For more than five decades, Mediterranean Foods has been a staple in Astoria, serving generations of families with authentic Greek and Mediterranean products. What began as a small neighborhood shop has grown into one of the area’s most beloved specialty markets, while still maintaining the family atmosphere that customers have come to know and love.

The story began when Vasili Tentolouris, Tommy Tentolouris’ father, came to America on his honeymoon in the 1970s and never looked back. After working in a small market and learning the business, he partnered with Tommy’s godfather to open a small shop on 30th Avenue, where a Thai restaurant now stands today. As business grew, Mediterranean Foods moved to its current location off 30th Avenue in 1992 and expanded into the supermarket-style market customers know today. The business later grew with the opening of a second Astoria location on the corner of 23rd Avenue and 35th Street.

Photo Courtesy of Mediterranean Foods

“My father always believed he could take it further,” Tommy Tentolouris explained. “He started with a small market and had a vision of creating something bigger while still keeping that personal touch.”

While Astoria has changed dramatically over the years, Mediterranean Foods has remained a destination for both longtime customers and newcomers eager to experience authentic Greek cuisine. Many long-time regulars have moved away, but thanks to local delivery and shipping services, the family continues to serve customers no matter where they are.

Photo Courtesy of Give Me Astoria

What sets Mediterranean Foods apart from a traditional supermarket is its commitment to old-school customer service and carefully curated selection of imported products.

“We’re a family-run business, and we still believe in one-on-one customer service,” Tommy Tentolouris said. “People come in and everyone knows each other. It’s the old-school way of doing business.”

The shelves are stocked with products imported directly from Greece and its islands, including some of the store’s most popular items: olive oil, feta cheese, halloumi from Cyprus and saganaki cheese, a favorite for those looking to recreate the classic flaming cheese experience at home.

For first-time visitors, Tommy Tentolouris recommends starting with Arahova feta, one of the store’s customer favorites. The cheese falls somewhere between sharp and mild, making it the perfect starting point for anyone exploring Greek cheeses for the first time. From there, Tommy and his team can guide customers toward varieties that are sharper, milder, harder or softer based on their personal preferences.

“It’s a great cheese to start with because it sits right in the middle,” Tommy explained. “Once you try it, we can help you find the cheeses that best match your taste.”

When asked what has kept customers coming back for so many years, Tommy doesn’t hesitate.

“It’s the quality and the service,” he said.

That sense of community is perhaps best represented by Vasili Tentolouris himself. Now 87 years old, he can still be found at the store nearly every day, arriving before dawn and staying until closing.

Photo Courtesy of Give Me Astoria

“Astoria is home,” Tommy Tentolouris  said. “My father has watched customers grow up. He’s seen one generation become the next. People still come in just to say hello.”

Many employees have worked at Mediterranean Foods for more than 30 years, creating an environment where customers often can’t tell who owns the business and who works there.

“We’re all family here,” Tommy Tentolouris said. “Everyone works together.”

As Astoria continues to evolve, Mediterranean Foods remains a neighborhood institution—one built on family, tradition, quality products and the relationships formed over generations.

Mediterranean Foods has two Astoria locations and continues to be a go-to destination for anyone looking to bring the flavors of Greece and the Mediterranean home.

22-78 35th St.  and 30-12 34th St /  (718) 728-0266 / https://mediterraneanfoodsny.com/