Family-owned restaurant offers fresh, European-inspired dishes, seasonal menus and lively dining experiences in Sarasota

By Jennifer Amato
Photos provided by Eddie Yzeiri

Sarasota is filled with eclectic restaurants, and Apollonia Mediterranean Grill delivers on a promise of fresh, European-inspired cuisine.

Apollonia opened in 2013 in University Park at The Shoppes at UTC (University Town Center), followed by a sister restaurant in The Landings during the pandemic.

“We thought the location was great, plus the demographics, parking and all the other details that a restaurant needs,” said Eddie Yzeiri, who has more than 20 years of restaurant management, operation and ownership experience. “The Landings location opened just a few months before the COVID pandemic and didn’t really have much time to establish regular customers and repeat business, but the community didn’t forget about us. They ordered takeout, always over-tipped our staff and supported us through that tough time. It was a great decision for the location, and we’re very grateful.”

The all-day menu features hummus, spicy feta, tzatziki and eggplant dips with grilled pita bread; meze like grilled vlahotiri cheese, grilled octopus, zucchini croquettes, spanakopita, tuna crudo, Greek meatballs and grape leaves stuffed with ground beef; avgolemono soup and fisherman’s stew; seafood salad; lamb shank osso buco, grilled pork or lamb chops; a mixed grill of gyro meats and seafood; pan-seared branzino, shrimp and orzo, and shrimp with scallops; moussaka or eggplant rollatini; chicken with spinach and artichoke, or prosciutto and rosemary; flatbreads topped with burrata, portobello mushrooms, or prosciutto and fig; pasta with lobster, Greek chicken or short rib; and sides such as marinated olives, orzo risotto and roasted vegetables.

Guests can also order family-style meals for about five people, including hummus, spicy feta dip, tzatziki, Greek salad, gyro sandwich, Apollonia kebabs, spinach-artichoke chicken and a mixed grill of meats and shrimp.

Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, offering dips, phyllo pies, meze plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, the mixed grill and flatbreads. The kids’ menu includes a chicken kebab, gyro sandwich, meatballs with pasta, cheeseburger slider and flatbread.

“Our food is fresh, made in-house with quality ingredients,” Yzeiri said. “It’s light and clean, cooked simply without preservatives or fillers. We’re independently owned; there’s always a family member around to ensure quality. I would say our lamb shank osso buco is very special. Our meze platter is a huge favorite for sharing, as is our Saganaki cheese that we light on fire. The Greek salad is super popular, especially for lunch or takeout. The mixed grill allows guests to build their own plate. We also feature fresh fish on display right when you enter.”

Menus vary by day. Sunday brunch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers Mediterranean-inspired items like crispy baked feta, acai bowls, banana foster crepes, eggs and gyro skillet, shakshuka, salmon benedict and a croissant sandwich. Guests can add bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys or try cocktails such as the French Blonde (Tinkerman gin, Lillet Blanc, St. Germain elderflower, grapefruit juice) or Strawberry Aperol Spritz (Aperol, muddled strawberry, sweetened lemon juice, Prosecco and club soda).

On Mondays, a prix fixe menu offers one starter, one entrée and one dessert per person, with options including ouzo shrimp or a meze plate; spinach-artichoke chicken, steak frites, grilled salmon or eggplant rollatini; and baklava or chocolate torte. On Opa! Wednesdays, diners can try Saganaki Flaming Cheese. Thursdays feature 50% off Mediterranean and international wines under $50. Happy Hour runs daily from 4 to 6:30 p.m., with $7 wine, $8.50 cocktails, and $2 off house spirits and beers. Meze at the Bar includes charcuterie boards, tuna crudo, lamb sliders, shrimp kataifi, flatbreads and loaded Greek fries.

“Our menus evolve over time, keeping things fresh and exciting,” Yzeiri said. “We always feature something new — a cocktail of the month, new wines with great value, or seasonal specials. We focus on consistently providing delicious food with friendly service.”

Apollonia offers a full line of wine, sangria, beer, martinis, drinks on the rocks, bubbly cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, including Florida Citrus Crush (lemon-lime soda with grapefruit and orange juice) and blackberry-ginger iced tea.

The Landings location seats 200 indoors and outdoors, with a semi-private area for up to 32 guests, perfect for birthdays, family celebrations or small events. The restaurant features live music, mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.

Catering is available for on- or off-site events, with trays serving about 10 people. Options include Mediterranean dips, dolmades, spanakopita, lamb meatballs, gyro sandwiches, lamb sliders, mini kebabs, lamb chops, shrimp with orzo, eggplant rollatini and Greek chicken pasta.

Giving back is a priority for the family-owned restaurant. Apollonia participates in food and wine festivals donating over 1,500 portions, with proceeds benefiting local charities. “We also support smaller events, providing food or gift certificates to raise money or awareness,” Yzeiri said.

The Sarasota Apollonia Mediterranean Grill is located at 4956 S. Tamiami Trail in The Landings. Yzeiri credited Benderson Development for remodeling the plaza.

Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Guests can dine in (reservations at apolloniagrill.com/reservations), order curbside pickup, or have meals delivered via Uber Eats or DoorDash.

Another location is at The Shoppes at UTC in University Place, on Cooper Creek Boulevard. For more information, visit www.apolloniagrill.com.