The only Greek restaurant in Martinez is not particularly easy to find, but it's worth the effort. Located at 6635 Alhambra Ave., it's across the street from the Virginia Hills Safeway, and behind a new Thai food restaurant.
For those seeking a cloth napkin, fine dining experience, this is not the place. But if you want authentic Greek cooking in a non-pretentious atmosphere, the way you would get it in a small Greek village, then this is definitely worth a try.
Voula Gougousis opened Yanni's in 2008. She named it after her son.
"It was close to home," she said. "I've opened many restaurants for other people. I've been doing it since I was 11 years old."
Gougousis was born in Greece, came to the states when she was two, and returned to her native land when she was 22. When she came back to the U.S. this time, she opened Yanni's. It fits her style, she said.
I never wanted to own a fine dining establishment," Gougousis said. "I didn't want anything pretentious. I just want a place where a family can go and be comfortable."
She just opened a new Yanni's in Danville, at 120 E. Prospect. Though a bit larger and a little more formal, it's still very family-oriented.
"I get a lot of regulars here," she Gougousis said of the Martinez restaurant. "I love all of my customers."
The most popular item is the classic Gyro, a combination of beef and lamb wrapped in a thick pita, with yogurt sauce and other condiments. The Greek salad with chicken is another favorite, she said.
If you want to try authentic Greek cuisine in an easy-going environment, give Yanni's a try.
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