By COOPER BROCK
A diner that has been serving satisfying Greek food with American additions to Orlando for over 20 years, Theo’s Kitchen is unique to other Mediterranean-American restaurants because of its’ ability to fuse the two cultures smoothly.
Upon entering Theo’s, the entirety of the restaurant is visible, as it is a small, yet spacious dining area and has a concession-stand-style menu hanging on the back wall.
With Coca-Cola signs sprinkled over the menu, along with pictures of fresh gyros on the counter, Theo’s does an excellent job of conveying an American atmosphere, while letting one know it is not the typical diner. Although a concession stand style restaurant isn’t the classiest place one could eat at, the atmosphere is enjoyable and pleasant.
Theo’s is family owned and family operated, and upon entering one is immediately greeted with a thick Greek accented hello. Food is made to order, and with only two working the kitchen, the staff was not exactly prepared to handle our party of 10, plus the other 10 people already in the restaurant.
Drinks were filled after ordering, and the food was ready in a little less than 20 minutes. In the interest of fairness, the staff probably was not expecting such a large crowd on a Wednesday night, but a third worker was called in and ordering became a much smoother experience.
Thankfully the food makes up for what the service lacks. The food is outright phenomenal. With a range of Mediterranean classics, as well as American favorites, Theo’s brings all of one’s culinary cravings to fruition.
The gyro ($5.29), a fresh, Greek alternative to the burrito, comes loaded with tzatziki, a garlic based yogurt sauce that complements any of the three meats one can choose. A well seasoned chicken, a thinly sliced and expertly roasted lamb and a perfectly cooked beef option are available inside a thick circle of pita with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes and onions.
For the veggie lover, a tried and true Greek salad ($3.49) is the perfect addition to any meal. It follows the standard formula for a Greek salad, with Greek olives, spiced peppers, feta cheese and onions atop fresh lettuce with a homemade dressing.
The hot chicken wings demonstrate how perfectly Theo’s is able to bring an American icon into a Mediterranean setting. Perfectly cooked, the meat falls off the bone. Wings can be ordered in a range of quantities, starting at five for $3.99 and 100 for $48.99.
The fried chicken is another welcome addition to the American aspect of Theo’s. Available in quantities of 6 ($8.49) to 21 ($22.49) pieces, the chicken is lightly breaded and fried to a golden brown.
There are a variety of sides available, ranging from hearty mashed potatoes ($1.19) to fresh and flavorful hummus ($4.19). Sides like the thick cut french fries or homemade coleslaw are available with the purchase of any dinner special. Others, like the fried mushrooms ($2.99) and onion rings ($2.49) must be purchased separately.
For dessert, fresh baklava ($2.49) and smooth rice pudding ($1.49) are an excellent end to an extremely satisfying meal. The baklava, a pastry consisting of multiple layers of phyllo dough topped and filled with cinnamon and nuts, is warm and incredibly satisfying.
An inexpensive option that brings Mediterranean closer to home, Theo’s captures the American spirit while serving divine dishes that will keep one coming back for more. Check out Theo’s Kitchen for a casual Mediterranean experience.