Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Order: 2 Chicken Gyro's with 2 sides each (tabouli and grape leaves) with a side order of hummus. Price: $24 Pros: Very authentic Greek fare, their gyro's might be the best I've had, wonderful outside seating, and the owners are really friendly Cons: Their pita chips that come with the hummus are sub par, their non-Greek food is only ok

Thoughts: I am a huge fan of Greek food and few people do it better that the folks at Hovans. They have been in the center of five point for years now, I've been going for a long time and loving every visit. The Greek fare here is spot on, probably some of the best hummus and grape leaves in town, the chicken (or beef if you prefer) in the gyro tender and moist and it is absolutely delicious.

There are honestly quite a few Greek restaurants in Jacksonville and several of them are quick good. I think what really sets Hovans apart from the rest are the owners, and the outdoor seating. Lets start with the owner; she is awesome to say the least. Every time I go in she is behind the counter serving up great Greek, along with suggestions on how to get the most for your money. I don't think soda, but their combo meal comes with soda and I swear every time I ask for water she lets me know soda is included, and offers me bottled water if I want it. She also always tries to offer suggestions on how to make my meal cheaper, like what sides to get with my meal and what to order separately.

The other major selling point for me is their outside seating. If you've read my reviews in the past you know I love to sit outside, and Hovan's has some of the best outside seating of any of my "standard" restaurants. There are 6 or more tables with chairs on an outside patio overlooking five points with trees providing overhead shade and its absolutely wonderful.

There are a few things I wish they would adjust. The pita-square-chip-things that come with hummus aren't great, I really wish they would serve pita wedges (warm would be even better)! I would also stay away from any of their non-Greek food, its not that their rolls (meat and cheese rolled up in a wrap) are bad, I can just get better at Publix. It just doesn't "fit", if you're going to a Greek restaurant, order Greek food; it's what...

This is the first time that I've eaten here before so I really didn't know what to expect. The food is mostly authentic with the exception of some items. This may be done to provide faster service so you're not having to wait for a cook to prepare your meal. The vegan gyro was good and I can say they did try to get the tofu to taste as close to the original gyro meat as possible. I did not care for the chopped kale salad as it wasn't seasoned and could have been to cut down that strong kale taste. The falafel gyro was tasty as well but the dressing that came with it was a no for me. It would have been nice if they made a vegan tzitzit sauce which would have paired nicely with the falafel gyro. The humus and pit was very tasty and well seasoned, even my husband who doesn't eat humus liked it. My 2 yr loved it as well. My husband enjoyed the classic gyro and liked the potato salad and chicken salad. My teenager enjoyed the pasta salad and his chicken wrap. All in all if you're looking for a quick bite to eat and it's Mediterranean you're craving this would be a decent place. The food is already prepared and you just have to let the server know what you want. If you're looking for a true Mediterranean experience with hot temperature food where you are waiting for it to be prepared this is...

I’ve been visiting Hovan Gormet Mediterranean since I was a teenager working in the RSM. I remember Johnny always being to most easy going guy. I always told him “The sauce is the boss”. And to this day can not make such perfect tzatziki. I always ask for two. He always told me the trick to it is secret. So, I’ll always have to go to Hovan for my Mediterranean cuisine cravings. Environment is always clean, the new staff are all really sweet ladies. Onetime my phone was about to run out of batteries and one of the girls went to her car to get her charger and watched over my phone as it changed while my friend and I ate on the veranda. The Shish tawook enter is one of my go to’s. I also favor the pastrami roll with hummus and tabbouleh, dalmades and the crispy Armenian bread chips. Spanakopita, Fattoush, Mediterranean salad and Gyros are all great. They even have delicious little deserts like Pistachio Baklava. They are an iconic establishment in my humble opinion and I hope they continue their success for years to come. I’ve been a customer for over 25 years!! Just writing this is making me hungry. I’ll definitely be visiting again soon. Thanks Johnny for always being kind and serving up superb, health foods that rival any restaurant in...