Katerina's Taverna And Grill

Katerina's Taverna and Grill: A Love Letter to Greek PerfectionI have eaten a lot of Greek food in my life--some good, some bad, and some that left me questioning my life choices. But Katerina's Taverna and Grill is like being personally adopted by a Greek grandmother who loves you more than her own children.Tarpon Springs is a town that practically sweats olive oil and is famous for its Greek cuisine. Yet somehow, Katerina's manages to rise above the already high bar. Everything here is made in-house, by hand, with the kind of precision that suggests the chef has either a deep, unwavering love for her craft or a terrifying inability to delegate. Either way, we win.The keftedes (meatballs) were so tender and perfectly spiced that I considered carrying a small container with me at all times, just for emergencies. The pork gyro was everything you want a gyro to be--juicy, flavorful, and wrapped in a pillowy pita--that I briefly considered renouncing my carb-conscious tendencies. The salad dressing alone could solve world peace if we let it.And then, there were the desserts. The galaktoboureko was a custard-filled revelation, the kind of dessert that makes you reconsider every other dessert you've ever called "good." The baklava was layers of honeyed perfection, flaky and decadent, without tipping into the "I regret my life choices" category of sweets.We sat outside, basking in the Florida sun, smugly aware that we were, in that moment, living better than anyone else in the world.Five out of five. More than recommended--required.

Two words: Avgolemono Soup. Truly a taste of Heaven! The kind of soup that is a soothing ball on a chilly day, and that I would order even if it were a thousand degrees outside. I've had my fair share of lemon chicken soup, but this one beats them all!I also recommend the falafel gyro (crunch falafel and smooth hummus in perfect harmony) and chicken gyro (packed with flavor!) -- both make great leftovers if you don't have much room after healing all your woes with avgolemono soup.

The food was so good. My husband had the traditional gyro platter and I had the Fila! We also started with the Flaming Cheese (a must when eating Greek). Love it more, because this a local Greek and not a tourist destination restaurant!! Everything was spot on and traditional! We will be back!

Going to Tarpons Springs for decades, starting with my own grandfather, I have been to many places when it was still the old fishing village. Now Tarpons Springs is more a tourist trap. Lots of tee-shirts and items we do not really need. What we can need is the food. And the good food. Yes, there are a few favorites ont he main street. Those have been there for decades. And they are good. But there are some in the back that we might have missed. They are smaller and quiet. They are family run and operated for years. They might two people who can help with the order and service. And there is one on the counter who makes everything. And one in the back who put ti together. Small. Simple. Fresh.This is Katerina's Taverna and Grill.You can pass it as you get to the main street. But stop here and you can taste what you would have if you walked in Greece itself.We went in for a simple meal and where amazed. It had local people having their lunch. So there was a nice crowd.Our hostess brought us the menu and some cold water to start. She told us what was available and we went from there. And that was a good way to go. We looked over the menu and could not decide. Everything looked great. The aroma int he place was ideal. This was a tough choice. With her help we decided what we needed.Naturally, you start with a Greek Salad. It was fresh. The single order could have been a meal for two. Lettuce, fresh firm tomatoes, peppers, olives, feta cheese, cukes and more. All with the proper oil and light vinegar dressing. With a bit of pita it was a way to go. Next up was the fried, Kalamaria Tiganita. This was truly fresh. Right out of the ocean. And fried properly. Not over stuffed and baked. It was still tasty and had the flavor of being just caught. This could have been a meal itself instead of an appetizer. It was perfect.Then came the main order. First was a platter of pork and chicken gyros. There was tomatoes, onions, tzatziki and warm pita. This plat definitely was big enough for a meal for two to share. This was very fresh and tasty. The way you do have it in Athens. And what to expect if there.Of course, had to have a pork gyro, but this was large. Again, freshly make pork wrapped in pita and filled with onions and tzatziki . It was even topped with freshly made french fries. Something I normally take off to have the gyro without the fries. Those are put on the side to eat separate. This is as expected.The meal was excellent. The team was perfect and helpful. The price is perfect. The portion was large. There was so much left (except for the Kalamaria) that there was enough to take home for dinner. An excellent lunch to have.We thank the team and will be back. It is like stepping into someone's kitchen and sitting down for a good meal and conversation. Efcharistó (as they say in Greek).

What a great spot in Tarpon Springs - I can see why it's the #1 Greek spot in the area. The flavor is great and the staff are so friendly and nice. It doesn't feel touristy at all -- the customers, staff, and vendors on the day we stopped by were all local and Greek. We were in Greece just a few months ago and the food at Katerina's was just as good, if not better, than we got in Athens!

Decided to try Katerina's for the first time last week. I went in during the afternoon so it was relatively pretty empty and I was a party of 1 so I was immediately serviced and seated. The atmosphere here is great for being off of the Main Street by the docks. I almost preferred this because it's not as chaotic as other spots around with people blocking views and also it being too loud. There's indoor and outdoor seating and I prefer outdoor. Even in the summer it felt nice and I enjoyed my meal with the breeze from the fans. Service was incredible. I was constantly tended to and they made sure they answered every question I had. Being from Tarpon I know that the Greek salads here are unlike anything else you'll ever have. I am here to say that Katerina's has one of the best Greek salads I've had in the area. The dressing was super zesty and unique. The only thing that felt odd was most other places include potato salad because it's a local thing, but they upcharge you if you want it here. I had the dolomades for my main and the rice that came with it was incredible. Piping hot and full of flavor with the leaves and spices. I will absolutely be back again!

We had dinner here on a Friday with a friend. We sat inside, thinking it would be cooler than outside, but it was warm. I had the grilled grouper with peas and soup (lemon something). Husband had the gyro, with pork, not the usual Americanized lamb/beef, and fries on the side, not in the pita bread. Our friend had a shrimp dish. All three of us liked what we got. Service was good. It was noisy inside because of a large birthday party next to us. We sat at one of 4 tables, and the party was at two or three tables pushed together.

Chicken souvlaki and fries, Greek Salad with chicken and dessert. Credit card charge came out to $63.71. Compared their online menu to the bill and it was nowhere near $63.71. I won't go back. Check your receipt and credit card charge before you leave the place. Two entrees and a dessert for $63.71. It's a restaurant on the side of the road!

Came here tonight completely by chance. The restaurant was warm and inviting and the staff welcomed us with a smile. I saw lamb shank on the Todays Special list and knew that was what I was having for dinner. It came with two sides and I chose the Greek Peas and a cup of soup. The meal was delicious from beginning to end I was giddy enjoying every mouthful. They have indoor and outdoor seating and free parking which isn't always the case here in Tarpon Springs. We certainly will be back.

We LOVE Katarina's. It's our go to Greek spot! Their outside seating is charming and inviting. Service always friendly as well, but the real star is, of course, the food! I usually do some kind of chicken kabob or skewer - YUM. My husband loves their Gyro platter. Their dip trio is also super yummy!! Definitely recommend if you are looking for authentic Greek!