Restaurant Review: Gyro's Cafe in Tucson

Greek, Kurdish, Turkish, Italian - Gyro's Cafe is all that and more! They only opened in January of 2007, and regulars already come from over twenty-five miles away, just to relax and savor the flavors of Gyro's Cafe.

Brothers, Honar and Shamal Mamood, brought their master chef and business knowledge all the way from northern Iraq to southern Arizona. Gyro's Cafe has the most gracious hosts, owners, servers, and chefs of brothers Honar and Shamal.

Service and Setting

Our first visit was only ten minutes before closing time, at seven o'clock in the evening. Honar greeted us as if we were old friends, encouraging us to dine-in and stay awhile. No sooner did we order, then four more groups lined up behind us. It was closing time, yet Honar welcomed everyone to dine-in. Most restaurants would insist the patrons take their orders to go when it is two minutes to closing. Not Honar.

Soft colors, lovely wall accent decore, and plenty of clean, welcoming seating areas, also beckoned us to make ourselves comfortable.

The slight aroma of the hookah smoke on the back patio wafted gently through the cafe. I must admit I had delayed my first visit, because of the hookahs. I am asthmatic, so being around smoking of any kind can ruin more than just a moment for me. That hesitation was needless. Ventilation is perfect in this little cafe. Even an acute asthmatic can enjoy a quiet meal at Gyro's Cafe, because the hookahs are limited to the outdoor back patio. Those who enjoy that smoking area have a lovely view of the local golf course.

Menu Recommendations

One companion ordered the classic Gyro sandwich. For only $6.99, an over-sized, traditional pita brimming with sliced gyro meat, red onion, tomato, green leaf lettuce, and tazeekee sauce greeted him with a side of fresh fruit. He took one bite and said, "I will be back. I haven't had a gyro this good in ten years!"

The other went straight for the $2.50 homemade baklava, exclaiming "This is the best baklava I have ever had!" She ordered more to take home.

I opted for the traditional Meat Dolma Plate, at $9.99. The presentation was beautiful with fresh grape leaves masterfully folded around a decadent mixture of rice, onion, ground beef, sunflower oil, citric acid, salt, water and spices. It arrived at our table accompanied by two generous pita slices, tazeekee sauce and fresh fruit. The portion was perfect. The flavors were light and satisfying. I agreed with my companions, "We'll definitely be regulars here!"

First-Timers Should Know

Gyro's Cafe opens at seven o'clock in the morning, seven days each week. They serve breakfast all day. Yes, even at six o'clock at night on a Saturday night, they make omelet's, pancakes and, of course, gyros.

Gyro's Cafe quenches any thirst, and that's quite a feat in the desert southwest of Arizona! They serve Turkish and Italian coffee, an amazing variety of teas, juice, Italian cream soda, chai - hot and iced, latte - hot and iced, frozen commotion, and fruit smoothies.

We were delighted to discover Gyro's Cafe also offers generous party platters for take-out, Monday through Saturday 7 am to 7 pm. An appetizer of hummus, including garbanzo beans, garlic, olive oil, spices and served with pita bread for up to 9 people is only $27.00. All their salads, including tabouli, hummus, dolma, and falafel, as well as American standards like tuna, chicken, grilled chicken, and pasta salad are offered. Feeding 9 people Greek salad with meat? That costs only $52.00. Need enough for 20 people? You will pay only $85.00.

Ratings and Information

Ratings are based on a maximum score of 5.0:

Service = 5.0
Setting = 4.5
Food = 5.0

Price Range = Family-Friendly Affordable ($2.50 - $10.99).

It is tucked behind the only three story office building at 11143 N. La Canada, Suite 101, Oro Valley, Arizona 85737.
Phone 520-742-2921. Fax 520-742-2923. Open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday 7 AM to 2 PM.

Greek, Kurdish, Turkish, Italian - Gyro's Cafe is all that and more!