week and this is in my top ten rest list on any continent, country, city, town, etc

Fish, pork, chicken, soups, salads, especially beet salad are beyond words

This palce defines value for dollar

Pros: Fish, Pork, free valet park, salads, soups, service, wait staff

Cons: desserts are blahhhhhhhhhhhh, but who cares

Posted 10/28/08

Delicious food, excellent ambience. Prices were a little high, but honestly the food was superb - I had Veggie Mousaka and I hate aubergine, but it was outstanding. My husband ordered the Spanakopita and loved it. The waiters made us feel rushed and even though previous review had said the place was baby-friendly, I defintiely did not feel that way. Our waiter, Dmitri positively scowled at the baby and did not do anything to put us at ease. However, the food, like I said, was out of this world!

Pros: Food

Cons: Service

Posted 07/19/08

My native greek friend says this is her favorite restaurant outside of Greece. I have been here twice, and can't wait for the next time. It's a beautiful restaurant, has great food, and a lively atmosphere. I would definitely recommend going with family or a group of friends. They have large tables and easily accommodate everyone. The decor is gorgeous, but not overdone at all. You feel like you're right in Europe. Tables are perfectly spaced, but it isn't necessarily romantic, but it works well as a place for a date with good conversation. Great menu and great value for what you get!

Pros: Menu, food, atmosphere

Cons: Not right downtown

Posted 07/14/08

This was my 1st time to Greektown (Im from Florida) and I had read the good reviews of Greek Island. I have to say that they were correct. This is a very nice but casual restaurant. Was seated immediately. I ordered Dolmades, Tirokafteri for apps and the Village Salad with Grilled Chicken for the entree. Each of them were made to perfection. The flavors were so good that I could not help but over eat.... I ate almost everything that was put in front of me. The 2 mile walk there and back was worth every step!!!

The wait staff was a little slow but that kind of stuff does not bother me so to those that it does, slow down and enjoy life a little more.... You only get one shot so slow down and enjoy the experience. Overall I would have to say that this is a highly recommended place and this is from someone that is a pretty good cook and rather hard to please.

Posted 04/07/08

for your info (cause your doc dont know ****when you have h pylori
you have a stomach ulcer...Had it for belive it or not 25years... tell your
doctor to give you the miracle pills
called....PREV PACK in 15 days you will be free from h pylori..and in terms of GREEK ISLANDS dude they where closed for 13 Hours!! and re-opened..YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS: THEY STILL ARE THE CLEANEST DAM RESTAURANT IN THIS CITY...TELL ME DO YOU THINK THAT ANY RESTAURANT IN THIS NATION IS FREE OF ANY PESTS? GET REAL.....
IT DOES NOT TAKE A ROCKET SCIENTIST TO FIGURE THAT OUT!!!!!I WENT THERE AFTER THE 13TH HOUR AND THE PLACE WAS ROCKIN...THAT TELLS YOU SOMETHING....
TRUTH...AND LOYALTY..TO THERE COSTUMERS...NOW GO FIX YOUR ULCER..

Posted 04/05/08

I've been going to the Greek Islands along with most of the people I know, which is a lot, for over 20 years. I go to many others but this is one of my all-time favorites! As to the people who supposedly got sick, you got to be kidding. You probably got it from something you made at home earlier that day. The place is jam packed constantly and the food is fresh. Why is it that you were the only ones to get sick? I'll tell you why! You're looking for a settlement. Hmmm! Noone else has stepped forward! That's funny! If this was a common occurrence, or if it even happened at least once before in the past 20 years, I would have known and perhaps been inclined to believe you. Your looking for a scape goat to get a frivolous law suit. that's all! This is a top shelf restaurant!

Pros: Great food & atmosphere!

Cons: Sometimes waiting in line because no one is in a hurry to leave.

Posted 04/03/08

when in chicago i will always go to the greek islands restaurant. no matte what we order from salads to chicken to ribs its great tasting. the service is great the waiters on top of things. i recomend it to all my friends that visit chicago. go to the greek islands for home cooking for delicious food.
rita molfetas
fort lauderdale

Pros: service, parking , atmosphere

Cons: none

Posted 04/03/08

In response to the so called "I got sick and so did my family" person. I have been going to the Greek Islands for as long as they have been open and never once experienced a bad or unhealthy meal. The only thing that my family and I do experience, is a wait. Which is expected from a very successful restaurant. It tells me something. The food is good and well worth the wait. If so many people did not also believe that, I guess there would not be a wait. Even during the week you will find people waiting to eat there! I think that you are out to make a fast buck and that is why you choose the most popular restaurant in Greektown. You should be ashamed of yourself. Do not worry tho, you are not the first to try this, and I am sure that you will not be the last. You say your Greek, big deal who cares. What does that have to do with anything? If I were you, I would be embarrassed to admit it! I suggest that you get a real job and also trying using spell check. That is free!

Pros: Best Place In Greektown!

Cons: None

Posted 04/03/08

Well...Just Finished a Awesome Dinner at This Restaurant..the food was amazing,the service was top notch,the prices will bring me back here again...think about this...there is a reason its called:THE MOST POPULAR GREEK RESTAURANT IN AMARICA....and as you Greeks say: BRAVO!!!... KEEP UP THE GOOD
WORK!

Posted 04/03/08

I want to say something in responce to the so called family that got sick .... I happen to know they are trying to make a dollar out of this little charade of thiers ...and that they are not in the illness they claim to be ..... they are trying to destroy a reputable restaurant so they might get a settlement and they say they are greek hah... please... I eat there at least 6 time a week and I tell you I am healthy and the food is always good and fresh for crying out load they are always running out of food every day how could it not be fresh daily.........................

Posted 04/03/08

Illness is nothing to joke about even as ridiculous as it seems. I have already lost over 15 pounds and can only dream of the next time I can eat saganaki. The sad part of this whole situation even worse than my close call to demise is that ignorance can motivate and persuade more than the truth. Does it really take every person served being infected severely, to convince someone there could exist a problem? I am very glad the healt. departmen. thinks otherwise. It is dangerous to be shut down for health reasons and only done so in severe conditions. However I would believe it is equally dangerous to disregard such an obvious violation, when the result is my condition. I also am not only offended that one would question the origins and culture of any individuals to whom they are completely unaware for no reason, but that it is done so influentially. I hope no one looks to you for guidance and learns your corrupt judgemental mindset because America could very well be a different place as a result. You are right to think and hope America would be a different place if you did not have people constantly creating illnesses for money. Assuming because someone claims they are sick as a result of a certain location, does not mean they were at all resonsible for the closure or want money. It could be possible they just want to make their situation available to peoples interested in searching the subject and might care for their well being. I know if I never saw both sides of the story I would probably not take this situation seriously. I cannot constantly argue over something that you will never understand since you are lucky. I can never combat your claims until I seem credible and it is sad that the Internet has come to this point. I hope the Greek islands learns form their well documented mistakes permanently, and continues to thrive for years so I can take my future children to experience amazing authentic Greek cuisine as I had been taught as a child. Regards

Pros: Great atmosphere

Cons: YOU MAY GET INFECTED!

Posted 04/02/08

Greek Island's is a lively place to have dinner with the family or a special date.
i very much enjoyed the experience of the place. the atmosphere was incredible and the food was even better. i myself don't enjoy Greek food but after my visit to Greek Island i changed my mind.
i really liked how they set the cheese on fire it gave it a nice smokey taste too it.
i also tried the dessert that was like mondern day boclava and it was absolutly decitive.
i would recommend this place to everyone.

Posted 03/27/08

I went there for lunch to celebrate my birthday with my aunt .It was my second time in this restaurant. The food was good but the service was horrible this time. The waiter talked during my entered meal and when I had finished my meal the waiter took my fork and turn my piece of lamb over and He said "look there is more meat on it". It was the worst experience that ever happen to me in a restaurant in my life. Also the other servers must be more respectful of the customers.

Pros: good food

Cons: bad service

Posted 01/12/08

In a town where the standard is high for good Greek food, Greek Islands stands out. An army of young male servers hustle all around you with the quickest service I have ever seen. The lobby is almost always full with folks wating for a table but they call your name amazingly quickly. Their dolmades are the best in town and their avgalomono soup comes out piping hot, rich in chicken flavor with a lemony zing. Meat dishes are huge and cooked to perfection. The service is so fast that the meat will be sizzling as it arrives at your table. Very few have room for dessert here but the desserts are made in house and should not be missed. Good wine list with many Greek and domestic selections by the glass.

Pros: Incredibly fast service; Dolmades; Lamb; Desserts.

Cons: Short wait.

Posted 11/06/07

UPDATE: Normally, I have no problems with this place until when I stopped in on 1/12. Right off the bat, I sensed that my server had some attitude problem as if he didn't want to be there. He didn't greet me hello or mention his name, just said "What do you want to drink", and disappeared for 5 minutes. i asked to have the special which he told me they were out of, which was fine. But then played a "game" or 'yes we have it...no we don't have it". I settled with another dish in which took forever and in the end he brought out the wrong one which cost me to wait even more. Although he tried to act polite after all that, I was already dissatisfied with the day's service. WHAT HAPPENED?!?!

REVIEW: I frequently go to Greektown every weekend mainly because one of my dance studios is located there. So after a quick workout and with time to spare, I like to sit, relax, and eat. But there are a HANDFUL of Greek restaurants going up Halsted Avenue all claiming to be THEE top restaurant. I'm sure the Greek community all support each other in every way despite the everyday competition of who gets the most customers. Each restaurant on and around Halsted has something special that, for me, sticks out. In the case of Greek Islands, it's Family Dining. Every time I walk to the restaurant I see families walking in and out in flocks, always in a happy mood. Sure, any restaurant can claim the same, but there's something about this specific restaurant that I give it possibly the most points for Family restaurant. Personally, I can not judge the food on its own since pratically EVERY Greek restaurant I've visited makes it the same way. And yes, Rachael Ray did feature this restaurant on one of her many shows on Food Network (however, the dish she tried doesn't exist on the menu whenever I go) but I bet she would say the same thing about the food itself if she went somewhere else. So go anywhere for the food, come here for the Family experience.

Pros: Family/Group dining, emphasis on seafood, Food Network recognized, valet

Cons: may have to reserve for larger groups (over 10 people), street parking

Posted 10/01/07

It had been a while since I have been to the Island--I love the Parthonon and always have great food there--but there is an excellent waiter who I met in Tarpon Springs and he moved to Chicago and works at Greek Islands--his name is Moskos and is an excellent server--being Greek I have been to hundreds of Greek restaurants--I now will add Greek Islands to my outstanding list--braised lamb ,spinaich and rice,saganaki,horta and good wines served my wife and I a fine meal--the lamb was tender and very well cooked--I will return in August

Pros: great food(lamb)great service(Moskos)greay ambience

Cons: none

Posted 07/13/07

Excellent food, generous portions, nicely priced. Great atmosphere, reminds me of a big family gathering.

Posted 11/15/06

My family and I have been going to Greek Islands for years. We just love the food. I love their gyros and their stuffed tomatoes. They have free valet parking too

Pros: Great food and free valet parking

Posted 11/12/06

From 2000 miles away my mouth waters thinking about the many meals I shared at Greek Islands. Faves include the tzatziki and vegetable dishes, along with the flaming cheese, a delight each time to see and savor. Many of those meals were shared with my mother, Diane, on my annual pilgrimages to Chicago, beginning in my college days, spreading wings out into the world, in all seasons, trudging through the snow, or heat of summer, and throughout life. And in Diane's winter years, even with failing health, we could always count on a good meal and warm greeting from the staff at Greek Islands. My mother is gone now, but the memories of our meals together remain. It was our ritual, our treat, and our legacy. Thank you, Greek Islands, on behalf of my mother Diane, and myself. Sincerely, Shar Carlyle

Posted 09/03/06

three words: too much hype. sure, the pork i ordered was very tender and tasty, but the hour wait after arriving at 8:30 pm ruined it. the ambience was delightful, however, but the restaurant was entirely too loud. menu also a bit disappointing. honestly, we have better greek food back home in buffalo.

Posted 05/12/06

The food at this joint is authentic. We had the grilled octopus appetizer and it was cooked and seasoned to perfection! It was chewy without being rubbery, and was grilled very well. My companion's special, Spartan pork chops, was topped with a stewy sauce that he enjoyed. I had the combination plate that included some typical Greek fare such as stuffed grapeleaf and lamb meatballs. The cinammon rice pudding dessert was a perfect ending to our meal: light and not overly sweet. However, the service here was lacking. The waiter asked for our drink order even before we were able to take our coats off or to sit and look at the menu. He then hovered around the area and returned in 5-minute intervals to take orders when we weren't ready. I felt very rushed. Still, other than the service, this place serves great Greek food and I will return.

Pros: Delicious Greek food, Free valet parking, Nice ambiance

Cons: Rushed service

Posted 04/20/06

I have lived in chicago for 12 years and have had the opportunity to visit most of the restaurants on halsted throughout the years. for the last 5 years i will only go to the greek islands for the best value and consistency.they are by far, the best in greek town!their red snapper is very reasonably priced and so fresh, and their lamb chops are divine! their gyros is so tasty and i was recently told by our waiter they are the only greek restaurant to make their own gyros.

Pros: great food, cheap, ambience

Cons: very busy weekends

Posted 06/15/05

I had lunch at this restaurant recently and I must say that I was not very impressed at all. The waiter was too hurried and mad us feel rushed and did not have a good enough knowledge of the food. I ordered two different types of lamb which was supposed to come seasoned but tasted very bland!! I was only given one potato (although it was good) but not enough. For dessert I had a nut cake which seemed to come straight out of a very cold fridge as it was very firm, and it tasted old.
All in all not a great experience but maybe I ordered the wrong dishes.

Posted 12/31/03

Just went to Greek Islands last weekend before the Nutcracker. Let me tell you, this was the best greek restaurant i've been to. We were faithful to Pegasus, but no more. The ambience is the best in greek town. Had the best lamp chops here too. Everything done perfect. (sorry about the 2nd grade sentences, just wanted to write something real quick)

Posted 12/25/03

My SO and I have been on a hunt for the best Greek restaurant in Greektown, and I have to reluctantly agree that the food here is the best. It is fresh--the spinach in the spanakopita even tasted fresh. The retsina was oddly more floral than I've had before, but without being sweet. HOWEVER, our server was supercilious and even dropped a flaming plate of saganaki a foot away from my friend without apologizing for the near disaster. For friendlier service and decent but not necessarily phenomenal food, Rodditys is better.

Pros: fresh food, good retsina

Cons: smoking diners in NS, annoying waiter

Posted 06/05/03

There's a reason the Greeks eat at the Greek Islands. I've never had better in Greektown. Set in this charming neihborhood, it's like a jewel of a restaurant. When I want my out-of town guests to have Greek food, they come here. The environment is festive and loud (these ARE Greeks), and your wait might be considerable, but it's very, VERY worth it. The lamb just melts in one's mouth, everything is spiced to perfection, and the saganaki (flambeed cheese--OPA!) is always popular. Like garlic? Try the skordalia--you won't regret it. Overall, a spectacular place for a good night of eating.

Pros: excellent cuisine, great for groups, food for everyone

Cons: considerable wait

Posted 06/04/03

I love this place! The food was delicious, service excellant, and the atmosphere lovely. This place is great for a first date, or just to grab something to eat. I recommend this place to everyone, and once you have been here you will too.

Posted 01/04/03

Been going here for years! Our favorite in Greek Town. Greek combination platters are the best- especially if you can't make up your mind! Service is fast and skillful.

Posted 09/04/02

Old and traditional, but a new and fun taste to many! Say Greek food and wonder, but just one meal at Greek Islands and your taste buds scream for more, and your wallet won't mind! From the bold appertizers such as the mouth warming Skordalia to the delicious dinner entree's. Palet pleasing and authentic, a taste unlike any other, not to mention fresh. No doubt you know they use the freshest ingredients. Authenticity comes through in everyway. Flaming Saganaki: truly entertaining. A Laugh, a great meal, and a joy to your tastebuds. Oopa, forget desert? Fresh and Aunthentic as the main course, Creme's, custards, cakes, will surely top off the wonderful experience. Try the Greek Coffee, bold, a fortune and future in every cup. Ask a Greek waiters to explain! Go have a great time at Greek Islands, a world away, just minutes away!

Pros: Excellent Value, Great Atmosphere, Fantastic Food

Cons: Semi-Difficult/ park, Long waits/ weekend

Posted 08/06/02

Since moving here 8 years ago from the west coast, it's been difficult at even the most touted "sea food" places to find Shrimp w/the taste and texture that is truely FRESH.... Greek Islands does it every time!!! Bravo

Posted 08/03/02