Louis Pappas Fresh Greek is a family-owned restaurant in University Park, Florida, which specializes in the Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
Louis Pappas Fresh Greek
This fast-casual eatery is known for its towering Greek salad topped with potato salad, as well as other authentic dishes like gyros, moussaka, dolmades, pita platters, as well as their desserts. Most impressive is that it is family-owned since 1924.
The majority of their menu items are reasonably priced, and all are fresh, savory, and delicious. All the dishes are prepared with pure, healthy ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil, local farm fresh produce, and all-natural meats and cheeses.
One cannot go wrong with their “Pick 2” combos. This journalist tried their Half Gyro Sandwich (which featured tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and gyro meet, which was tender), as well as their distinct version of Greek fries, which were topped with diced feta cheese.
Their gyros are reminiscent of the ones that people may find while vacationing in Greece at the local taverns in the homeland.
Desserts
For patrons with a sweet tooth, they should leave room for dessert. Their desserts include baklava, bread puddings, cannolis, baklava cheesecakes, and chocolate chunk cookies, all of which are made in-house.
Louis Pappas Fresh Greek also has additional locations in the following Florida regions: Tampa, Clearwater, Lakeland, and New Port Richey.
Background on the namesake Louis Pappas
Louis M. Pappamichalopoulos was born in Sparta, Greece, and he arrived in America in 1904. He shortened his name to “Pappas” to help simplify life in his new country.
During World War I, Louis served in France as an army chef in General Pershing’s “Wildcat Division.” It was there that he created his own version of a Greek salad by adding potato salad to sustain the troops during hard times.
In 1925, Louis and his wife, Flora, affectionately known as “Mama”, established the original Louis Pappas “Riverside Café” in Tarpon Springs.
With a handful of employees on sawdust floors, they opened their humble cafe, specializing in fine Greek-American cuisine and the Louis Pappas Famous Greek Salad. Potato salad at the bottom of a Greek salad soon became commonplace and the salad itself became internationally known.
Third generation family member, Louis L. Pappas, has continued to thrive with his Greek fast casual concept, Louis Pappas Market Café. The name has recently been changed to “Louis Pappas Fresh Greek.”
The Verdict
Overall, Louis Pappas Fresh Greek is a warm and pleasant eatery with a peaceful ambiance. The presentation of their dishes is artistic and creative. There is a rawness and authenticity to this Greek cuisine like no other. Being of Greek origin myself, their cooking is quite nostalgic.
At this restaurant, the Mediterranean diet is a vital part of the Greek heritage of the owner’s family.
It is highly recommended that people visit the Louis Pappas Fresh Greek whenever they are in the Sarasota and Bradenton area of Florida. They will not be disappointed. Louis Pappas Fresh Greek garners an A rating.
To learn more about Louis Pappas Fresh Greek, check out its official homepage, and follow the restaurant on Instagram.
