Santorini Greek Grill gets a gold star in my book. This has been a favorite of ours since we moved here in '98- it is a casual little Greek spot with really great, fresh food and friendly service. They have been right there at 106 Central Way for eleven years now, so I know there must be lots of people that agree with me.
Stavros and his wife Elsa are the owners and put many hours in so you're likely to see at least one of them behind the counter and they make you feel right at home. When we walk in you can hear Stavros roar with a smile, "Janis! Steve! How are you?" I love that warm hometown feel. One time my kids were doing something funny in there, so Stavros whips out his digital camera and snaps a pic of them for me. A couple days later I'm driving by and he waves and flags me off of Central Way to hand me the 8x10 picture he's printed for us. Hello?! These are just super-nice people. And I haven't even gotten to the food yet!
AMAZING Greek food. Everything is really fresh and flavorful. Some of our favorites are the Greek Salad w/gyro meat (the dressing is soooo good) or the chicken souvlaki plate (chicken skewer, rice, small salad, pita bread with tzaiki). I see lots of people ordering gyros at lunch. You pretty much can't go wrong in there. Your average meal will run you about $10, and portions are generous.
It's very casual, you place your order at the counter and sit at one of the 12 or so tables. They do take-out really quickly for you too, so we often pick up from there on weeknights when we don't have a dinner plan in place. Secret: for take-out, just park right in front (yes, the curb is yellow, live on the edge). Just hop out with your hazards on. Works every time. There are also 4-5 kind of unknown parking spots when you hang a right on 1st from his place, in case you're chicken.
If I have one minor complaint, it would be that Stavros and Elsa take off for a few weeks in the summer and around Christmas-time. You'll usually see the place is dark and chairs are upside-down and there's a handwritten note on the door wishing us all well and hoping they will see us when they return (from their visits home, to Greece). I can't go that long without them! By the end of that last week away I am sitting on their porch and there are scratch-marks on their door b/c my body is going through Greek food withdrawals.
Anyway, love this place. When I asked Stavros how he has been so successful in Kirkland for all these years, he says, "It's the people. Good people." Bring your people there- he'll treat you right!
Janis
Janis, I agree...always good service & good food from Stavros. When I go in with my toddler in a stroller, we are warmly greeted. I'm going to try your parking suggestion, BTW...! I'd love to get takeout!
And if the previous comment is TRULY from Jonathan Sharp of Oriele - shame on you! But I'll post my comments on Oriele in the appropriate thread.
Posted by: a kirkland mom | July 17, 2006 at 12:57 AM
Spot on Janis! I am a Kirkland local too and Santorini is a gem to me in Kirkland. Delicious & fresh food, friendly service & great portions at reasonable prices. Lamb Soulvaki is my favorite. Stavros, the owner, is always smiling, warm, and so hospitable, makes you feel like an old friend.
Posted by: Chris | July 28, 2006 at 02:01 PM
We make the trip across the pond from Seattle to Kirkland often for Santorini. I love the gyros, the Greek gyro salad (the dressing is awesome) and the Greek feta fries! YUM! OK, I'm hungry now...gonna hop in the car and drive to Kirkland!
Posted by: mattsoft | January 10, 2009 at 01:38 PM