- Attraction: Jersey Gyros
- Location: 170 Main St, Lodi, NJ 07644
- Industry: Greek Restaurant
- Website: Instagram Page
Born from a pandemic pivot and childhood dream, this cozy Greek eatery transforms Main Street into a mini Thessaloniki.
When owner Michael Tolos lost his NYC restaurant job in early 2020, he seized the moment to honor a vision that had been brewing since he visited his uncle’s hole-in-the-wall gyro shop in Greece as a kid.
That same aromatic magic now fills this 1,100-square-foot space, where families and gyro enthusiasts gather for what many call the most authentic Greek food in North Jersey.
What sets this place apart is its commitment to genuine Greek flavors through family recipes passed down from Michael’s uncle—a seasoned restaurateur from Greece and NYC—and his mother, who crafts every dessert and specialty item by hand.
Since opening in 2020, this family-run spot has built a loyal following among locals who appreciate food made with heart, soul, and proper Greek technique.
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Keep Exploring →The Famous Gyros
The Pork Gyro: This is their claim to fame, and for good reason. While lamb gyros dominate American Greek restaurants, pork is actually the traditional choice in Greece—and Jersey Gyros nails it.
The meat arrives perfectly seasoned with authentic spices, wrapped in warm pita alongside crisp veggies, tangy sauce, and a generous pile of hand-cut fries tucked right inside. You’ll taste the difference between this and typical American versions immediately.
Lamb Gyro Perfection: Even if you’re typically not a lamb fan, the seasoning here might convert you. The lamb is tender, never dry, and bursting with Mediterranean spices that transport you straight to Athens street food territory.
Purple onions add the right bite, while the tzatziki brings everything together with cool, garlicky goodness. Portions are substantial enough that you might have leftovers for a second meal.
Chicken Options: The chicken gyro features dark meat that stays moist and flavorful, complemented by a distinctive Greek yellow mustard sauce that adds brightness without overpowering.
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Discover MoreThe chicken souvlaki skewers are cooked and seasoned to absolute perfection—a crowd favorite that showcases just how good properly marinated and grilled chicken can be.
Vegan-Friendly: Even plant-based eaters get the full experience with a vegan gyro option featuring a fried fillet, house-made vegan slaw, veggies, and those addictive hand-cut fries, all wrapped in fluffy pita.
Homemade Specialties & Sides
The Greek Fries: These aren’t your average fries. Hand-cut Idaho potatoes get seasoned with salt, pepper, and imported Greek mountain oregano, then finished with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and a drizzle of Greek extra virgin olive oil.
The combination of vinegar and garlic creates an irresistible tang that’ll have you craving them long after your visit.
Spanakopita: Made fresh daily by Michael’s mother, this Greek spinach pie arrives as a massive square of flaky phyllo dough wrapped around perfectly seasoned spinach and feta filling. One bite transports you to a traditional Greek kitchen where recipes have been perfected over generations.
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Keep Exploring →Tzatziki & Dips: The homemade tzatziki hits all the right notes with strained Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, lemon, and herbs.
Michael’s added his own culinary touch with creative variations like mint yogurt and avocado tzatziki. Other dips include spicy feta, hummus, eggplant, and roasted beet with Greek yogurt—all perfect for sharing or enjoying with warm pita.
Platter Options: The Paketo Platters let you build your ideal meal with one protein, one base like Greek salad or rice, one spread, and one side with pita bread. These hearty platters offer excellent value and showcase the restaurant’s range of authentic flavors all on one plate.
Sweet Endings Made With Love
Baklava: Michael’s mother bakes this classic layered pastry dessert daily using phyllo dough, chopped walnuts, and honey syrup. The result is buttery, crispy, and perfectly sweet without being cloying.
Kataifi: This less common Greek dessert features roughly chopped walnuts scented with ground clove and cinnamon, wrapped in buttered crispy kataifi dough, then bathed in lemon-scented syrup. It’s a textural delight with crunchy exterior and sweet, nutty filling.
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Discover MoreGalactoboureko: Layers of golden-brown crispy phyllo get sprinkled with melted butter, filled with creamy custard, and bathed in scented syrup for a decadent Greek custard cake experience.
Greek Orange Cake: The Portokalopita brings bright aromas and flavors from fresh oranges blended with warm cinnamon—a lighter option that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
Atmosphere & Setting
The Artemis Mural: Upon entering, you’re greeted by a striking hand-painted mural of the Greek goddess Artemis by a local artist. As the goddess of the hunt, she perfectly symbolizes this meat-focused establishment while adding authentic Mediterranean flair.
Clean & Welcoming: The space feels fresh and inviting with simple yet beautiful Mediterranean decor. Greek music plays in the background, creating an atmosphere that feels both casual and genuinely transporting.
The open kitchen design lets you watch your food being prepared and see just how spotless everything is maintained.
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Keep Exploring →Intimate Dining: With just five tables seating up to 20 guests, this is a cozy spot rather than a large dining hall. The intimate setting makes it feel more like eating at a Greek friend’s place than a typical restaurant.
Strip Mall Location: Situated in the Mid Towne Plaza off Main Street, the exterior may be unassuming, but step inside and the authentic Greek experience begins immediately.
Other Considerations
Imported Specialty Drinks: Beyond typical beverages, you’ll find imported Greek options like Mastiha water in natural, mandarin, and lemon ginger flavors.
Made from sap of a tree found only on the Greek island of Chios, this unique drink offers digestive benefits and antioxidant properties. Greek fruit drinks like Loux Orange provide authentic Mediterranean refreshment.
Reasonable Pricing: Gyros and sandwiches range from around $11-18, with appetizers starting at $6-8 and dips at $8.50. The Paketo Platters offer excellent value at roughly $22-27 with generous portions that often stretch to two meals.
Considering the quality of ingredients and portion sizes, the pricing sits comfortably in the mid-tier range—reasonable and definitely worth it.
Eco-Friendly Takeout: The takeout boxes are imported from Greece and specially designed so the ink from labels never touches your food. This attention to detail extends to delivery via DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats.
Dietary Options: Gluten-free pita is available, along with vegetarian and vegan options. However, there’s no kids’ menu or alcohol service.
No Reservations Needed: Walk-ins only, so just stop by during operating hours. The restaurant is closed Mondays, open Tuesday through Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 12pm-8pm.
Parking: Located in a strip mall with convenient parking lot access—no need to hunt for street parking.
Jersey Gyros
📍 170 Main St, Lodi, NJ 07644
