Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Hot Spot: Greece native serves up authenticity

Experience the tastes of the Greek isles and enjoy some Greek hospitality at Christos Mediterranean Grill. Walking into the restaurant is like walking into a different world in the middle of Downtown.

Owner Christos Melacrinos greets people with a big smile filled with sincere warmth and excitement as soon as they walk through the door.

The walls are lined with Melacrinos’ family history. There are newspaper clippings, Melacrinos’ passport and many family photographs. A customer could spend hours just studying and admiring the collection of keepsakes. Greek music plays in the background, making the mood happy and romantic, complimenting the authentic meals.

Melacrinos hails from the Greek island of Ikaria and was a chef on the yacht of Jacqueline Onassis. He waited tables at the same location for 17 years before purchasing the restaurant in 1997 and making it his own. He said that he enjoys having his restaurant in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District because of its strong love of ethnic heritage and food.

“I love to feed people,” Melacrinos said. “The Greeks are very passionate about food. Any time you go to a Greek home, they will take you in and cook for you.”

Dimitrios Mavrogeorgis, Melacrinos’ son-in-law, has been working in the restaurant for 14 years and said local theaters bring in a lot of business.

“You can expect it to get crazy here right before or after a show. Sometimes they come in and are ready to eat right away,” Mavrogeorgis said.

It is not uncommon to see both father-in-law and son-in-law waiting on the anxious crowds themselves or even busy at work in the kitchen on days when the shows are not running.

The menu is filled with classic Greek favorites such as roasted lamb and hummus.

“I am told by people that we have the best hummus in town. It is very high quality,” Melacrinos said.

There are many options for vegetarians, like stuffed peppers ala greque and a variety of salads. A meal, starting at around $9, includes the entree, choice of soup or salad, rice and vegetables. The general pricing for a meal ranges from $9 to $15. There is also a take-out option for those who would like to take their food on the go.

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All Point Park Globe Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *