Aristos The best of Greek eateries is also one of the city’s best restaurants, period. Fare ranges from Greek greatest hits like gyros and skordalia to Cretan dishes like the chicken braised with okra, but the grilled Greek octopus is what keeps us coming back for more. 224 S. 1300 East, SLC, 801-581-0888. $$ – $$$
Café Med Get the mezzes platter for some of the best falafel in town. Entrees range from pita sandwiches to gargantuan dinner platters of braised shortribs, roast chicken and pasta. 420 E. 3300 South, SLC, 801-493-0100. $$
Layla Layla relies on family recipes. The resulting standards, like hummus and kebabs, are great, but explore some of the more unusual dishes, too. 4751 S. Holladay Blvd., Holladay, 801-272-9111. $$ – $$$
Mazza Excellent. With the bright flavor that is the hallmark of Middle Eastern food and a great range of dishes, Mazza has been a go-to for fine Lebanese food in SLC before there was much fine food at all. 912 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-521-4572; 1515 S. 1500 East, SLC, 801-484-9259. $$ – $$$
Manoli’s Manoli and Katrina Katsanevas have created a fresh modern approach to Greek food. Stylish small plates full of Greek flavors include Butternut-squash-filled tyropita, smoked feta in piquillo peppers and a stellar roast chicken. 402 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-532-3760. $$$
Olive Bistro This downtown cafe offers light salads and panini, some tapas, a list of wines and beers. 57 W. Main St., SLC, 801-364-1401. $$
Padeli’s One of Salt Lake’s original Greek restaurants, Greek Souvlaki, has opened a contemporary version of itself. Padeli’s also serves the classic street fare, but these excellent souvlaki come in a streamlined space modeled after Chipotle, Zao and other fast-but-not-fast-food stops. The perfect downtown lunch. 30 E. Broadway, SLC, 801-322-1111. $
Spitz Doner Kebab This California transplant specializes in what Utahns mostly know by their Greek name “gyros.” But that’s not the only attraction. Besides the food, Spitz has an energetic hipster vibe and a liquor license that make it an after-dark destination. 35 E. Broadway, SLC, 801-364-0286 $$