The Best Greek Restaurants in Orlando, Florida

Welcome to the City Beautiful where Walt Disney World and SeaWorld are vying for the tourism dollar and golfers are sure to have found heaven. With so many attractions to visit, it is not surprising to work up an appetite and rather than relying on the usual fare of fast food, Mexican delights, and of course burgers galore, why not try something completely different? We're talking Greek food!

Those somewhat in the dark about this Mediterranean feasting opportunity will love to learn that it combines ingredients such as olive oil, eggplants, yogurt, lamb, pork and a plethora of spices. Granted, Orlando is not exactly known as a hotbed for Greek cuisine, but if you give the city a chance, you will find some amazing - and authentic - eateries that will have you lift your glass of Retsina with a contented sigh!

Café Annie on 131 North Orange Avenue (between DR-527 and Park Lake Street) is the kind of eatery where the Mediterranean food novice can casually ease into Greek cuisine and not spend a lot of money in the process. Americanized versions of gyros are on the menu and the more adventurous will try the hummus and pita. Open from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday and 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Saturdays, this is a great breakfast, lunch or weekend happy hour and dinner spot.

The Greek Corner is just a bit further up the street on 1600 North Orange Avenue. Owned and operated by the Tsafonias family, the 2005 addition to the Orlando restaurant scene had to work through some customer service issues but is now on top of its game and offers authentic Greek menu options to locals and visitors. Visitors have reported that dogs are permitted outside (as long as they behave) and this makes it an irresistible eatery for the dog lover who cannot bear to leave her or his canine companion at home.