After losing his job at a New York City restaurant in early 2020, Michael Tolos had an idea. “I always had this vision in the back of my head of opening my own restaurant,” he says. Taking to heart his mantra that “Sometimes, to be comfortable, you must be uncomfortable,” he opened Jersey Gyros in Lodi.
Jersey Gyros serves an assortment of authentic Greek food. The restaurant offers five tables that can seat up to 20 guests, as well as takeout and delivery options. The 1,100-square foot spot also boasts a hand-painted mural of the Greek goddess Artemis from a local artist. “She’s the goddess of the hunt,” Michael says. “So, since I sell meat, it goes together.”
More from Best of NJ
Family Recipes & Desserts
Jersey Gyros prides itself on serving 100% authentic Greek food. In fact, Michael’s mother makes all the desserts (like baklava) from scratch; as well as menu items such as spanakopita and stuffed grape leaves. “We implemented the concept of make less more often,” Michael explains. “We use that concept so everything can always be fresh.”
Meanwhile, the menu is full of recipes from his uncle, who has experience owning restaurants in Greece and NYC. They offer a variety of dips to accompany meals, including spicy feta, hummus, eggplant, and roasted beet and Greek yogurt. “I brought my culinary touch to certain things,” Michael says, such as the mint yogurt and avocado tzatziki.
In particular, Michael says the pork and chicken gyros are his favorite dish on the Jersey Gyros menu. But the chicken souvlaki is a popular pick for patrons. Both dishes come topped with hand-cut fries.
For a truly authentic experience, try the imported Greek chocolates and waters they have available. Their Masthia water, for example, is available in natural, mandarin, and lemon ginger flavors. Mastiha comes from the sap of a tree found only on the Greek island of Chios. It is said to have various antioxidant properties.
About the Restaurant
Jersey Gyros also focuses on providing high quality takeout. For instance, their eco-friendly takeout boxes are from Greece. They are made to ensure the ink from the box’s labels does not get into the food.
“I like the town, and I like the people,” Michael says about the location. “I felt it needed something like this. It was missing from this neighborhood. It was the right time and right location.” Michael is a 2002 graduate of the Morris County Vo-tech Culinary Arts program.
Visit Jersey Gyros at 170 Main St in Lodi. (Click here to find them on Google Maps.) To learn more: Follow them on Instagram | Click to give them a call.
See the Latest Restaurants Open in New Jersey.
Jersey Gyros FAQs
All Photos: © Jersey Gyros