New Jersey Restaurants Where Gyros Are The Star Of The Menu
Nothing beats the savory delight of a perfectly crafted gyro – that magical combination of seasoned meat, warm pita, and tangy tzatziki sauce.
New Jersey’s diverse food scene offers some of the most mouthwatering gyros you’ll find anywhere. From traditional Greek spots to modern Mediterranean fusion eateries, the Garden State serves up these handheld wonders in ways that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.
1. Greek Spot in Montclair
Montclair’s beloved Greek Spot turns ordinary lunch breaks into Mediterranean getaways. Their signature lamb gyro features hand-carved meat that’s been marinated for 24 hours in a secret blend of herbs and spices.
What truly sets them apart is their homemade tzatziki sauce cooling, creamy, and packed with fresh dill and cucumber. The warm pita bread comes directly from their stone oven, creating that perfect chewy-yet-crisp texture.
Locals swear by their combo platter that includes a traditional gyro alongside Greek salad and hand-cut fries dusted with oregano and sea salt. Family-owned for over 20 years, this cozy corner spot captures authentic Greek flavors without the overseas flight.
2. Olive Branch in Princeton
Nestled along Nassau Street, Olive Branch delivers gyros that Princeton University students and locals line up for daily. Their chicken gyro stands out with its distinctive lemon-oregano marinade that penetrates every bite of the tender, flame-grilled meat.
The family recipe tzatziki balances garlic and cucumber perfectly, while the pita slightly thicker than most holds everything together without getting soggy. Fresh tomatoes, crisp onions, and a sprinkle of paprika complete this handheld masterpiece.
Did you know they source their ingredients from local New Jersey farms whenever possible? Even their olive oil comes directly from the owner’s family grove in Greece. This commitment to quality makes their gyros worth the sometimes 20-minute wait.
3. Zorba’s Taverna in Hoboken
Hoboken’s waterfront views complement the extraordinary gyros at Zorba’s Taverna. Their signature pork gyro breaks from tradition with meat slow-roasted on a vertical spit until the exterior caramelizes while the inside remains juicy and tender.
Each gyro comes wrapped in paper-thin, house-made pita that somehow supports the generous portion of meat and toppings. The chef’s special sauce a creamy blend with hints of roasted red pepper replaces standard tzatziki for a unique twist.
Zorba’s outdoor seating area offers Manhattan skyline views while you devour these handheld delights. Evening diners get an extra treat when owner Nikos occasionally breaks into traditional Greek dance between serving tables. This place captures authentic Greek hospitality alongside stellar food.
4. Mediterranean Oasis in Cherry Hill
Hidden in a Cherry Hill strip mall, Mediterranean Oasis serves gyros that transport you straight to Athens. Their mixed meat gyro combines lamb and beef in perfect harmony, each slice displaying the telltale crispy edges and moist interior that mark superior gyro craftsmanship.
The pita bread deserves special mention slightly charred on the outside, pillowy inside, and sturdy enough to hold the mountain of meat and veggies. A generous drizzle of their house tzatziki (made fresh every morning) ties everything together with its cool, tangy bite.
Families love their gyro platters that come with sides of lemon-roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables. The owner, Maria, often visits tables to ensure everything meets her exacting standards a tradition she brought from her hometown near Thessaloniki.
5. Gyro King in Newark
Gyro King reigns supreme near Newark’s Prudential Center, feeding hungry sports fans and concert-goers with their mammoth gyro creations. Their chicken and lamb combo gyro has achieved legendary status among locals for its perfect seasoning and generous portions.
Unlike many competitors, they layer their gyros with both traditional toppings and unexpected additions like pickled turnips and sumac-dusted onions a nod to the owner’s Lebanese heritage. The result is a flavor explosion that keeps customers coming back repeatedly.
Late-night hours make this spot particularly popular, staying open until 3am on weekends. Their open kitchen lets you watch as meat gets carved from spinning spits, vegetables are chopped fresh, and pitas warm on the grill all part of the authentic experience that’s made them a Newark institution for over 15 years.
6. Pita Paradise in Asbury Park
Asbury Park’s boardwalk features many food options, but Pita Paradise stands out with gyros that rival anything you’d find in Greece. Their vegetarian gyro deserves special recognition crispy falafel, grilled halloumi cheese, and a rainbow of roasted vegetables stuffed into warm, fluffy pita.
The house-made harissa tzatziki adds a spicy kick that perfectly complements the earthy falafel. Beach-goers appreciate the sturdy construction that prevents spillage even when eating while walking along the boardwalk.
Summer weekends often feature live Greek music on their outdoor patio, creating the perfect ambiance for enjoying these Mediterranean delights. Their location just steps from the beach makes them the ideal spot for a satisfying meal before or after sun and surf just be prepared for lines during peak season!
7. Spartan Grill in Ridgewood
Ridgewood’s upscale dining scene includes Spartan Grill, where traditional Greek cuisine meets modern presentation. Their signature lamb gyro features meat that’s marinated for 48 hours before slow-roasting on their custom-built rotisserie imported directly from Athens.
Every component receives careful attention from the hand-stretched pita to the tzatziki made with Greek yogurt and cucumbers grown in the owner’s garden. Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon brighten each bite.
The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere elevates the humble gyro to fine dining status. While pricier than most gyro spots, the quality justifies the cost. Their gyro platter comes beautifully arranged with Greek salad, lemon potatoes, and a small glass of ouzo making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress out-of-town visitors with authentic Greek flavors.
8. Mykonos Blue in Atlantic City
Atlantic City’s boardwalk casino scene might seem an unlikely place for authentic Greek food, but Mykonos Blue inside the Tropicana delivers gyros worthy of its namesake island. Their seafood gyro transforms the traditional concept with grilled shrimp and calamari tossed in Mediterranean herbs and lemon.
Wrapped in blue-corn pita (a house specialty) alongside pickled vegetables and a saffron-infused tzatziki, this oceanfront creation perfectly reflects its location. The restaurant’s blue and white décor transports diners straight to the Greek isles.
After hitting the casino floor, hungry gamblers find these substantial gyros the perfect way to refuel. The outdoor terrace offers ocean views that enhance the Mediterranean experience. Though you might come for the novelty of seafood in gyro form, you’ll return for the exceptional flavor combinations that somehow work perfectly together.
9. Gyro Express in Edison
Edison’s diverse culinary landscape includes Gyro Express, where New Jersey’s large Indian population influences a fusion take on the classic gyro. Their tandoori chicken gyro combines Greek structure with Indian flavors yogurt-marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor oven before being wrapped in warm naan-style pita.
Mint chutney replaces traditional tzatziki while still providing that cooling counterpoint to the spiced meat. Crisp vegetables and a sprinkle of chat masala complete this cross-cultural masterpiece.
The tiny storefront belies the massive flavors inside. Lunch hours bring lines of office workers and Rutgers students seeking affordable, filling meals with international flair. Don’t miss their mango lassi the perfect sweet companion to balance the spicy kick of their signature gyro. This spot exemplifies New Jersey’s melting pot food culture at its finest.
10. Santorini Taverna in Englewood
Englewood’s Santorini Taverna brings a taste of Greece’s famous white-and-blue island to North Jersey. Their gyro platter elevates the street food favorite to sit-down restaurant quality with hand-carved meat from their vertical broiler, arranged alongside hand-cut fries, Greek salad, and warm pita triangles.
The tzatziki comes in a separate ramekin, allowing diners to control their preferred sauce-to-meat ratio. A sprinkle of oregano and high-quality olive oil finishes the presentation.
Family-style dining encourages sharing multiple dishes, though many regulars refuse to share their gyro platters! Weekend evenings feature live bouzouki music and occasional plate-breaking celebrations for special occasions. Their outdoor courtyard, complete with lemon trees and blue accents, creates a Mediterranean atmosphere that enhances the authentic flavors of their perfectly seasoned gyro meat.
11. Pita House in Morristown
Morristown’s historic district houses Pita House, where third-generation Greek-Americans serve gyros based on recipes brought over from Crete in the 1950s. Their signature beef gyro uses a family spice blend that remains a closely guarded secret though the distinctive notes of cinnamon and allspice are unmistakable.
Each gyro comes wrapped in paper and foil, street-food style, making them perfect for grabbing before exploring Morristown Green. The tzatziki strikes the ideal balance between creamy and tangy, with just enough garlic to announce itself without overwhelming.
Morning commuters take advantage of their breakfast gyro option, which adds a fried egg and feta to the traditional meat and vegetables. During summer months, their sidewalk seating fills with locals enjoying these handheld delights alongside Greek coffee. Their consistency and quality have earned them loyal customers who return weekly for their gyro fix.
12. Mediterranean Grill in Cape May
Cape May’s Victorian charm extends to Mediterranean Grill, where beach-goers satisfy post-swim hunger with their award-winning gyros. The lamb and beef gyro stands out for its exceptional meat quality locally sourced and seasoned with herbs grown in the restaurant’s kitchen garden.
Fresh Jersey tomatoes and crisp lettuce provide the perfect contrast to the rich, savory meat. Their house tzatziki includes a hint of lemon zest and fresh mint that brightens each bite.
Summer tourists often discover this gem and return year after year during their beach vacations. The casual atmosphere welcomes sandy feet and beach attire, while the food quality rivals more formal establishments. Their gyro wrap combo which includes a side of crispy zucchini chips and refreshing cucumber salad offers the perfect refuel after a day of swimming and sunbathing on Cape May’s beautiful beaches.
13. Village Gyro in Haddonfield
Haddonfield’s charming downtown shopping district includes Village Gyro, where the humble gyro receives gourmet treatment. Their chicken souvlaki gyro features chunks of marinated chicken breast grilled over open flames rather than the traditional rotisserie method.
The result is chicken with smoky char marks and caramelized edges that add depth to each bite. Fresh dill and parsley in their house tzatziki provide an herbaceous counterpoint to the rich meat. Red onions quick-pickled in lemon juice add brightness and crunch.
History buffs appreciate eating these delicious creations in a building dating back to 1873, complete with original brick walls and wooden beams. The owners renovated the space while preserving its historic character. Their outdoor garden seating area transforms into a magical space at night with string lights and the occasional live acoustic music on summer evenings.
14. Olympus Diner in Paramus
Paramus might be known for its malls, but locals head to Olympus Diner when craving authentic gyros any time of day. Their 24-hour operation means you can satisfy gyro cravings at 3am just as easily as 3pm a blessing for late-night shoppers and early risers alike.
The classic beef and lamb gyro comes piled high with meat carved from the spinning vertical broiler visible from most seats in the diner. Crispy edges and tender interiors mark perfectly cooked gyro meat, while the warm pita provides the ideal foundation.
True to diner tradition, portions are enormous easily enough for two meals. The complimentary soup or salad makes this already good value even better. Despite the casual diner setting, the Greek owners ensure authentic flavors prevail, with recipes brought directly from their hometown near Thessaloniki over 40 years ago.
