OPA!! While there was no smashing of plates, I was still excited to be invited on Wednesday November 15th to taste the Mediterranean flavors of Greece at Meraki Greek Grill at 8975 West Charleston. Founded in 2017 by Jerry Goumaroian, Meraki Greek Grill has five locations nestled throughout neighborhoods of Las Vegas. Featuring a chef-driven Mediterranean menu and an elevated mood, the restaurant has a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. The Charleston location is owned by Patty, Joe, and George Djavairian. Their spectacular chef is Bardhosh Fejvaj.

As we dive into the holidays, please note their catering is not only available, but they are able to accommodate large groups on short notice! While Meraki welcomes everyone, its success is not contingent on tourists. It’s Las Vegas locals that form most of the clientele. And as a local, I’m thrilled to tell you about this gem! In Greek, Meraki means something to do with love, passion, and soul–and that’s exactly what they offer! The cozy decor features chocolate brown floors, leather accents, beautiful light fixtures, and a larger-than-life mural of Zeus! It was hand painted in partnership with a local artist. The open, sparkling-clean kitchen gives all diners a terrific view of the orchestrated dance of the kitchen team as Mediterranean music plays softly.

We settled into a cozy booth, and the feast began to arrive! First there were the spreads: tzatziki, hummus, and tirokafteri, each accompanied by warm pita bread. It was honestly the best pita bread I’ve ever tasted! The drizzle of olive oil on each had me asking, can we buy this olive oil? Much to my delight, Patty said yes, and I can now savor it in my own home!!

Next was the classic Greek salad: romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber, feta, Kalamata olives, and pepperoncini. Alongside this was spanakopita, the traditional baked filo dough filled with baby spinach, mint, and feta. Dolmadakia, grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, were served chilled. Next came chicken and steak skewers on beds of Greek rice. Am I making you hungry yet?

Although they were tremendously busy, the chef graciously came to our table. As I thanked him, he exclaimed, “Don’t thank me–thank my Yia Yia!”  His sweet grandmother spent a lot of time in the kitchen with him as a child, and it shows! In a sea of Las Vegas restaurants trying to be the next showy razzle-dazzle, Meraki offers simple, fresh, authentic, delectable food. A diner at the next table told me that his partner is from Greece, and Merak is her “go-to”!

Dessert was vanilla ice cream with candied baklava–yes, candied! and a slice of traditional mouth-watering flaky baklava!  WOW!! It took me back to the last time I was in Greece: the azure and emerald waters, white stucco villas, sugar-white sand, and of course, the fresh, delicious Mediterranean fare.

One last note: Meraki will give you a free dessert if you tell them you read about them on Living-Las-Vegas.com. Better yet, show them this article on your phone! Enjoy!