Gardens of Salonica

SKIP IT .. I won?t go back!! There are other Greek places in town with better food for the money and more of it! We went on a recommendation and took some people, and had many disappointments. I left feeling ripped off!! more

Obviously the previous reviewer lacks any sort knowledge of Greek Food. This is truly the only restaurant that comes close to Greek food between here and Greece. I grew up in Greece, and I know Greek food when taste. Pros: Great Local Authentic Food. Ambiance. Cons: Parking more

I stopped in for a take out of spinach boughatsa which is really spanakopita but don't call it the latter or the owner, Lazarus, will throw a fit--he's a real freaky case. Cons: Everything more

This is the best Greek food around. I recommend getting the combo and sharing to allow the chance to try various menu items. Servers were sweet and had thick accents. I felt bad there weren't more people dining there....the location is just blocks from the busy Hennepin/Central intersection. There are of course cheaper, delicious Greek spots around, but this has a nicer upscale atmosphere that's good for special occasions, dates, etc. Pros: Authentic Greek atmosphere, delicious everything!, fresh floral centerpieces on tables Cons: Tucked away from the main drag, very dead quiet more

So my bf and I were walking around NE trying to grab a bite on a Friday night. Well we tried Brasa (line was out the door, supercrowded and noisy) walked past Wilde Roast (looked sparse, but entrees cost too much for what they are) breezed past the new Red Stag supper club (again really noisy, line out the door, crowded, people from the burbs invading what looked to be a cool, new, LEED establishment; plus entrees were so vanilla...how can you spice up traditional supper club eats? Truth is it looks like you can't) So we walked past Red Stag and literally stumbled upon Gardens. I've got to tell you these past few reviews must have gone on an off night or something because the service was wonderful. The staff was attentive and helpful. The food was tasty and well priced. Except for a roasted red pepper ""salad"" (cost $5.95 for a plate of cold red peppers that I could have gotten at Lunds for $3) So rethink getting the ""salads"" for an app. and stick to trying out new things that you can't easily make at home. My cabbage leaves with rice and meat was good and filling and my bf had the orzo arni, orzo with lamb and tomato sauce which was also very good. Very savory and fresh at the same time. I enjoyed my dinner at Gardens of Salonica and will be back there very soon. Pros: Service, Food, Art, Lighting Cons: Hidden on a side street no one drives on, red pepper salad I could have made at home more

My ""dinner group"" friends and I have been going out to eat together 2-4 times per month for the last ten years....and last night was the WORSET service I have ever had! The place was not busy, (Wednesday 6:30ish)and there seemed to be enough staff on hand, they just didn't want to work I guess. Too bad for our waiter- we are usually great tippers! The food was okay (not as good as I'd remembered from a couple years back). Hoping the owner is reading this.....I certainly wouldn't want our waiter representing MY business! more

I signed up for this account JUST to write a review of this place. I may not write another review on this site after this. Pros: Clean Great art nice selection Cons: slowest service ever, very small portions at a high price more

we only went in for dessert and coffee, and it was amazing. had some apricot pastry that i loved, light and flaky. going back for dinner soon! more

While the previous person might have had a bad experience, it would be unfortunate for others to miss this wonderful Greek spot. After many lunches (no dinner yet!), I have to say that this is one heck of a place! more

My partner and I went there for the fourth time in two years and had found the previous times to be horrible, mostly because the service was slow and bad, but loving Greek food and wanting to mix it up a bit, we tried it ""one more time."" What a mistake. I don't know where to begin, is it because it took 15 minutes to order a drink (it was definitely not busy) and appetizers, we were never read the specials, that we had to re-order our appetizers, our forks were placed back on the table between courses, and our napkins never reappeared for dessert, or is it that the ""Greek Coffee"" that was advertised, was made on an espresso machine? No, I believe what perhaps annoyed me most was that I had decided to indulge myself with the most expensive thing on the menu--lamb (remember I never heard the specials). When they brought the lamb out there were four ribs on some delicious orzo noodles, but only one of the ribs actually had meat on it!!! I found one other piece of lamb in my orzo, but you'll notice I didn't say meat--that's because it was an enormous glob of fat. Gross. Pros: Great ambiance Cons: The staff is a nightmare. Every single one of them was rude or just not present! more

I was visiting from San Francisco 2 weekends ago and I wanted to try somewhere different in Minneapolis, so I came on Citysearch and found the Gardens of Salonica. Everything that all the other reviewers have said are totally the truth. The dip, the lamb and potatoes, the gyro, and the baklava my friend and I shared were all really delicious. The set up is really inviting and the bathroom is decorated really nicely. The food there was really good. Pros: ambiance and food Cons: parking could possibly be a problem more

I can't put into words how incredible this restaurant is. I've never received such top notch service. The food was outstanding, especially the octopodi (unbelievable!), dolmades w/ tatziki and the goat ribs. Don't miss the Greek coffee--it's excellent. Their recommended wine pairings are right on. Try the Amethystos for red--it stands up for itself and is great with the goat ribs. The decor is anything but pretentious with an eclectic mix of art everywhere. (The restroom was even really nice with great smelling soap.) This is a restaurant I will go back to many times and tell everyone I know to go there. Pros: Service, Wine, Food more

It is a little surprise tucked away, The food and wine were good and so was the wait staff. My experience here has been good. If you are planning to have a nice relaxed dinner with a special friend I would definitely recommend this place. Pros: food, atmosphere Cons: parking more

I just can not say enough about this hidden gem. A friend of mine introduced me to it just over a year ago and I've been going ever since. Food is always wonderful. I have not found a thing on the menu that I don't like and since I tend to be a picky eater, that's saying a lot! The restaurant can be crowded at times, although I've never waited to be seated more than a few minutes. The wait staff is pretty good, although there have been some nights when it was evident someone was new or working on too many table to accomodate as they should. I recommend the platter if you're with friends and having a tough time deciding on one item from the menu. The tyro appetizer is a delicious blend of feta cheese and peppers served with pita bread- wonderful! I highly recommend this place. Pros: Best Food, Excellent Value, Enjoyable Experience more

From the rustic decor and rebetiko music playing in the background to the pure and authentic dishes that make up the menu, Gardens of Salonica succeeds in transporting the diner to an out of the way, village taverna in Greece, where cliches, pretension and tourist preference have failed to reach. Gardens comes closer to the simple ideal of most Greek dishes than just about any restaurant I've been to in the States and Canada. Go for the fish plaki, artichokes and lamb with egg/lemon sauce or a couple of bougatsa. The Greek wine selection is also noteworthy. Top it off with a greek coffee and the figs(if in season) or a galatopouriko dessert. Pros: Authentic, Ambient Cons: Sometimes Loud more

One of my favorite things about greek food, and how I can always tell if it is going to be great or not is if they make the Tzatki (cucumber sauce) right. Well, it is phenomenal here, and they make the gyros truly taste all that more fantastic! One appetizer they have is a marinated smooth feta cheese that they serve with red roasted peppers and warm pita bread. Oh, it just melts in your mouth and is outstanding... I really love this place. I have never had bad service, and if I were too, I don't care, cause the food makes up for it! Cons: Parking more

Comparing notes with friends, we were shocked to learn that we were not the only ones who had a story to tell about the owner of Gardens of Salonica. Not only experiences of his berating the staff to tears, but also customers! I wanted to add my two cents to the other reviewer who shared their negative experience. We are very conscious of where our money is spent, and it will not be spent at this establishment. Which is very sad for us, as the food is wonderful and there is not another eatery in the Twin Cities like it. I miss it. Pros: Great Food, Unique Menu Cons: Abrasive owner, Slow Service, Limited Seating more

If you think Italian is the only Mediterranean food you need to check this place out. Everything is great! The specials are really good and I would definitely suggest it to impress a date as it is very different and out-of-the-way. Pros: flavors, specials, Greek wine more

I loved this place, it was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could eat there every week. This is great for catered events also. I love all of it. Pros: everything, everything, everything Cons: , none, none more

This place has great Greek food. The dolmades were fabulous as well as the tiramisu. The server was also superb and always available if needed. A very cute and romantic place to go on a date, as well as experiencing what Greek food should really taste like. Pros: great food, superb service, romantic more