For some good old-fashioned Greek kouzina, head to Brighton’s Esperia Grill. The family-run operation shows off classic home-cooking, such as the fatty and flavorful Pork Gyro cooked on a vertical spit behind the counter. Gyros—also available with chicken or veggies—are served with house-made tzatziki sauce and a side Greek salad. Other meze on the menu include a must-have spicy feta spread available by the pint, and crispy slices of spinach pie.

Greco is a standout among fast-casual spots in Boston, thanks to the Greek hospitality imbued into the local mini-chain. Sibling to Krasi and other modern Greek triumphs, Greco’s roots are on Newbury Street in Back Bay; it’s also a lunch-go-to in downtown Boston and the Seaport. Fluffy flatbreads on the menu as Pita Wraps are stuffed with a choice of grilled meats or vegetarian fritters, plus crunchy vegetables, herbaceous sauces, and crispy hand-cut fries. 

Allston staple Garlic ‘n Lemons is a family-owned spot that pulls inspo from heritage and traditions in Armenia, Lebanon, and the Mediterranean coast. Pita Rollups are filled with spicy chicken and beef shawarma options or vegan-friendly falafel. Optional toppings of pickles, turnips, hummus, and more are enhanced further by tahini sauce, spicy garlic, hot sauce, and “garliQue.” From the signature sauces to halloumi cheese, everything is made in-house.  

Paying homage to the classic Greek sandwich shop, Saloniki can be found all over Boston and Cambridge with five locations (and counting) from Beacon Hill to Harvard Square. James Beard award-winning chef-owner Jody Adams and her team offer a wide variety of pita options, including clever creations like the Spicy Lamb Meatball Pita with slaw, cherried eggplant, garlic yogurt, and secret sauce; and vegetarian Zucchini-Feta Fritters. Saloniki also offers plated versions of the sandwich combos, with or without freshly griddled pita bread.

There’s authentic Greek fare in Davis Square: Find it at Opa Greek Yeeros. This casual taverna nestled on Highland Avenue is centered on the classic pita sandwich (spelled phonetically). Look into the open kitchen to see meat cooking on vertical spits—chicken, pork, beef, and lamb. Try it souvlaki style (on a skewer) or tucked into a fluffy pita with crispy fries, tzatziki, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley. Along with the namesake, Opa dishes up must-order Loukoumades: plush, honey doughnuts made to order.

Venture over to Roslindale for a low-key gem that keeps things authentic. Effie’s Kitchen serves homestyle sandwiches, soups, and pies from the namesake’s native Thessaloniki. Effie’s Gyros are hefty, beginning with a thick piece of pita bread, freshly griddled. Choose marinated pork or veggies to complement the creamy tzatziki, veggies, and crispy fries. And you should probably add a piece of Baklava to your order—thank us later.

A second-generation shop, Gyro City gives a taste of Athens in Brighton and Providence (a Fenway location recently closed). In Brighton, an open kitchen gives diners a front-row seat to the wildly efficient production line. Pork, lamb, and more super-tender meat is shaved to order from long vertical spits to fill gyros to souvlaki pitas. Your pick is topped off with fresh veggies, herbs, crispy fries, and flavorful sauces like creamy honey mustard on the Chicken Gyro.