Evvia Estiatorio

Celebrated Greek kitchen on Emerson Street with wood-fired lamb, whole fish, and mezze that have earned consistent acclaim for over 25 years.

Evvia Estiatorio gives Greek cooking a clear, inviting identity in downtown Palo Alto, with grilled meats, seafood and comforting baked dishes all earning attention. Mesquite-grilled lamb chops and chicken or lamb souvlaki provide straightforward places to start, paired with potatoes and, for the skewers, tzatziki. We like that the menu also encourages you to look beyond the grill. Moussaka layers spiced lamb and beef with eggplant, potato and yogurt béchamel, while yiouvetsi brings slow-cooked goat and orzo together in tomato sauce. Braised octopus with fettuccine offers another direction, using wine, garlic, cinnamon and herbs. Seafood choices include Mediterranean sea bream and salmon with a tomato-ouzo sauce, with pea-and-cheese ravioli adding a vegetable-focused option. On Emerson Street, Evvia's appeal is this balance of recognizable Greek favorites and dishes that make a longer look at the menu worthwhile.