Yanni Bistro — Restaurant in Matthews

I rarely had the pleasure of writing review for a place like Yanni's. Let me start by saying that this was one of the most special experiences of my recent years. Made so both by the atmosphere and hospitality of the owner, and the surprise of it all.

I was out for an evening with my best friend and we went on a walk through Matthews for dessert after eating it white duck taco right next to Yanni's. Our search came up empty but being the curious person I am, I wasn't ready to get in the car and drive home until I finally walked over to the bistro window and looked inside. It was passed closing time so I knew we'd missed the chance to go in, but at least I could figure out what kind of place it was and plan on coming back.

Yanni saw us out front, waved, turned on the lights and came and unlocked the door, and invited us in. This is an experience I have never had with a typical American store owner and we excitedly went inside. For the next half hour we stood with Yanni by the case filled with delicious macaroons and explored the joy of food.

We tasted smooth caramel, pungent lavender, decadent pistachio, rich almond, passion fruit, raspberry, chocolate, toffee and mocha. I sipped on espresso betwen bites. Coffee like haven't tasted since visiting Tangiers (trust me, I've looked/tasted trying to find it. You have to know what you're doing!), and listened to him talk about food, flavors, and the art of true hospitality. "You can't know which you like because they are all so unique. They are different on the palette." So true!

Yanni is from one of my favorite places in the world, Morocco! He is Berber, and you'll he hard pressed to match that singular style of hospitality. He didn't know this but I had just had two of the hardest days of my adult life and this simple gesture of welcome was like a gift from heaven. It fed my soul. We listened to sweet music from a famous Moroccan singer and it brought tears to my eyes, enjoying the pleasure of tasting the delicious colors and scents of the pastry bathed in the memories of my time in North Africa. What a gift.

Yanni's Bistro reminded me that one of the most beautiful things in life is sharing something beyond words. I've always felt that way about food, about art. No pressure to praise the chef or waste time on verbosity (such a huge part of food culture today in America). Just eat. Just taste.

I can't wait to return with my whole family and share this with them. (More photos next time! When I can enjoy the art of THAT and not compete with such...

New favorite place to grab a quick meal or to sit in and enjoy the atmosphere. You will find yourself perusing the restaurant as it contains a plethora of items from local vendors that are top notch items you've probably never seen in other establishments from bakeable items, to snacks, to cooking ingredients.

If you thought you knew how you like food prepared you will be amazed at some of the menu options. They are all prepared in a healthy and non-traditional manner. The ingredients are top quality and prepared to order rather than frozen or pre-cooked like any other restaurant. The turkey panini will have you coming back anytime you crave a sandwich with perfectly toasted bread and huge portions of mozzarella. The Yannis special is peri peri marinated chicken and the best hand-cut french fries you will ever have. The chicken salad has amazing bread as well as being filled to the brim with premium chicken salad with grapes, not pickle relish like other places. The falafel salad has a salad mix unlike any other, it is hard to describe other than silky rather than crunchy like traditional salad leaves, the spiraled veggies accompanied cannot be compared to any other salad as well as it is perfectly prepared with warm falafel to compliment. The noodles for the salmon tagliatelle pasta are prepared to order and are unlike any other pasta dish at any other restaurant because of this. Pair it with a specialty-made beverage of no sugar added tea (peach tea or green tea with papaya and rose water with fresh mint from the garden out back are personal favorites. Add locally sourced elderberry to either of these for a fresh twist you won't regret)

After you finish your entree you will be more than pleased to enjoy a large variety of Macaroon's if you so care. The coffee options pair perfectly with these sweet treats.

There are also breakfast options as the restaurant is open 8am-8pm.

Go take a look at this restaurant if you are passing by or if you know you want great food prepared with premium healthy, locally sourced ingredients as well as gluten free options. Indoor and outdoor seating. An extremely friendly owner who will prepare you excellent food along with a wonderful eating experience.

Highly reccomend, you may find it your new lunch/dinner spot. No joke at least once a week my family will go to sleep the night before knowing we want to go to Yanni's the next...

Yanni Bistro is truly a hidden gem in Matthews, NC.

I’ve been here a few times before and always loved their food—especially the salads, which are consistently fresh and flavorful. And let’s not forget the gingersnaps. It seems like every time I visit, they’re generously offering complimentary gingersnaps.

Today, I stopped in on a whim during my day off and ordered a lavender latte with almond milk and a gluten-free BLT. I decided to sit outside, soaking in the minimalist decor and letting the sound of birdsong become the soundtrack to my morning.

Then something unexpected and lovely happened—the owner brought my BLT out to me personally and struck up a conversation. What started as a quick meal turned into a 30-minute, soul-filling talk about food, wellness, and the importance of clean ingredients. I learned that everything on the menu is sourced locally from the farmers market next door, and I could genuinely feel his passion and care behind every bite.

Yanni Bistro gets 10 out of 5 stars for their incredible customer service, peaceful atmosphere, and commitment to healthy, locally-sourced ingredients. They also offer fantastic gluten-free and vegan options, which is a huge plus.

If you’re in the area—go. Take yourself on a breakfast date. You might just leave with more than...