Ji-Roz — Restaurant in Greenville

Coming to Greenville with its much vaunted eateries has proven to be disappointing. Thus, when I was invited to a business lunch at Ji-Roz, I wasn't holding out much hope of avoiding yet more processed food and a conveyor belt mentality from the staff. I could not have been more wrong. Ji-Roz is a stylish, yet unpretentious little place that punches way above expectation. I was blown away by not only the quality of the food, much of it imported and therefore free from the junk that pervades so many American produced ingredients; but by the passion for that food. Authenticity is the name of the game here and it doesn't get more authentic than at Ji-Roz. The complete lack of desire to make you feel anything but GENUINELY valued... (unlike so many other places in town) is also to be highly commended. So, what about that food? I have an enviable palate... but I've loved everything I've tried there. Perhaps though I should leave the real accolade to a business colleague who hails from South Africa. In his native homeland, Octopus is almost the national dish. Seeing it on the menu, he promptly ordered it. I cringed. Octopus is either absolutely right, or absolutely wrong, and this being the upstate of South Carolina, we're not exactly next to the pristine ocean waters required from which to obtain such a delicacy either. As he cleared the plate, his opinion was that it was one of the best he'd ever tasted. I can't wait to...

7/01/22 First time trying J-Roz A Greek Joint. Welcomed at the entrance by a smiling female hostess, we had dinner reservations for 6:30 p.m. confirmation emailed to us by Google. The restaurant is sunny, bright and beautifully decorated and has a view of North Main Street. There is a beautiful bar area that numerous people enjoyed during our visit. Our server tonight was Bryson. He was friendly, courteous answered our questions about drinks, appetizers, entrees, & desserts and quickly handled our requests. We loved the drinks, tried a Negroni, Caribbean Mules, and a North Carolina Bold Rock Apple Cider. For appetizers we had the Zucchini Fries with tzatziki and the Saganaki flambeed Cheese with pita points. Antonio was the server who lit the flaming Greek cheese to entertain us all. Bryson was quick to refill our water ask if we needed anything and clear away dishes. Bryson, Antonio and other staff members ensured everything was brought to us promptly. Our entree's were Moussaka with a side Greek Salad and house Greek dressing, Greek Chicken with a side of Green Beans, & Greek Potato Salad, & Fire roasted Sea Bass with Greek Rice & Spinach and Roasted Beets. Everything was so delicious and fresh, the ingredients and cooking techniques were superlative. Executive Chef/Owner John Makkas is a master of fine dining Greek food. Open for lunch as well this is a place we shall...

Setting is in a hard to spot (unless you are looking for it) and quieter portion of Main Street. There was plenty of street side parking on a Tuesday evening when I went here. I got there about 6:45 in the evening and there was plenty of seating available. The interior is done up quite nicely and very Mediterranean in its look. The ceilings are high and painted Ocean blue (typically Greek) and give the feeling of space. Walls have plenty of paintings and pictures to remind you of Greece. Decorations are contemporary and very well done. My waiter looked like he just stepped off a Harley, big burly guy with an Apron. Very, very knowledgeable about the menu and was completely accurate in describing each of the dishes I picked out. I ordered the Lamb Gyro (Greek style ofcourse) which came with Tzatsiki and a side of French Fries. I ordered a side salad with Feta on it. The side salad had some Spring greens, Olives, Tomatoes and was quite fresh and delicious. The Lamb meat was quite stringy and perhaps a bit more stringy than I like it. The Tzatsiki could have been a bit more garlicier. The fries were delicious. Overall I would say it was quite a positive experience and I would consider returning to this spot if I was...