It’s All Greek to Me

Reviews

• Elaine D.

  star star star star star 15 July 2026

  It was our (mine and my boyfriend's) first visit. We walked in, not sure if we were supposed to sit down, wait to be directed to a table, or go up to the counter. The chef (whom I also assume as the owner) told us to sit anywhere we'd like. The waitress came by and took our drink order. She checked on us throughout our meal. We ordered the hummus for an appetizer and two gyros. Everything was amazing. I felt like I was back in Europe walking on cobblestone streets sharing a gyro with my boyfriend.
  
  It's definitely a hole in the wall that if you blink, you'll miss it. But if you do see it, go inside and feel like you're at a Greek family member's house for dinner. You won't regret it at all.
  
  Throughout our meal, it wasn't just our waitress who checked on us. The chef/owner also asked us how we were enjoying our meal and what we thought. After we paid for our check and got up to leave, he told us to wait. He offered us a piece of baklava.
  
  Even though it was our first visit, we already felt like family. I'm sure we'll be back soon.

• Cassie J.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 12 July 2026

  First time here. It was dinner time and was completely empty which should have been my first clue. Gyro meat was dry and completely unappetizing. Took it to go, otherwise absolutely would have asked for fresher slices. Feta on the salad was slimy and cheap tasting, tomatoes weren't fresh. Spanakopita was deep fried and soggy. So very awful.
  
  Overall, not a good experience. Will not return.

• Nina E.

  star star star star star 9 July 2026

  Missed when this restaurant was open prior, so was glad to see it reopened. This is our second time back and enjoyed all the food once again.
  
  The atmosphere is great and felt welcoming right away. Very accommodating and friendly service for sure! The owner makes you feel like he's known you for a long time. I loved that he could make you feel comfortable and was personable. We silk continue to return in the future due to great food and great staff.

• J David H.

  star star star star star_border 30 June 2026

  It's "All Greek to Me" is reinventing themselves and brand of Greek offerings again. For over 20 years the restauranteur has operated eateries to showcase his homeland food and even a breakfast joint that operated on the boulevard as "Elias".
  
  The location of his new venture relocated just down the road from the previous around three miles and into Pembroke Meadows strip with Cinema Cafe. According to owner Elias the move was done for a few reasons. The traffic he was getting at the space now occupied by Anchors Allies was not cutting it. He also had health issues to address and the timing was right to take a break and downsize his menu at a new Greek joint. So after an absence of over three years the Greek Virginia Beach business man opened his latest edition in the Fall of 2018.
  
  Surface parking is directly in front of the business. I found the lot and walk up tidy. The big blue signage is excellent and I wonder if transplanted from his previous.
  
  My visit on a weekday around 1230 found a clean and comfortable dining room with ample amount of available tables to choose from. Generic wall hangings from Greece offer a bit of ambiance to an otherwise drab gray walls. Dessert offerings are in a front case and feature house Baklava. An open kitchen provides diners an opportunity to watch Elias create his native dishes. You will find a traditional wheel to slice the lamb off of albeit a small one. From my understanding his restaurant by same namesake was much larger. I was greeted upon walking in. Customers choose where they sit. Menus are on the table.
  
  I was offered a drink and choose water which I found is only offered in bottle. They do not have a fountain machine which may turn some off. A TV with MSN-NBC and captioning offered entertainment for my lunch. I told my waitress it was my first time which she evidently relayed to the owner.
  
  The menu although smallish offers an opportunity to excel at what they do best. I ordered the Greek Salad Trio for $12.95 which comes with a choice of rice, fries, or home fries. Peta bread and Tzatziki sauce is included. My hope was to make it their homemade Baklava, unfortunately that never materialized. However, the owner realizing it was my first time sent out a complimentary falafel app prior to my plate. The appetizer comes with pita and Tzatziki sauce.
  
  My plate hit the table within around 10 minutes and looked good. Freshly shaved warm lamb was on top and a decent portion. Everything looked as it should and in a traditional Greek platter fashion. The first bite of lamb dunked in the Tzatziki was yummy! Lettuce was crisp and the pita warm and soft. Side of crispy crinkles cooked golden brown. The ketchup on the table was runny which I don't like. Overall thumps up. The hero without a doubt was their falafel. The three three The three balls were fried up to perfection and paired perfectly with in house made Tzatziki.     A follow up was performed and extra napkins at my request.
  
  With downtime Elias came over to check on me and discussed the business. I told him the falafel blew me away. He said the secret is how finely he grinds the garbanzo beans. He said the response to his new location has been phenomenal. His energy and passion for cooking are clear, he loves what he's doing. The smile and laughter when he talks about his latest venture make it clear that he takes pride in his product. The long 7 days a week grind  fail in comparison to the joy he gets greeting a returning customer.
  
  I enjoyed my lunch and plan on a return soon. All the elements are present for another successful run of "It's Greek to me". Elias's enthusiasm for satisfying his customers and getting them excited about Greek fare is darn cool. Carryout is offered. Come them out.

• Carol S.

  star star star star star 23 June 2026

  I was so excited to see a recent review and learn that an authentic Greek restaurant had opened in Pembroke Meadows Shopping Center.  Greek Spinach Pie (Spanakopita) has been a comfort food for me for years.
  
  My son & daughter-in-law lived for a number of years in Astoria, Queens.  The area was originally settled by Greek immigrants and is still filled with fabulous Greek Restaurants.  Following my drives up to visit, my son & I would always go to my favorite for Spinach Pie, Greek Salad & a Vodka Martini.  I have missed that since their move to Brooklyn.
  
  Soooo....  the very next night after reading the review, I wasted no time, entering the restaurant with great excitement.
  
  It had been quite easy to find, adjacent to Cinema Draft House.  Normally there would be ample parking directly in front on the restaurant.  But I was there at movie time.  So I had to park a little further out.  
  
  My question of "Do you have Spinach Pie?" was met with a smile from the friendly owner who replied "I just baked one.  It's VERY fresh."  How happy that made me!!
  
  It had been a hard day.  So I ordered to go.  The dinner, consisting of Spanakopita, Greek Salad, Pita Bread & a side, was only $12.95.
  
  While my dinner was being prepared I sat at one of the tables which line the wall and surveyed the restaurant.  It has a "Mom & Pop" diner feel which is rarely found anymore in Virginia Beach.  I loved it.
  
  After I had paid and was leaving, the friendly owner and employees invited me to return.  I smiled and promised that I would.  Who wouldn't come back for freshly baked Spinach Pie and a welcoming atmosphere?
  
  My anticipation was high as I opened the boxes.  I was not disappointed.  There was enough Greek Salad to fill a plate.  It, and the dressing was excellent.  The pita bread had to have been freshly baked.  It was the best I've ever had.  But the highlight was the Spinach Pie.  I have never tasted one with such a light delicate phyllo crust.  The pie was perfection.  The only thing I would have changed would have been to use less salt.  But that's probably me.  I cook with almost no salt.
  
  It's All Greek To Me:  I will definitely be back, over and over again.  I am so glad you opened in a close and convenient location.