Papa Of All Gyros
It is possible that the best Greek food in our area comes from Papa Gyros' two locations in Canton.
In the interests of full disclosure, I should note that I'm biased. Papa Gyros is owned by the Paxos family, and I've worked for and with Steve Paxos several times over the years. When I first met him, he was in the pizza business, but was also the Commission of the National Professional Soccer League. I worked for the Canton Invaders in that league, and then, since he liked my work, moved into the league office which was also in Canton. He and I founded a youth soccer club together, and I coached his sons, so it's fair to say we're friends.
That doesn't change the fact I like the way Steve cooks! When he owned the Italian place, he made great soups and sauce, maybe because his wife Kelly is from Italian stock. When he left the NPSL and went back into the restaurant business full time, he relied on his own ethnic heritage, and incorporated many family recipes into the Papa Gyros menu.
As a result, there are a lot of things besides the wonderful gyros with Steve's own homemade tzatziki sauce. The Grecian salad, again with Steve's own dressing, is one of the best melanges of greens, olives, tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers and feta cheese I've ever tried. On a recent visit, I had it plated with my gyro for a colorful combination that was appetizing and tasty. There is a wide selection of starters: bruschetta, hummus, saganaki, dolmades and tiropitas.
For entrees, you don't have to rely only on the famous seasoned lamb “loaf” used in gyros. There is lemon chicken, braised lamb shank, steak, chops, and mousaka (layered potatos, ground beef and egg plant). They also offer many different types of seafood, and different variations on souvlaki platters...beef, chicken, lamb and seafood.
The newest location in Belden Village at 4760 Everhard Road is a clean, modern, well-lighted and decorated place that will remind you of typical family restaurants from the big chains. The original spot at 2045 Cleveland Avenue NW was once the Italian restaurant, and is run by Steve's son Lambros, one of my former soccer players. If you'd like a look at the full menu, here's a link to the web site: