Esperia Grill & Rotisserie

Esperia is an authentic Greek “kouzina” (cuisine) restaurant located right in Brighton Circle, 334 Washington Street.  It is family run, so you’re always sure to get great service as everyone takes personal pride in dishing up an excellent meal.  The menu provides plenty of classic, traditional Greek dishes along with pizza, subs, paninis and calzones.  Esperia is available for sit down, take out, delivery and catering.

Esperia has a small parking lot it shares with the Dunkin Donuts next door, which is somewhat shocking for a place this small.  While parking in never particularly challenging Brighton, it’s great to know you’ll be able to find a spot for free when you go.

Food

Esperia’s menu has plenty of options, but I recommend sticking to the customary Greek dishes.  Definitely start with either the Tzatziki or the Humus.  If you’re fewer than four people, go with the small.  The portions are massive, which is a huge plus in my book.  The humus had a lovely creamy texture; I just wish it had a bit more flavor.  But the pita that was served with it was spot on; warm, delicious and plenty of it!  The tzatziki, however, was perfect.  It was the right blend of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, herbs and olive oil.  Both the humus and the tzatziki you can buy by the pint or half pint at the counter, a perfect option if you need to bring an appetizer to a party.

While it might sound boring, the Greek salad with chicken was fantastic.  The chicken was perfectly seasoned and they gave you a massive portion of it (I see a theme here…).  I wish there were more pepperoncini’s, there was only one in my salad.  But that’s the only thing I would have changed.  The best part was the dressing.  It was easily the best Greek dressing I’ve ever had.  The fact that it was homemade was very clear.  You can even buy it in a variety of sizes at the counter!

Being at a Greek restaurant, I obviously had to have some lamb.  I got mine in the form of a gyro and it was the best one I’ve ever had, and I’ve had plenty of them in Greece.  It’s served with two sides and a salad, the two sides being completely unnecessary.  The Gyro is huge and delicious, and completely filling on its own.  I wouldn’t waste room on the sides; they are pretty simple and nothing special.  But like I said, the gyro is incredible and doesn’t need anything to go along with it to make it a fantastic dish.

Complaints

My main problem with Esperia is that it doesn’t feel like a restaurant.  Instead it just feels like a takeout place with a few tables thrown in, just in case you felt like eating there.  The atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired.  That being said, they do have takeout and delivery, so eating in isn’t necessary.

Additionally, I would love to be able to order the gyro for dinner on its own; however it only comes in the dinner platter for $12.95 (with the two sides and a salad).  While that’s not a bad deal, I would be much happier if I could order just the gyro for cheaper since the sides would probably be left uneaten any way.

Rating:

3 out of 4 forks

Overall I highly recommend you checking out Esperia if you like Greek food.  Get it to-go or delivery on a night you want delicious, homemade Greek food while sitting in the comfort of your own home.  The best part is, if someone in your party isn’t a fan of Greek food (although who doesn’t like Greek food?) they can order one of the many, delicious non-Greek options!