Hellenic Kouzina

Reviews 6

AN

Anthony Smolenski

I always have a wonderful experience with Hellenic Kouzina, which is definitely my favorite restaurant in Mechanicsburg, and the best Greek food Ive ever eaten. This place is so good that during lunch/dinnertime, an intimidating line of eager diners forms around the building. I highly recommend that if youre planning on eating here, you might want to avoid dropping in at obvious key hours (noon, 6pm, etc.) if youre in a hurry, or plan on calling ahead for carry-out, or else you may wait. Before and after these hours, you may have better luck if youre a newcomer. This place definitely started out as a cafe-style restaurant and is gradually expanding to fit the guests who love their fantastic food. It is a "take your order at the counter and wait for the buzzer to flash to come pick it up" restaurant, like Panera and other business models. By default, I order a gyro, an order of calamari, and the dill feta dip. They are the perfect combination of flavors, and definitely takes me to my "happy place." haha. The gyros are loaded and the best Ive ever eaten, and I highly recommend dipping the calamari in the dill feta dip... If youre not already full (and even if you arent and cant resist), try the baklava cheesecake or ice cream. Its up there with one of the best flavors I wish I could buy by the bucket. Ive also tried bits of their other entrees and specialties. The lamb shank is tender and perfect, the spanakopita is savory and delicious, the salads are fresh and of quality ingredients, the char-grilled octopus is tasty and worth the adventure, the seasoned french fries are fresh and flavorful, and the coffee is *rich*. So, definitely stop by Hellenic Kouzina if youre in the area. Also, be aware of their busy times and the fact that they are closed on Sunday and Monday.

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SO

Sophia L

My SIL and l drove one hour to go here for lunch today. We have been here many times in the past and really enjoy the food, however, todays customer service left a bad taste in our mouths. We got to the restaurant and ordered at the counter, and then proceeded to the dining area. To which there was a sign that said "Seat yourself ", so we did! We sat in a booth by the window. The waitress gave us our drinks at the counter and we took our seat to wait on our food to arrive. A couple of minutes later another woman came over to our table and ask us to move to a different table. She said she needed to keep that table open in case a party larger than two came in?!?!? She then offer us a smaller table. I expressed to her that we really did not want to move, and that there where other large tables that were empty(approximately 8 tables, and two of them where the same size as the one we were sitting in). She insisted that we pick up our drinks and move to another table. I feel that if they are going to take issue with where you choose to sit then they need to seat you to begin with. Not be rude and offend a paying customers. The reason we sat at a larger table to begin with is because we order a large amount of food ( 2 salads, 1 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 additional sides, and a slice of cake) and it was the only booth open at the time. BTW she moved us from a table that seated 6 to a table that seated 4. I could understand if the restaurant was full and there where people waiting to sit down, but there was not. We were having lunch for approximately 45 minutes and during that time, not one of the large tables were ever occupied! She basically moved us for no reason.

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JA

James Perry

I have frequented this restaurant for at least 4 yrs and over the last year, have dined there at least once a week. Unfortunately I shall not return. I did not receive what I ordered (lamb/beef Gyro) for which I had pointed it out on the menu. Secondly, what I received instead was a overcooked, very dry and tasteless chicken gyro. I ate not quite half of it just to be polite after telling the server I didnt order chicken (why would anyone order a chicken gyro??). Since it was very bland and tasteless, I put it aside waiting for my server to return again. I ask for it to be replaced with what I ordered but the server argued with me...the manager on staff argued with me and pretty much called me liar. Seriously?? The fried kalamári was fantastic but way over priced and is the only reason for the 2nd star. Be wary as the managing staff is extremely rude and argumentative. From what I have seen....this is not uncommon. Update: Of course this crazed proprietor would respond the way he did below as he has with other customers who "question" their food order or where they sat themselves in this cafeteria style noisy establishment. The customer is always wrong there and they will lie through their teeth to make themselves out like they do no wrong. Their dishonesty, attempt at Intimidation, hubris and their disrespect for their customers will eventually catch up with them. Seriously....this owner probably trolls all the review sites out there and has multiple logins to give himself 5 stars. Im sorry, while some of food is pretty good....the management is pretty darn horrible and because of that...2 stars max.

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JE

Jenna Czermendy

Coming from what I consider to be the international restaurant mecca (NYC) to PA was very disappointing as everything tastes ok or worse. When I visit restaurants that offer international cuisine its always too expensive and never the experience it was in NY(or ever worth the price, always leaves me thinking Wendys would have hit the spot just as well). That said this place rules every Greek place Ive ever eaten at...ever! I have eaten authentic Greek food made by grandmas and professional Greek wedding caterers. Nothing compares to this place. Its pricey for me seeing as how I am quite poor. Two gyros, two drinks and an appetizer is gonna cost some $30. Not to mention their coffee is quite good. If youre lucky enough to have room after your meal to indulge in one of their delish desserts and a tea/ coffee/ latte/ cappuccino etc. itll cost about $15 more. The place is really casual (meh) for the very high quality of food that will be found there. It is very clean and well maintained. If you like food you must go!!

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NI

Nissa Van Riper

Lucky to have this gem in Mechanicsburg. Arrived at 6:45 on a Friday night, we waited under 10 minutes to order, and there were sever. The place was crawling with employees so we never wanted for anything. (They each seem to have a role so its not like we were overly bothered, just that we had excellent service.) When you arrive you queue to order at the register and after that a hostess seats you and the staff takes care of everything. I didnt ask but everything looks scratch made. The desserts are numerous and so wonderful...interesting things you dont see anywhere else. Greek food, obviously. All the favorites including saganaki (flaming cheese). Extensive menu so everyone should be able to find something. I was over the moon for the creamy Greek salad dressing (which they also sell by the pint )and their lima bean side dish. We are going back as soon as possible.

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TI

Tiena Tran

This place has RUINED all other gyros for me. Hellenic Kouzinas food is AMAZING. Now, I wont order gyros from anywhere else (have even tried a NYC gyro stand before and it was nowhere CLOSE to comparable). On top of their outstanding gyros, I highly recommend the sweet potato fries, souvlaki, and their baklava cheesecake. Their service is impeccable. Always well-staffed, friendly, welcoming, accommodating. Keep in mind, this is a not a full-service sit-down restaurant. They take your order then you find a table and wait for the food. It is BYOB and if you have a large party, they will work with you to move tables together. The inside is gorgeous -- theres a water wall and fireplace. The outside is just as, if not more, gorgeous with string lights hanging across the courtyard and a fountain. Thank you for gracing the west shore with your delicious food!!!

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