Although the exterior of Kosta’s Café, located on Greenville Avenue, leaves much to be desired, the homemade and fresh Greek cuisine will astound even the most skeptical diners.
Kosta’s is nestled between two other structures, making it difficult to spot while driving. The face of the building resembles an old home from the early 1900s, made of white wood walls and paned windows. Unfortunately, the building’s lack of style is accentuated by the asphalt lot used for parking on the side. Valet parking is available during the peak hours of business, though self-parking is normally hassle-free.
Inside the restaurant awaits a friendly host who quickly directs you and your party to a table. Despite the lack of a wait, Kosta’s Café is comfortably busy without the anxiety of people overcrowding the space. Although the restaurant’s maximum occupancy is 60 guests, the room feels cozy instead of cramped.
Kosta’s interior consists of textured tan walls, a surrounding Greek key border and 12-foot ceilings. The walls are adorned with pictures of Greece, including the owner’s hometown of Florina. Memories of classic Greek restaurants in America are awakened by the appearance and décor of the space. The main dining area consists of two open rooms combined as one. White tablecloths give the room a sense of formality that is not expected while appropriately dressed waiters attend to you. Traditional and current Greek music enchants the mind and ready the body for the restaurant’s classic Greek cuisine.
Kosta Ioannidis was present during the meal and willingly explained the story of his treasured restaurant. The physical location of Kosta’s Café boasts a long record of previous restaurants and stores, the most recent being a pizza parlor. Originally from Greece, Kosta and his brothers are responsible for a few Greek restaurants around town. The restaurant on Greenville Avenue is 20 years old, 18 of which Kosta Ioannidis has been the sole owner. His success is directly tied to the amount of time he has invested over the years. During this time, Kosta’s Café has become a staple for Dallas dining, accumulating a long list of prominent Dallas citizens who dine there.
The menu adequately encompasses a good variety of traditional Greek dishes. While the items may appear foreign to many, any staff member is willing to explain and make recommendations according to your taste preferences. Full meals with an appetizer and dessert run around $30, but more cost-efficient choices are available for those on a stricter budget.
A good starter is Saganaki with a side of pita bread because it gives original Greek flavor with a verbal “OPA!” to excite the guests. Kosta’s Greek salad is fresh and tasty, unlike many imitations at other restaurants. For those not accustomed to Greek food, Kosta’s combination platter is the way to go because it includes Greek salad or soup, lamb chops, tender chicken and beef souvlaki, grilled shrimp, dolmas and spanakopita. The compilation has no low point, due to perfectly prepared meats and authentic elements. Desserts such as Galatobouriko and Baklava are the perfect way to complete the meal.
Kosta’s Café successfully surprises newcomers with an outstanding meal and attentive service. The owner’s care and love are evident in every detail of the restaurant, providing a quality experience. If any SMU students have doubts about whether to try Kosta’s, just ask anyone who has been! I strongly recommend Kosta’s Café because of its genuine originality and personal attention to detail.
