Trata Greek Taverna: Where Greeks eat

If you want good Greek food, head to where the local Greeks eat: Trata Greek Taverna. This gem is located on Fort Lauderdale’s main strip, Las Olas Boulevard. This place is so authentic that when you leave, you’ll look back at the yellow, sun worn awning and wonder if it earned its wear on the coast of Santorini before being shipped here.

The menu offers all the Greek specialties you would expect, but you’ll be surprised and impressed by the quality of food.

Lunch specials are offered from 11 am – 3 pm and are generous in portion. Order a kebab pita and choose between marinated chicken, pork and lamb. All gyros are served with a side of fresh cut French fries or a Greek salad.

Salads are sometimes tough to stand out, but the Horiatiki Greek village salad makes a statement with its tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, sweet bell peppers, onions and feta cheese – all drizzled with an olive oil based house vinaigrette and oven-dried, mountain oregano. Opa!

Start your dinner off with a few appetizers, or even make a tapas style meal out of a selection of appetizers. The tzatziki, feta and olives and the lightly floured calamari rings are all excellent. You also can’t leave without trying Trata’s signature hummus – a garlicky blend of chickpeas, olive oil and Greek spices.

As the sun goes down, a romantic vibe sets in at this Greek restaurant. Low hanging red and gold lamps hang above the half-moon shaped bar, while candlelight shows off the photographs of Greece that fill the walls.

Try a dinner dish that has people talking – the Paidakia. These lamb chops are soaked for over 24 hours in a marinade of olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs, and are then served with a side of lemon potatoes and grilled vegetables.

Finish off your meal with a Greek specialty dessert, like the Baklava or yogurt with honey and walnuts.

HelloMetro Tip: There is a free patron parking lot around the back of the restaurant. Otherwise, you'll spend a few dollars in metered street parking along Las Olas Boulevard.

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