SVL Souvlaki Bar has been serving up high-quality and authentic Greek “yeero” (gyro) in the heart of Astoria for just over five years. Located at 30-18 Astoria Blvd., the restaurant puts an elevated twist on classic Greek food and is situated within eyesight of the Astoria Boulevard “N” subway station.

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The modern-looking eatery is known for its selection of mouthwatering meats and was founded by Astoria-based resident, Peter Katsiaris, who has worked in the restaurant industry for almost his entire life, spending many summers in Greece to refine his craft. Katsiaris said, “For Me, this has been a journey of discovery, friendship, and flavor.”

The self-made restaurateur was inspired to establish SVL Souvlaki Bar by the time he spent overseas. It was a formative experience for him that fostered an affinity for Greek cuisine and a desire to bring people together over a good meal. The restaurant’s decor was designed in a way that’s sleek, warm and inviting – the perfect setting for any occasion.

 

His culinary creations, including Souvlaki Shots and Greek Nachos, take traditional Greek flavors and reposition them in a way that caters to the vast, multicultural neighborhood that is Astoria. Not only does the food taste exceptionally good, it’s presented in an eye-catching way that’ll satisfy foodies who like to post photos of their good eats online.

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Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or trying to feed a small army, SVL Souvlaki Bar has you covered. Their Meat Sticks are the perfect size for a snack and give you the option of pork, chicken, kotobacon, or feta-stuffed beef. These succulent treats are served with freshly baked bread or pita bread. There is even a Vegan Stick made from roasted vegetables, so there’s truly something here for everyone.

For larger groups, SVL Souvlaki Bar has options that are destined to satisfy. Their Mixed Plates are loaded with up to seven different kinds of meat, from beef and lamb yeero to loukaniko – a smoked sausage flavored with orange peel that is truly amazing. They’re served with fries or rice and a mesclun salad, adorned with Kalamata olives and imported Greek feta.

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The Yeero Shots that I tried (mini pita with tomatoes, onions, fries, your choice of meat and sauce) were simply fantastic. Compared to other gyro that I’ve had in the past, the quality of ingredients truly stood out to me, from the freshness of the pita bread to the flavor of the imported feta. I strongly recommend these shots because they feature a variety of meats that let you sample some of the restaurant’s best flavors.

“I wanted to source the best possible ingredients, and staying solely in the Greek flavor profile, cook the best possible food I could,” Katsiaris said, who is honored to represent his motherland through food. “I created SVL Souvlaki Bar so that everyone could taste the flavors of Greece in a modern, energetic atmosphere.”

30-18B ASTORIA BLVD, ASTORIA, NY 11102 /  718-406-9141