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Gyros and Greek Food?

Hi,
I'd really love to surprise my bf by taking him out for some Greek food, especially Gyros. He loves them the most when they're sloppy and loaded with sauce. Anyhow, he was pining the other day for some good old Greek like he used to get back home (we're transplants). Thanks for your help!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Aly Sanchez on July 15, 2010 at 11:45am

Interesting. I haven't been to Olympia since the change in ownership so I can't attest to current quality. While Olympia wouldn't be my choice for the best Greek, it is/was for sloppy gyros. The ones I've had at other local places (Yanni's, Yasmine's, Gyro's, Cesar's, that little store on Wyoming, etc.) don't quite do that drippy gut-busting thing the (old) Olympia ones did.

Permalink Reply by Phil_0 on July 15, 2010 at 4:41pm

You're thinking of Cafe Istanbul. Like Yasmine's, it's a predominantly Middle Eastern restaurant run by Palestinians...

Permalink Reply by Ron Da Bomb on July 27, 2010 at 1:43pm

juniper berri, Wyo/Menaul is Cafe Istanbul, right? I like that place! Make some extra time to browse the aisles for all sorts of interesting things. Like Turkish Delight...

Permalink Reply by juniper berri on July 28, 2010 at 11:03am

Yes sir- that is the place! Years ago they considered relocating closer to Nob Hill (I used my best convincing skills to assist with this contemplative option, to no avail) Now I live downtown and get over there even less ;[ .
It is so good. Mm~ Next time I'll be sure to bring a bag and do some special grocery shopping after lunch.

Permalink Reply by once banned twice shy on July 15, 2010 at 2:30pm

Yes, Olympia is owned by Palestinians now. Just a fun fact to know...

Permalink Reply by slide on July 25, 2010 at 10:16am

Yeah, I remember Koury's with great fondness. The owner closed down because the shopping center wouldn't renew his lease. The reason the owner gave me was because the center didn't want a restaurant there. I don't understand why a restaurant is a bad tenant but then again, I'm not a landlord.

I sort of figured the place would start up again somewhere, but AFAIK, it never has.

Permalink Reply by Rochelle Kremer on July 15, 2010 at 6:58pm

Wow! Thanks for all the great replies! After reading through them I've made up my mind to try Olympia first - mostly because of these words: sloppy, stuffed, super-sinful, and zesty. Lol. And as we're not really upscale kind of folks I think it'll do just fine :) I'll be sure to let you all know how it turns out!

Permalink Reply by jen-E on July 17, 2010 at 9:13pm

It's not really a place for sloppy gyros, but since other Middle Eastern restaurants were mentioned, I thought I would recommend Sahara. I like the chicken shawarma, and I LOVE the malfoof (lamb stuffed cabbage) which is unfortunately only offered as a special. I prefer the falafel from Cafe Istanbul, but Sahara's is pretty good.

Permalink Reply by Rochelle Kremer on July 17, 2010 at 9:44pm

Thanks! The malfoof sounds really good.

Permalink Reply by Barelas Babe on July 25, 2010 at 3:21pm

Completely agree on Sahara! Delicious food and great service (possibly improved by a brief conversation in my mangled Arabic about ancestral ties to the Middle East).

Permalink Reply by Kelly on July 26, 2010 at 9:10am