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A fiery plate of cheese arrives at the table, and suddenly the whole room looks up. That small bit of theater has been drawing people to a corner just south of downtown Indianapolis for decades.
Families celebrate graduations here, convention crowds wander in from nearby hotels, and regulars treat the place like a second kitchen. Keep reading to find out where it is, what keeps people coming back, and how to plan a stop of your own.
A Greek Table Just South of Downtown
Greek Islands sits at 906 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225. It is a Greek restaurant just south of Lucas Oil Stadium and close to the convention center.
The restaurant describes itself as serving Greek staples in an old-world atmosphere. It is a casual outpost with a family vibe, and it is best known for its flaming cheese.
Guests who found it on the way to something else often say they were glad they stopped. One couple walked over after learning that a nearby Italian spot required reservations, and the detour turned into a happy surprise.
Gyros are the headline of this article, and they show up on the menu in several forms. They appear as a traditional dinner, as a topping for a chef salad, and as a plain classic plate.
That mix of location and menu makes the address easy to work into a downtown day.
Nearly Forty Years of Family Ownership
Family ownership since 1987 is a point of pride here. Longtime fans call it their go-to Greek spot whenever they are in Indianapolis.
The mentions of being family owned come up again and again, and the feeling carries through the whole place. A first-time guest described being welcomed as though invited into someone’s home.
That sense of hospitality stretches back decades. The building has been serving Greek food and good company for close to 40 years.
One guest even found a staff member who spoke Greek with his wife, making the table feel like a gathering of relatives.
Staying power like that is rare for a restaurant near a busy downtown. It suggests a loyal base that keeps returning, generation after generation.
The Gyro Plate, Front and Center
Start with the star of the headline. The traditional gyro dinner comes with a generous amount of meat topped with diced tomatoes and onions.
A pita cut into quarters, rice pilaf, green beans, and a container of tzatziki round out the plate. One first-timer wished for extra tomatoes and onions, a simple fix for next time.
Guests have praised the seasoning on the gyro meat, and some choose it as a protein on a chef salad. Another diner called the gyros very good, and a newcomer from out of town ordered the classic and left planning a return.
Not every plate lands the same way for everyone, as one guest found the meat plate underwhelming. Still, the many repeat orders show why the gyro keeps its spot on the menu.
It is a straightforward dish done in a familiar way, and that is part of the draw.
Flaming Cheese and Tableside Drama
Few appetizers get a round of attention like this one. Flaming cheese is the dish the restaurant is most famous for, with 19 mentions among guests.
Diners describe it as crusty on the outside and creamy within, served with soft pita that has a light crisp edge.
One first-timer called it probably the best appetizer on the menu. Even guests who were less thrilled with other dishes agreed that the cheese was good.
It also works as a starter for a group. A birthday celebration began with the cheese and a dip sampler before the main plates arrived.
Ordering it early gives the table something to talk about while the entrees are prepared.
Dips, Pita, and Sampler Platters
Starters here lean toward sharing. A four dip platter and a dip sampler with pita bread appear in several guests’ stories.
One diner recommended the spicy feta and eggplant dip as a starter. Hummus and tzatziki were also praised, and one husband called the hummus some of the best he has had.
Opinions vary, as is the case anywhere. One diner found the hummus bland, though the tzatziki still came across as flavorful.
Tables with a few people tend to benefit most, since a sampler lets everyone try a bit of everything. Pairing it with warm bread keeps the pace relaxed.
Kalamata olives are also on the list, though one guest found them a little pricey.
Pastitsio and the Taste of Home
Ask around, and pastitsio keeps coming up. It has 15 mentions, and fans speak about it with real affection.
One longtime Greek food lover said it was the most flavorful version he had tasted in years. Another guest called it delicious after a lucky walk-in dinner.
A Greek diner visiting from out of town ordered it and also loved the baklava afterward. Her family felt right at home.
It arrives with sides such as green beans, and a few guests suggested swapping those for something else. That is easy to do at the table.
For a first visit beyond gyros, pastitsio is a safe and satisfying second choice.
Meat Pie, Spinach Pie, and Other Baked Favorites
Baked pies earn plenty of loyalty. The meat pie leads with 22 mentions, more than any other dish on the popular list.
Guests describe it as crispy and meaty, with a hearty tomato sauce. A graduation party and a couple from Brown County both ordered it.
The spinach pie also drew praise, with one guest calling it the best they have had at a Greek restaurant.
These plates make a good choice for anyone who wants something beyond the gyro. They are filling, and they travel well when ordered to go.
A soup to start, such as avgolemono, rounded out one meal nicely.
Lamb, Pork, and Seafood Plates
Entrees go well past the gyro. Lamb chop, pork tenderloin, and pork souvlaki each have fans.
One guest said the lamb was seasoned perfectly and tender when ordered medium. Another found the pork cooked just right.
Seafood has more mixed feedback. Flounder and tilapia appeared on happy tables, but a few diners had trouble with how the fish was prepared.
That range is worth knowing. Pairing a favorite with the potatoes and pilaf, which several guests liked, tends to make the meal feel complete.
Asking the server for guidance is wise, since staff are described as knowledgeable about the menu.
Dessert Worth Saving Room For
Baklava cheesecake gets a dozen mentions and is the dessert most often ordered. One family had a candle placed on a slice for a graduate, then sent him home with another.
A diner called it a great ending to a fantastic meal. Another thought the quality was high, though less exceptional than the entree.
Galaktoboureko is also on the menu, and one guest said it was to die for. Gelato and a double espresso frappe have shown up at tables too.
Greek coffee comes in a small cup with loose grounds that settle at the bottom. It suits slow lingering.
Planning the meal with a sweet finish in mind makes the visit feel complete.
Old-World Atmosphere and Belly Dancers
Decor leans retro. One guest said the 70s era feel reminded him of Italian family restaurants from years ago.
Others noted that the inside looks dated and does not match the charm of the exterior. Most agreed the food and hospitality made up for it.
Music plays softly in the background, and belly dancers come up among the popular topics with 11 mentions. That adds a lively touch to the evening.
Outdoor seating is also mentioned, though less often.
The space is sizeable enough for small and large groups, which helps with celebrations.
Who This Spot Suits Best
Families, couples, and friend groups all appear in the stories. A group of friends on a girls adventure day ordered four dishes to share.
Convention visitors have also found it. People in town for GenCon or events at the nearby stadium and natatorium stopped in and planned to return.
Solo diners fit in as well. One guest stopped after work for a quick bite and felt welcomed.
Those who want a hushed, modern setting may prefer elsewhere. The place is casual and family-focused.
Large parties can book ahead, and one family adjusted their reservation time easily.
Hospitality That Gets Noticed
Staff earn many kind words. Servers explain the menu, and sauces and food are made in house.
One guest noted that the staff gave a delivery driver water and a seat while his order was packed. Small gestures like that stand out.
Drinks were refilled before glasses emptied at one family dinner. A waiter who spoke Greek to a Greek guest left a lasting impression.
Experiences are not uniform. Some mention slow pacing with limited staff, and one diner felt a server seemed disinterested.
Overall, friendliness is the common thread.
Hours, Prices, and Planning Ahead
Hours run Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Saturday is 3 to 9 PM, and the restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday.
Most meals fall in the $20 to $30 range per person. Some guests found portions reasonable, while others felt entrees ran pricey.
Arriving shortly after opening on Saturday helps beat the downtown rush. Lunch can be busy too, with one diner noting a lively crowd.
Reservations are accepted, and the restaurant lists a website at greekislandsrestaurant.com. Calling ahead is smart for larger groups.
Some items may be unavailable on certain days, so flexibility helps.
Getting There and Making a Day of It
The restaurant sits just south of Lucas Oil Stadium and only a couple of blocks from several hotels. Walking from downtown is easy.
Construction nearby has led some drivers to find it by accident, and they were glad they did. Checking the route before leaving is sensible.
The convention center is close, so the spot works well before or after an event. Event days are busier.
Pairing a meal here with a game, a show, or a stroll makes a full outing.
Takeout is possible, as several guests ordered food to go.
The Verdict on Coming Back
Holding a 4.6 star average from more than 1,200 ratings, this restaurant has built a solid following. Most plates earn real enthusiasm, with some uneven moments along the way.
The gyros are a reliable place to begin, and the flaming cheese, pastitsio, and meat pie give reasons to return. Warm hospitality ties it all together.
Plenty of guests left already thinking about the next visit. A first-timer said he planned to work through more of the menu.
That is the best compliment a restaurant can get. At Greek Islands, the plan for a second visit tends to start before the check arrives.
