Greek Island Opens in Gahanna

Greek Island Gyro & Sub Shop threw a successful grand opening last week at their new location on the corner of Morse and Cherry Bottom Road in Gahanna (next to BW3's).

I have been seeing yard signs around the neighborhood advertising their presence and have been meaning to check it out. It just so happens that the day I popped in for lunch was also their grand opening and there was a promising turnout. Greek Island has been present for several years at the annual Taste of Gahanna celebration and has recently decided to turn their local popularity into a full time restaurant equipped with a catering van (donning a full broiler, of course) to bring their cuisine directly to your next big event.

Usually, when I'm in the mood for some Greek food and don't want to leave the neighborhood, I stop into Pomegranate Mediterranean Cuisine, which also offers complete entrees of schwarma, kafta, mousaka, and other common Mediterranean dishes. However, if you are looking for a cheap place to pop in a grab a quick bite, you can't really beat Greek Island.

Upon entering, the place kind of reminded me of a Subway Sandwich Shop. Yellow benches around rectangular tables and single cash register next to a food make-line allowing the customer to watch their food being assembled. Behind the counter you can see into the kitchen where they roast their meat and heat their pitas.

Greek Island offers a daily lunch special for $5.49. On Wednesday, my lunch special included a gyro, seasoned fries, and a fountain drink. I was in and out of the restaurant in about five minutes. Gyro meat has a tendency to be pretty dry which is why it is often drenched in tzatziki sauce, but that was not the case with this gyro. The meat was tender and juicy and paired with just enough sauce, seasonings then topped with lettuce, red onion, and tomato. The pita was warm and soft and the fries were very lightly seasoned. By the time I got to the end of the gyro, it was pretty greesy but that can be avoided by letting the juices drip for a second or two. Even still, for under $6, you totally can't beat that.

As I sat and waited for my lunch, I saw other people enjoying salads, soup, and subs which start at $3.99. Greek Island is open Monday - Saturday from 11 A.M. to 9 P.M. and is closed Sundays. If you are looking for something quick, cheap, and delicious, Greek Island is a solid bet.