It’s time for the loaded cheeseburger to move over, because there’s a new street food King in town: the gyros. A fairly simple, yet heavenly dish that’s long-lived under the flamboyant shadow of NYC-style pizza and the smashed patty burgers you’ll find on every city centre corner these days, the beloved dish has become a cult fave here in Manchester – and I’m totally on board with the ‘hype’. Fancy yourself a slice of Aegean comfort grub? Read on for our guide to the best gyros and souvlaki in Manchester.
1. The Real Greek
The newest Greek addition to Manchester city centre, The Real Greek serves up bloomin’ good souvlaki, a delicious wrap that’s often confused with gyros by us common folk. So, what’s the difference? The Real Greek’s filling souvlaki wraps are made with succulent marinated meats, in lieu of the typical rotisserie-cooked meats found in traditional gyros. The result is just as comforting as the Greek version of a posh chip butty, except with tons more flavour thanks to the marinading process. A worthy swap, if you ask us. The Real Greek, Corn Exchange, Exchange Sq, M4 3TR.
2. Rozafa
Traditional Greek spot Rozafa, found on busy Princess Street, serves up a massive menu of Greek classics – including a whole menu of souvlaki wraps. Choose from marinated chicken, pork, lamb and more, with each kebab packed with chips, peppers, onions and mixed salad in typical gyros style. A wonderfully naughty treat after a week of being good, if you ask us. Rozafa, 63 Princess St, M2 4EQ.
3. The Little Greek Shop
One of Manchester’s many hidden lunch spots, The Little Greek Shop serves some of the best gyros in the city – quietly wedged between a SPAR and a Chinese restaurant. Served grab and go style, guests can expect fillings such as pork, chicken and lamb, all packed with tasty fries and incredibly refreshing salad – as you’d expect. In addition to Greek wraps, the unassuming deli also serves up some pretty tasty pastries packed with ham, feta and more, making for the perfect side dish next time you’re ravenous at lunchtime. The Little Greek Shop, 86 Princess St, M1 6NP.
4. What The Pitta
This one’s for the vegans. Tucked away in the Northern Quarter, What The Pitta specialises in 100% plant-based ‘babs, including both vegan doner and ‘chicken’ gyros. Their packed, fluffy pittas are filled with marinated soya pieces, paprika fries and vegan tzatziki, alongside the fresh salad ingredients that make these bad boys the ultimate summer treat. What The Pitta, 42 Back Turner St, M4 1FR.
5. Thatziki
The Worsley food truck that’s taken Salford by storm this year, Thatziki serves some of the city’s best gyros on Boothstown Marina. Whether it’s pork, chicken, halloumi or vegan pieces that float your boat, each gyros is a big, fat parcel of goodness – filled with marinated meats, paprika fries and even cheesy, cheesy halloumi. If you’ve got room for more, Thatziki also offers an array of tasty loaded fries, too, because go hard or go home, right? Thatziki, The Mooring Bridge Bridgewater Canal, M28 1LP.
6. Greek Grill House
Loved by locals for their authentic gyros, Greek Grill House is another of Manchester’s utterly perfect lunch spots, commonly found pitched up outside the Great Northern Warehouse on Peter Street. Much like its fellow Greek foodie spots, Greek Grill House specialises in chicken, pork and halloumi gyros – each filled to the brim with chips, sauce and ample amounts of the filling of your choice. Trust us when we say, you won’t be leaving hungry. Greek Grill House, Great Northern, M2 5QR.
7. Geropolis
Stretford’s Geropolis loves a good gyros wrap, so much so, they serve up a ton of them in their restaurant. We’re talking fillings such as lamb doner and beef sausage that you can’t find at any other Greek spot, alongside the classics such as chicken, halloumi and more. Oh, and they’re bloomin’ massive, too! Geropolis Greek Street Food, 239 Talbot Rd, Stretford, M32 0YW.