Ohio Restaurants That Have Perfected The Art Of The Gyro
Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind for authentic Greek cuisine, but the Buckeye State actually boasts some incredible gyro spots.
From Cleveland to Cincinnati, local restaurants are serving up mouthwatering combinations of seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread.
I’ve traveled across Ohio to find the absolute best gyros that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.
1. Olive Tree Mediterranean Cafe (Columbus)
Family-owned since 1996, Olive Tree Mediterranean Cafe serves what many Columbus locals consider the gold standard of gyros. Their hand-stacked meat cones rotate slowly, creating the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining juicy tenderness inside.
What makes their gyros exceptional is the balance of homemade tzatziki cooling yet zesty with just the right amount of garlic and cucumber. The pita bread arrives warm and pillowy, sturdy enough to hold generous portions without falling apart.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try their lamb gyro variation which uses locally-sourced Ohio lamb. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere with blue and white decor transports you to a small Greek island without leaving the Midwest.
2. Gyro Palace (Cleveland)
Hidden in Cleveland’s bustling West Side Market, Gyro Palace has been a local institution for over three decades. The aroma hits you before you even see the stand that unmistakable blend of herbs and roasting meat that makes your mouth water instantly.
Their classic gyro features meat sliced thinner than most competitors, creating delicate, flavorful layers that practically melt in your mouth. The owner, Niko, still uses his grandfather’s secret seasoning blend imported directly from Greece.
During busy market days, the line stretches through the corridor, but regulars know it’s worth the wait. Each gyro comes wrapped in foil with an extra side of tzatziki because according to Niko, “There’s no such thing as too much tzatziki!”
3. Sebastian’s Gyros (Cincinnati)
When Cincinnatians crave a gyro fix, Sebastian’s is often their first stop. Located in the trendy Over-the-Rhine district, this modern take on the Greek classic blends tradition with innovation in surprising ways.
Their signature “Cincinnati Gyro” incorporates a nod to the city’s famous chili by adding a subtle cinnamon-spice blend to their meat. The contrast between the warm spices and cool, creamy tzatziki creates a flavor explosion that’s uniquely Cincinnati.
Don’t miss their hand-cut fries dusted with oregano and sea salt perfect for dipping in extra tzatziki. Sebastian himself can often be found working the counter, greeting regulars by name and recommending his latest experimental gyro creation to adventurous eaters.
4. King Gyros (Columbus)
King Gyros rules the east side of Columbus with its massive portions and no-frills approach to Greek street food. This roadside stand might look unassuming, but the constant line of cars at the drive-through tells you everything you need to know.
Their “Super Gyro” lives up to its royal name nearly twice the size of competitors, requiring two hands and serious dedication to eat. The secret to their success is the perfectly crispy edges on their gyro meat, achieved through a specialized cooking technique the owner learned in Athens.
Though they’re known for size, the quality doesn’t suffer. Fresh ingredients, including locally grown tomatoes and onions during summer months, elevate these gyros beyond typical fast food. Cash only, but trust me bring some extra for their homemade baklava.
5. Tasty Greek (Dayton)
Tucked away in a Dayton strip mall, Tasty Greek defies its humble surroundings by serving some of the most authentic gyros in the state. The owner, Maria, immigrated from Rhodes and brings genuine Mediterranean techniques to every aspect of her cooking.
Her gyros feature hand-trimmed meat that marinates for a full 24 hours before hitting the vertical rotisserie. This patience results in flavor that penetrates every slice. The tzatziki contains a hint of dill Maria’s personal touch that sets it apart from competitors.
Did you know they make their pita bread fresh each morning? The slightly charred, pillowy rounds bear no resemblance to the mass-produced versions found elsewhere. Dayton Wright-Patterson Air Force personnel are regular customers, with many claiming these gyros rival those they’ve had while stationed in Greece.
6. Gyro Hub (Toledo)
Toledo’s Gyro Hub transforms the classic Greek sandwich into an art form through their commitment to locally-sourced ingredients. Their signature creation combines traditional techniques with distinctly Ohio flavors.
The meat a blend of beef and lamb comes from a family farm just outside Toledo, creating a freshness you can taste. Instead of standard tomatoes, summer brings heirloom varieties from nearby farms, adding vibrant color and flavor.
Though relatively new to Toledo’s food scene (opened in 2018), Gyro Hub has quickly developed a cult following. University students spread the word about their late-night hours and generous portions. Their “Midnight Gyro” special adding a fried egg on top has saved many study sessions and become a campus legend for satisfying late-night cravings.
7. Greek Street (Akron)
Greek Street brings authentic street food vibes to downtown Akron with their food truck turned brick-and-mortar success story. Their gyros reflect the owner’s Athens upbringing, where he learned that simplicity and quality ingredients are the foundation of perfect street food.
Unlike many American versions, Greek Street’s gyros aren’t overstuffed they focus on balance. Each component gets careful consideration, from the thickness of the meat slices to the ratio of tzatziki to vegetables. The result is a perfectly proportioned handheld meal.
During summer, their patio becomes a neighborhood gathering spot, with string lights and bouzouki music creating a Mediterranean atmosphere. They’ve even started “Greek Night” on Thursdays, where ordering a gyro gets you a free shot of ouzo and a lesson in traditional Greek dancing.
8. The Mad Greek (Cleveland Heights)
Cleveland Heights residents have treasured The Mad Greek since 1977, when the Ozan family brought their island recipes to this suburb. Their gyros represent old-world craftsmanship rarely seen in today’s fast-food landscape.
Each vertical spit is built by hand every morning, layering seasoned meat that roasts slowly throughout the day. This creates the distinctive texture contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior that gyro connoisseurs crave.
The restaurant’s atmosphere enhances the experience Mediterranean blue walls, family photos from Greece, and servers who’ve worked there for decades. Many customers have their “usual” orders memorized by staff. I recommend their “Village Gyro” which adds crumbled feta and kalamata olives to the traditional recipe for an extra dimension of salty goodness.
9. Pita Pocket (Yellow Springs)
Yellow Springs’ bohemian vibe finds perfect culinary expression at Pita Pocket, where traditional gyros meet creative vegetarian and vegan alternatives. This cozy spot near Antioch College has been serving both meat lovers and plant-based eaters since 2005.
Their classic lamb gyro remains faithful to Greek traditions, with meat sourced from nearby farms. However, their seitan gyro deserves special mention marinated in the same spice blend as their meat version, it satisfies even dedicated carnivores who give it a chance.
The walls feature local artwork that changes monthly, and outdoor seating overlooks the town’s famous yellow spring. College professors debate philosophy over gyros while hikers refuel after exploring nearby Glen Helen Nature Preserve. Their homemade hot sauce available for purchase in small bottles adds a uniquely Ohio kick to the Mediterranean classic.
10. Ali Baba’s (Oxford)
Miami University students know that Ali Baba’s serves the perfect late-night gyro to satisfy post-study (or post-party) cravings. This Oxford institution blends Greek and Lebanese influences to create a unique Mediterranean experience.
Their signature “Baba Gyro” features a distinctive garlic sauce alongside traditional tzatziki, creating a double punch of flavor that’s become legendary among alumni. The meat receives an extra dose of cardamom and sumac Lebanese touches that distinguish it from purely Greek versions.
During home football weekends, the tiny restaurant transforms into a multigenerational gathering spot where current students and returning alumni bond over the same gyros that have fueled Miami students for over twenty years. Pro tip: ask for extra napkins these generously sauced creations require them!
11. Mykonos Taverna (Mason)
Mason’s upscale dining scene reaches its Mediterranean peak at Mykonos Taverna, where gyros transcend fast food status and become fine dining experiences. The blue and white exterior transports you to the Greek islands before you even step inside.
Their gyro platters feature hand-carved meat rather than the typical machine-sliced variety, creating thicker, juicier portions. House-made pita comes brushed with olive oil and herbs before a quick flame-finish. Fresh vegetables are arranged artfully rather than simply tossed together.
Though pricier than other gyro spots, the attention to detail justifies the cost. Weekends bring live bouzouki music and occasional plate-breaking celebrations for special occasions. The owner, Dimitri, often circulates through the dining room sharing stories of his childhood in Mykonos and recommending perfect wine pairings for your gyro experience.
12. Gyro House (Youngstown)
Youngstown’s industrial heritage and Greek community combine at Gyro House, where blue-collar workers and families alike have enjoyed authentic gyros for three generations. The current owner still uses his grandmother’s recipes, unchanged since the restaurant opened in 1968.
What separates their gyros is the exceptional meat quality and generous portioning. While many places have reduced sizes over the years, Gyro House maintains the massive portions that fueled steel workers decades ago. Their tzatziki contains a hint of lemon zest a family secret that brightens the entire sandwich.
The walls display black-and-white photos of Youngstown’s industrial past alongside the owner’s family in Greece. Don’t miss their “Steel Valley Special” a double-meat gyro with extra feta that might require a nap afterward but delivers unmatched satisfaction for serious appetites.
