Greek Brothers opens in Manhasset

Stavros and Giannis Metekidis opened their first Greek Brothers with the goal of elevating the casual gyro joint menu with better ingredients and technique. The aptly named eatery opened in 2024 in Franklin Square. Now they have brought their concept to Manhasset. In January they took over the old Pita Station on Plandome Road and, except for the sign, the transformation is complete.

Stavros, the chef, cooked in a number of New York City kitchens — Marea, Estiatorio Milos and the Four Seasons among them — and you can see his training in the sparkling freshness of the maroulosalata (romaine-scallion-dill salad); the refinement of dips like tzatziki, spicy feta and a tahini-less hummus; the subtle notes of nutmeg and cinnamon in the pastitsio (Greek lasagna).

Born in Athens, he remains loyal to authentic Greek recipes, such as the traditional gyro made from vertically stacked slices of pork or chicken. (For American tastes, he also spins a gyro of ground beef and lamb.)

You’ll also find souvlaki, moussaka, keftedakia (meatballs), spanakopita, soups, burgers and more salads. Alongside the usual baklava, he also makes the great Greek orange cake, portokalopita (as well as a few fancy desserts like caramel and chocolate mousses, cherry cheesecake and chocolate cake). Salads and starters range from $9 to $11; platters hover around $24; gyro sandwiches, around $14.

While Stavros whips Manhasset into shape with a spiffy blue-and-white paint job, his brother, Giannis, is manning the original location. Since they started there two years ago, Giannis left his full-time job in luxury cars, committing totally to expanding the business.

Greek Brothers, 444 Plandome Rd., Manhasset, 516-494-4466, greek-brothers.com. Open Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 8 p.m.