Cathy MerrittI’d heard people call the Danforth “Greektown” for as long as I can remember, but I never really thought about why. That changed one afternoon when a few friends and I popped in for what we figured would be a quick lunch.
Before I knew it, the table was covered in grilled meats, fresh seafood, creamy dips, and pastries that tasted like they came straight from Athens. I was hooked!
Since then, I’ve been coming back on my own or with friends, trying a new spot each time. After a few visits, I’ve put together my list of the best Greek restaurants in the Danforth so you can enjoy them too!
Mezes
Photo credit: mezesdanforth
Website: https://www.mezes.com/
Address: 440 Danforth Ave
Contact details: +1 416-778-5150
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (MON-THURS)
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (SUN)
Mezes was the place that first opened my eyes to the lively Greek food scene the Danforth is famous for. It’s only a block from Chester Subway Station, which makes it easy to get to even if you’re not driving.
The dining room was the first thing that caught my attention. It has a modern and classy feel that’s still relaxed and welcoming. I also like that there’s a heated patio for those who enjoy dining with a view of the street.
Of all the dishes I’ve tried here, the one that stands out the most is their loukaniko. This traditional Greek sausage has a subtle hint of citrus and spice and is grilled until the edges are perfectly crisp while the inside stays juicy. Definitely an amazing dish!
| Pro tip: If you don’t have time to sit down for a meal at Mezes, their takeout spot at 456 Danforth Ave makes it easy to enjoy your favourites at home. You can place your order ahead of time by phone or directly through their website for a quick and fuss-free pickup. |
Athens Restaurant
Photo credit: athensrestaurantdanforth
Website: https://www.athensdanforth.ca/
Address: 707 Danforth Ave
Contact details: +1 416-465-4441
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (TUES, WED, and SUN)
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (THURS-SAT)
After deciding to explore a few more Greek restaurants in the Danforth, the next place I visited was Athens Restaurant. They’ve been a part of the neighbourhood since 1977, which to me is a strong sign of the quality of their cooking.
The menu offers a mix of Greek classics and hearty specialties. There’s a wide variety to choose from, including grilled octopus, saganaki, lamb shank, and moussaka. On my first visit, I went straight for their Kokkinisto veal in tomato sauce.
The veal was tender enough to cut with a fork and had been slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and acidity. It was served with rice and vegetables, and by the time I finished the plate, I was more than satisfied.
| Pro tip: If you have dietary concerns or special requests, let Athens Restaurant know when you book or before you order. They’re happy to adjust dishes or suggest options that suit your needs while keeping the flavours authentic. |
Pantheon Restaurant
Photo credit: pantheongreekrestaurant
Website: https://www.pantheondanforth.ca/
Address: 407 Danforth Ave
Contact details: +1 416-778-1929
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (SUN-THURS)
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
Another long-standing Greek restaurant that caught my attention is Pantheon Restaurant, which has been part of the Danforth since 1997. I first visited after hearing about their reputation for fresh seafood brought straight from Greece.
To see if the praise was deserved, I ordered one of their most popular seafood dishes, bakaliarakia. It’s pan-fried whiting, delicate and perfectly cooked, with a crisp golden exterior and tender, flaky meat inside.
A squeeze of lemon lifted the flavours even more, proving how freshness can truly make a dish memorable. They also serve other pan-fried seafood favourites such as anchovies, sea smelt, and red mullet, so there’s a lot to try here!
| Pro tip: Not everyone knows Pantheon Restaurant offers catering, but it’s a great way to bring their fresh Greek flavours to your wedding, birthday, or any special occasion. Just give them a call or email [email protected] to learn about the options. |
Soulas Modern Greek Cuisine
Photo credit: soulasmoderngreekcuisine
Website: https://www.soulas.ca/
Address: 500 A Danforth Ave
Contact details: +1 416-778-0500
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 10:30 PM (SUN-THURS)
12:00 PM – 11:30 PM (FRI and SAT)
Since 1978, Soulas Modern Greek Cuisine has been a reliable place to enjoy Mediterranean dishes. My friends and I often choose it for dinner because of its modern and stylish dining setup.
The leather seats, high ceilings, and warm lighting create a relaxed atmosphere even when the restaurant is busy. Their seasonal menu is another highlight, giving us something new to try each time we visit.
The food is consistently good, but the befteki olympou stands out as my favourite. This seasoned ground beef patty is stuffed with feta and herbs, offering a perfect combination of juicy meat and a rich, savoury kick.
| Pro tip: Soulas Modern Greek Cuisine hosts live Greek music every Friday and Saturday from 8 PM to midnight. If you want a good table close to the music, make a reservation in advance because these nights are popular and fill up quickly. |
Astoria Shish Kebab House
Photo credit: astoriashishkebobhouse
Website: https://www.astoriashishkebobhouse.com/toronto/home-toronto
Address: 390 Danforth Ave
Contact details: +1 416-463-2838
Operating hours:
11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (SUN-THURS)
11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
Astoria Shish Kebab is the one I’d recommend for anyone looking for a casual dining experience. I first came here after a friend insisted it was the spot for souvlaki, and over time, it has become one of my go-to choices when I’m craving Greek food.
They’ve got classic and tasty Greek dishes such as grilled seafood, roasted lamb, and flaky spanakopita. What I like is that the portions are always generous, and I always leave feeling satisfied.
Of all the souvlaki options I’ve tried, the chicken souvlaki stands out as the best. It has a slight char that adds crispiness while the inside remains juicy. Served with Greek salad, warm pita, tangy tzatziki, and fries, it makes for a hearty meal.
| Pro tip: Before you visit Astoria Shish Kebab House, check the News and Special Offers section on their website. You might find seasonal dishes, limited-time discounts, or event announcements that can make your visit even better. |
Messini Authentic Gyros
Photo credit: sandylee0781
Website: https://www.messini.ca/
Address: 445 Danforth Ave
Contact details: +1 416-778-4861
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Mmm, gyros, that classic Greek street food that you can enjoy almost anywhere. It has become one of my comfort foods, which is why I always want to try one at Messini Authentic Gyros whenever I’m in the Danforth.
They serve both pita gyros and gyros meat plates, with options that include chicken, pork, lamb, and beef. There are even mixed variations, so there’s always something new to try.
Their traditional gyros are excellent, but they’re not the only reason I keep coming back. One standout appetizer is the gyros pizza, made with pita topped with green peppers, black olives, mozzarella, onions, chicken gyros, and a rich pizza sauce.
| Pro tip: Messini Authentic Gyros makes it easy to enjoy their gyros at home with a quick pickup option. Call ahead or order on their website so your food is ready when you arrive, and you can skip the wait. Their gyros travel well, so you can savour that fresh pita, tender meat, and tangy tzatziki in the comfort of your home. |
The Friendly Greek Mediterranean Grill
Photo credit: yiannisfriendlygreekdanforth
Website: https://thefriendlygreekyiannis.com/
Address: 494 Danforth Ave
Contact details: +1 416-469-8422
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (SUN-THURS)
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (FRI and SAT)
The Friendly Greek Mediterranean Grill may not have the same flair as some of the other spots I’ve mentioned, but its simplicity is part of its charm. It’s a small restaurant with a sidewalk patio that’s especially enjoyable during the summer.
For its size, the menu is impressively diverse. You’ll find souvlaki plates, seafood, moussaka, and saganaki. They even serve classic burgers if you feel like pairing something familiar with your Greek meal.
If I had to recommend one dish, it would be the Gyro Dinner. The meat is tender and flavourful, sliced thin and piled high with just the right balance of seasoning. Served with pita, tzatziki, and a Greek salad, it’s a deeply satisfying choice.
| Pro tip: The Friendly Greek Mediterranean Grill serves lunch specials from Monday to Friday between 11 AM and 3 PM, dine-in only. It’s worth planning a midday visit because the specials give you generous portions at a lower price, often featuring favourites like souvlaki pita wraps or Greek salad. |
Athens Pastries
Photo credit: athenspastries
Website: http://athenspastries.com/
Address: 509 Danforth Ave
Contact details: +1 416-463-5144
Operating hours:
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (SUN-THURS)
9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
With so many sights to enjoy in the Danforth, I often find myself strolling there whenever I have some free time. After all that walking, I usually stop for a quick bite at Athens Pastries before heading to the subway.
The space is modest, with a pastry counter that highlights their small but well-crafted menu. You’ll find savoury favourites such as spanakopita, kreatopita, and my personal favourite, tiropita.
The tiropita is a golden cheese pie made with layers of crisp filo and a filling of feta and egg. And to make it even tastier, I pair it with a cup of Greek coffee, which has an intense, bold flavour that’s perfect for giving me an energy boost.
| Pro tip: Athens Pastries offers a catering menu that’s a convenient choice if you want to serve Greek favourites at your next gathering. Call ahead to place your order, but remember that you’ll need to pick it up yourself, as they don’t provide delivery. |
Souv Like
Photo credit: popcorn_monsterz
Website: https://souvlike.ca/
Address: 708 Pape Ave
Contact details: +1 647-349-9420
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (MON)
11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (TUES-SUN)
Souv Like is one of the newer additions to the Danforth, but it has already earned a loyal following for its generous portions. I first tried it after noticing the steady stream of people heading in and out, and it quickly became one of my top spots.
Their menu covers all the Greek staples you’d expect, including souvlaki, gyros, kontosouvli, and rotisserie chicken, along with wraps and dinner plates. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, and the flavour is consistently spot on.
I also appreciate that they’re willing to experiment, which is how they came up with dishes like Greek poutine. It’s fries topped with gyro meat, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of tzatziki. This twist on the classic poutine is both unique and satisfying.
| Pro tip: Souv Like is available on Uber Eats, making it simple to enjoy their wraps and dinners from the comfort of home. They accept orders until midnight, so you can satisfy a late-night craving and have your favourites delivered straight to your door. |
