Tucked behind a gas station in Costa Mesa, Tasos Lilis’ My Greek Kitchen churns out authentic Greek fare from a tidy kitchen run by a tight team that includes his son and daughter.
Born and raised in Greece, Lilis’ background wasn’t always in the food of his homeland. In fact, the career restaurateur has cooked pizza, overseen a steakhouse and a sushi bar, and run a hospital cafeteria. Then, five years ago, Lilis opened My Greek Kitchen at 204 E 17th Street.
My Greek Kitchen offers an array of delicious dishes ranging from the well-known gyro to authentic Greek entrees like Pistichio (Greek makaroni noodles, seasoned ground beef, and bechamel sauce).
Of the restaurant, Lilis is audibly proud. He speaks rapidly about its success, authenticity, and fine-tuned team. When asked about his plans for expansion, Lilis tells WNOC that while he’s been hesitant to muddy the magic of his maiden operation, another outpost about five to seven miles away has crossed his mind. “Even something in Irvine would work,” he says.
Lilis also has hopes to hand over the operation to his children in the next few years when he retires to spend his summers in Greece.
This article will be updated as more specific information becomes available.
