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Fresh Ingredients make a difference.

I first discovered greek food at the ripe old age of nine, when my mother's friend (who was originally from Greece) brought over a platter of foreign, scary little appetizers with a name I couldn't pronounce. They looked like pastries I would eat for breakfast, flaky little golden brown triangles with a mystery filling. Although I was scared of what this mystery might have in store for my tastebuds, I've always been adventurous when it comes to food, so I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and popped a triangle in my mouth.  And it was love at first bite.

Spanakopita Deliciousness.

Spanakopita. I've learned to pronounce the name since then, and it's become one of my all time favorite foods. Of course, once I had one authentic Greek dish, I couldn't wait to try more. I've been bouncing around Florida for the last four years since I graduated high school, and never have I lived somewhere so abounding with amazing Greek food as St. Petersburg. My two favorites (see below for more information) are both reasonably priced, and both offer spanakopita in addition to a vast array of other Greek cuisine, like fresh Greek salad with kalamata olives, feta cheese, and house made Greek dressings, with a scoop of potato salad on top.

These salads are unique depending on the restaurant you choose, but both of the restaurants below serve delicious Greek salads with only the freshest of ingredients. I often go for lunch and have spanakopita and a small Greek salad, offered as a combination for a special lunchtime price. Another favorite combination is the gyro and Greek salad, also offered as a special at most Greek restaurants in the area. The perfect break from the everyday sandwich, the gyro is made from a blend of lamb and beef, cooked on a rotisserie and sliced, with a combination of fresh vegetables and yogurt sauce, nestled in warm pita bread. 

The Original Moussaka.

For dinner, be sure to have the Moussaka, the classic homestyle Greek dish made from layers of either ground beef or lamb (or a combination of the two) and eggplant, combined with cheese and zesty tomato sauce, topped with a creamy Bechamel sauce. Most restaurants serve a vegetarian version as well. It's like the Greek version of lasagna, and whether you choose meaty or veggie, it's perfect for a night when comfort is craved. Of course you have to have hummus and a Greek beer beforehand as well. Opa!

Acropolis Greek Taverna - Their newly opened St. Petersburg location is in walking distance from campus. Not only do they serve amazing Greek fare at a reasonable price (dinner entrees start at just $10, and you can have a salad, sandwich, or wrap for $6-$8) but every night the servers put on a show of plate and napkin throwing, singing, and dancing as part of Greek traditions, and on the weekends they offer live music and belly dancing. They also have hookahs for your enjoyment, and one of the best happy hours in town.  EVERYTHING from the bar is 2 for 1 till 7pm, and sangria and margaritas are 2 for 1 from 11am-12am, every day of the week.

515 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg
(727) 823-1010

Athenian Garden - This particular location, on the corner of 3rd and Central, is also in walking distance from campus. If you commute to USF St. Pete like I do, there are other St. Petersburg locations as well, both in the Gandy and Tyrone areas. All locations offer lunch specials, which include greek salad and your choice of falafel, gyro, or spanakopita for under $10 and all sandwiches are under $6.