11 Hidden Arizona Restaurants Known For Delicious Gyros
Arizona is hiding some amazing food treasures that many locals don’t even know about. Beyond the famous Southwestern cuisine, there’s a whole world of mouthwatering gyros waiting to be discovered in tucked-away spots across the state.
From family-owned kitchens to hole-in-the-wall gems, these 11 restaurants serve up the most delicious, authentic Greek-style gyros that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.
1. Greek Island Grill – Tucson’s Secret Spot
Hidden behind a row of palm trees in midtown Tucson, Greek Island Grill doesn’t look like much from outside. The owner, Yianni, moved from Athens 20 years ago and brought authentic family recipes that make this place special.
Their lamb gyro stands out with meat that’s marinated for 24 hours before being stacked on the vertical rotisserie. I love how they serve it with homemade tzatziki that has the perfect balance of garlic and cucumber.
Weekend evenings sometimes feature live bouzouki music, making the experience even more memorable. Cash only and limited seating mean it’s best to grab your gyro to go and enjoy it at the nearby Himmel Park.
2. Olive & Feta Corner – Phoenix Hidden Gem
Tucked into a strip mall near downtown Phoenix, Olive & Feta Corner might be easy to miss, but locals know it’s worth finding.
The restaurant has been family-operated for three generations, with recipes passed down from their Rhodes heritage. What makes their gyros exceptional is the freshly baked pita bread made in-house daily. You can watch them hand-stack the meat each morning through the open kitchen.
Try their signature olive oil-infused tzatziki sauce that elevates every bite. Don’t leave without sampling their homemade baklava the perfect sweet ending to your meal. Parking can be tricky during lunch hours, so arrive early or late afternoon.
3. Desert Pita Oasis – Scottsdale’s Best-Kept Secret
While Scottsdale is known for upscale dining, Desert Pita Oasis breaks the mold with affordable, incredible gyros. The tiny kitchen, run by husband and wife team Maria and Stavros, creates magic in their converted gas station space.
Their chicken gyro is a standout marinated in a secret blend of spices that gives it a slightly spicy, smoky flavor you won’t find elsewhere. The homemade pita is thicker than most, providing the perfect vehicle for their generous portions.
Did you know they were featured on a food network show but asked to be removed because they couldn’t handle the increase in customers? They prefer to keep things small and personal, which adds to their charm.
4. Mykonos Taverna – Flagstaff Mountain Hideaway
Nestled among the pines near Flagstaff, Mykonos Taverna feels like a Mediterranean escape in the mountains. The blue and white cottage with climbing bougainvillea houses some of Arizona’s most authentic Greek cuisine.
Their gyros feature house-butchered lamb and beef, seasoned with herbs grown in their backyard garden. I’m always impressed by how they balance traditional methods with local ingredients. During winter months, eating their gyro by the stone fireplace creates an unforgettable experience.
The owner, Dimitri, often walks around offering complimentary ouzo shots to diners. Make sure to call ahead as they close unexpectedly when they travel to Greece for family visits.
5. Pita Paradise – Tempe Student Favorite
Around the corner from ASU’s campus sits Pita Paradise, a place where homesick Greek students go for a taste of authenticity. Though it looks like just another college hangout, the food tells a different story.
Their gyros come in both traditional and fusion varieties my favorite combines southwestern flavors with Greek classics. The spicy green chile tzatziki creates an unexpected but delicious twist. Late-night hours make this spot perfect for after-study cravings, staying open until 3am on weekends.
A wall of photos shows Greek visitors who’ve stopped by over the years, claiming it tastes just like home. Be ready to wait during lunch rush the line often stretches out the door.
6. Santorini Souvlaki Shack – Mesa’s Hidden Treasure
Behind an unassuming blue door in downtown Mesa lies Santorini Souvlaki Shack, a tiny 12-seat restaurant serving some of Arizona’s most remarkable gyros. The chef, Eleni, wakes at 4am to prepare her spice blends and marinades from scratch.
Unlike most places, they offer three distinct gyro meats: traditional lamb/beef, chicken, and a rare pork gyro that’s common in Greece but hard to find stateside. Each comes wrapped in paper-thin handmade pita that somehow never tears despite the generous fillings.
If you’re lucky, you might catch Eleni’s 80-year-old father playing traditional bouzouki music on Saturday afternoons. Parking can be found on side streets, but the walk is worth every step.
7. Apollo’s Chariot – Sedona’s Cliffside Gyro Haven
Perched on the edge of Sedona’s red rocks, Apollo’s Chariot combines breathtaking views with equally impressive gyros. The outdoor patio offers a dining experience that feeds both stomach and soul as you gaze across the valley.
Their signature gyro features locally raised lamb, marinated in red wine and herbs before being slow-roasted and thinly sliced. The tzatziki includes honey harvested from their own beehives, creating a subtle sweetness.
Though slightly pricier than other gyro spots, the portion size and quality justify every penny. Reservations for sunset dining are essential and book up weeks in advance. Ask for the secret menu item a dessert gyro with Nutella and fresh fruit that isn’t officially listed.
8. Athena’s Kitchen – Prescott Valley Family Secret
If you blink, you might miss Athena’s Kitchen, tucked between a hardware store and laundromat in Prescott Valley. This family-run spot has been serving authentic gyros for 30 years without a single advertisement relying entirely on word of mouth.
The gyro meat is still prepared using Grandma Athena’s recipe, with a unique blend of spices that includes cinnamon and allspice. Every order comes with a side of their famous lemon-roasted potatoes that perfectly complement the savory meat.
During summer months, they serve a refreshing cucumber-mint lemonade that pairs perfectly with their gyros. Regulars know to ask for extra tzatziki on the side they’ll happily provide it at no charge, unlike many other places.
9. Zorba’s Gyro Cart – Surprise Food Truck Phenomenon
Parked in different Surprise neighborhoods throughout the week, Zorba’s Gyro Cart has developed an almost cult-like following. Fans track its location through social media, sometimes driving across town just to catch it.
Despite operating from a food truck, Zorba’s gyros rival any restaurant version. The owner, Alex, imports special seasoning directly from his hometown in Greece, creating an authentic flavor profile you can’t find elsewhere in Arizona. Their signature “Zorba’s Monster” gyro features double meat, feta cheese crumbles, and hot peppers for those seeking an extra kick.
Check their Instagram for daily specials and locations they frequently sell out by mid-afternoon. Cash only, but there’s an ATM in the convenience store where they often park on Thursdays.
10. Olympus Bistro – Chandler’s Underground Legend
Located in a Chandler basement with only a small sign marking its entrance, Olympus Bistro feels like a secret club for gyro enthusiasts. The dimly lit space with stone walls creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a taverna in the Greek islands.
Their gyros feature a unique twist the meat is finished over an almond wood fire after being sliced from the spit, giving it a smoky flavor that’s absolutely addictive. Each gyro comes with hand-cut fries stuffed right inside the wrap, Greek-street-food style.
Live Greek music plays on Friday nights, when the small space transforms into an impromptu dance floor. Though finding parking can be challenging, the hunt is worth it for what many locals call “the most authentic gyro outside of Athens.”
11. Yiayia’s Corner – Glendale’s Grandmother-Run Treasure
In a converted house on a quiet Glendale street, 78-year-old Sophia (known to everyone as Yiayia, Greek for grandmother) makes gyros the same way she did in her village outside Thessaloniki. The dining room feels like eating in someone’s home because it actually is.
Her gyros are distinctive for their thicker-cut meat and heavy hand with garlic and oregano. Each order is served with a small cup of avgolemono soup as a starter, just as she would serve family. Watching Yiayia work the vertical rotisserie with the energy of someone half her age is part of the experience.
Open only Thursday through Sunday, as Yiayia insists on having days off “to visit my grandchildren.” Call ahead when she runs out of meat for the day, she simply closes up shop.
