Messini Authentic Gyros — Restaurant in Toronto

Messini used to be a great casual spot. It's still a decent place - the food is okay, service is good, and ambience is all right for casual dining in - but it's fallen off from where it once was. As a patron for over 13 years, I say this with more sadness than displeasure.

I used to love their Greek fries and gyros. I used to drive 30 minutes on a whim to have them. I used to pick them up and rush back home, making it in 20/25 minutes so they'd still be a bit warm when I shared them with family and friends. I used to wait in line when it spilled out the door and onto the cold-but-charming winter Danforth.

Once the Greek fries were a lovely balance of warm, crispy yet soft fries covered in Feta with a hit of oregano and olive oil, broiled so the Feta just began to brown. Now, you get lukewarm fries that are more dry than crispy, covered with Feta that's somehow similarly dry. A tiny blob of oil with oregano adorns the middle of the heaping portion (at least it's still a good portion) that was put in the broiler for such short a time that it is seemingly out of obligation, not to brown or crisp. The gyros that were once moist and flavourful are now dried, almost jerky-like pieces of meat placed in a sloppily assembled pita, with either too much or not enough tzatziki. Like the fries, the gyros are still a good size, but I suppose that's the point of this review - the ONLY thing that's been maintained over the years is the quantity, while the quality has declined and the prices have essentially doubled.

Also, the washrooms are pretty gross. I would just avoid...

Messini Authentic Gyros offers an inviting exterior with its stylish signage, wooden walls, and large windows showcasing a bustling interior. The open kitchen featuring spit roasts adds an element of excitement, drawing in those eager to experience authentic Greek flavours. The atmosphere inside was lively, though it was a bit cooler than expected, and the menu was was simply confusing even as a returning customer. Here's what I ordered: Deep Fried Calamari: This appetizer is a must-try. The squid rings were perfectly battered and fried to a golden crisp, with a tender interior. Paired with a spicy dipping sauce, tzatziki, and a squeeze of lemon, it set a high bar for the meal. Pork Gyros Pita Dinner Plate: A substantial dish that’s more than enough to satisfy a big appetite. The Greek salad starter was refreshing but could have used more seasoning, and the vegetables were too big to be enjoyable. The pita itself was generously filled with thick pork slices, tzatziki, onions, and fries. It was hearty and full of flavour. The rice side felt unnecessary, as the pita alone was quite filling. 1/2 Litre Red Wine: Served in a glass carafe, the wine had light fruity notes and a smooth finish, complementing the meal. Service was decent, with occasional check-ins. The path to the washroom had an unpleasant odour, and the washroom was just adequate. While the food was satisfying, it’s not a place I’d rush back to. I’d consider revisiting if I were nearby and craving some Greek...

I recently dined here, expecting an authentic Greek culinary experience, but unfortunately, my visit was quite disappointing.

The beef and lamb dishes I ordered were extremely chewy and fatty, making them difficult to enjoy. Authentic Greek cuisine is known for its tender and flavorful meats, and the quality here fell short of these expectations.

One of the primary indicators of an authentic dining experience is the presence of knowledgeable and skilled chefs who understand the nuances of the cuisine. However, I noticed that the cooks were not Greek, which raises concerns about the authenticity of the preparation methods and recipes used.

To make matters worse, I experienced a severe stomach ache a few hours after dining, accompanied by nausea. This not only affected my enjoyment of the meal but also raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards at the restaurant.

While I understand that running a restaurant can be challenging, it's crucial for the owners to ensure that the food they serve lives up to the promise of authenticity and quality. Investing in proper training for the kitchen staff and sourcing high-quality ingredients could significantly improve the dining experience.

In summary, my visit here was a waste of money due to the poor food quality and the subsequent discomfort I experienced. I hope the owners take this feedback seriously and make the necessary changes to provide a truly authentic and enjoyable Greek dining experience...