XIOS Authentic Greek Cuisine

01/27/08

Average food, service is lacking

by darlla at Citysearch

After a few visits to this restaurant I've found the food is not consistent. Some entrees have been consistently good like the Garides Saganaki, but the special sea bass I ordered most recently (1/25/08) was overcooked, charred on the outside, and very bland. It was not at all what the server described it as. The sides are usually sauteed vegetables and rice or potatoes, and the vegetables are always soggy and lack flavor. They seem to hire young and inexperienced servers here. On our most recent visit we ordered wine and our waitress failed to bring us any glasses of water. After bringing our food she disappeared, and the restaurant was not at all busy at the time. We finished our entrees, she never came to check on us or refill drinks. We kept glancing around the room looking for her, other servers saw us looking around but never approached our table to help. The hostess was standing at her station talking to 3 of the male waiters, they obviously had nothing to do. Finally my husband stood up and walked around the restaurant looking for her and she finally appeared out of the kitchen, we asked for the check and promptly left. If this restaurant wants any more of my business they need to step up the flavor of their dishes and hire some more experienced help.

• Pros: appetizers, nice atmosphere
• Cons: sometimes bland and improperly cooked entrees, service

10/14/09

Excellent food and Atmosphere

by asbncolor at Citysearch

My husband and I found a jewel one day a couple of years ago at the work food court. A restaurant by the name of XIOS was serving Greek food for lunch and it was a nice change from the normal food served in the cafeteria. I approached them afterwards and inquired where in the area they were located. I was shocked to find out, not only was I speaking to the owner, but that they were located less than a mile from our house! Apparently I had been driving right by them for over 2 years.

Since then, we try to frequent the restaurant often. My husband and I really like to dine at locally owned and operated restaurants as we feel putting our money directly back into the local economy ultimately benefits us in the long run. Every time we dine at XIOS, we are personally greeted and always feel welcome. We get top class service and the food is scrumptious. I am a sucker for their Spanakopita and they have, hands down the best house salad dressing ever!

It's so nice to have a Greek restaurant in the neighborhood and I hope they are here for years to come. We appreciate the interest they have in the local economy and it is so refreshing to have a non-corporate, family-owned, one of a kind European Restaurant.

And if you are looking for a romantic atmosphere for Valentine's Day, look no further. They've had a great special date night every year and I sincerely hope they will do it again on 2-14-10. They belly dancer was a nice added touch as well. :)

• Pros: Great food, locally owned and operated
• Cons: N/A

10/14/09

Best Gyros in Town

by ericw02101 at Citysearch

`I would say this place has the best gyros I have ever had. I’m from Boston and have had good gyros but by far this is the best… Fresh great flavor and lots of meat..If I was closer I would eat their every day..

Keep up the good work…

Eric

• Pros: Gyros
• Cons: far from home

10/14/09

Good Greek Food

by cindywhite27523 at Citysearch

Being Greek this is the best food around… It’s always fresh and GOOD !!!!

• Pros: Fresh food
• Cons: N/A

10/14/09

Best Greek Food in RTP

by Mrben27502 at Citysearch

The atmosphere is very family friendly, and the food is to die for! I love the way they make the "Greek Salad" no one in the RTP makes it better !!! There are many, many healthy choices on the menu for people trying to watch what they eat. And, the hummus is truly the best I've ever had! We eat at XIOS regularly. We love it....

Almost forgot the Gyros are the BEST !!!!

• Pros: specials every weekday, great wine, outdoor patio
• Cons: None for now

10/10/09

Disappointed

by hjgpoole at Citysearch

I can not address whether this is authentic Greek food or not. This evening my husband and I decided we wanted to try Greek food as a new experience. He ordered a seafood entree that was rather bland and had lots of penne and little seafood. I order a chicken gyro. I am not fond of lamb and had tried chicken gyros at two other places. When I received my entree I wondered how deep into the gyro the chicken was but figured it was there. When I started eating I actually had to stop and ask my husband if he believed the substance in the Gyro was chicken ( I had mistaken what was supposed to be chicken as part of the pita roll) or something else. It resembled a chicken McNugget in texture and flavor was similar with few added distinctions.

I understand that it might not be normal to order a chicken gyro however reading that this place makes food from scratch and is authentic I was surprised that they used processed chicken that I related to McNuggets.

The server apologized and offered to bring me other food (at this point the idea of this quality of chicken had turned my stomach and quite frankly annoyed me). When it came time to pay I did ask to speak with the manager as the waitress said she had been approved to take half off however I had no intention of paying for a processed chicken gyro that I barely touched.

The manager explained that Wake County Health rules, that because they served fewer chicken than lamb, that because they would soon not be able to serve gyros, that some customers have chicken thigh meat used as special requests, etc was the reason for the processed chicken. He explained that all places in the area used this processed chicken if they sold chicken gyros. This is all fine and of no concern of mine ... I order chicken and expected chicken and not some processed by product or whatever that was.

The manager was polite and once the conversation was ended my meal was taken to $0 on the bill.

I believe the staff tried to make sure I was satisfied however I will be trying other Greek restaurants in the future. I will also remember to ask about any chicken used as it had not occurred to me that a processed chicken slab would show up in this type of setting.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Processed Food

10/07/09

Excellent

by UNCgradstudent at Citysearch

The calamari was absolutely perfect! It's been a long time since I've had calamari that didn't taste like little rubber bands. The pastries were excellent, the seasonings were incredible, and the decor was wonderful! I'm adding this to my list of favorite restaurants.

• Pros: Food, service, decor

09/19/09

Not authentic at all - won't go back

by RussellinCary at Citysearch

This is the most Americanized Greek place in the area. Bland, boring, dull food in a really nice modern, clean restaurant.

• Pros: Nice setting and they have a kids menu
• Cons: Not authentic Greek food

05/14/09

great food and service

by rob513 at Citysearch

A whole side of the menu dedicated to "mezethes" or starters. the Flaming Saganaki is wonderful! Great service with a comfortable atmosphere!

• Pros: great starters!

05/09/09

Great Greek food, healthy choices

by bbl at Citysearch

XIOS is a fantastic restaurant! The Greek food is fabulous. I love the way you can order small portions of lots of different foods to make up your meal instead of one large entree. That way, you get to try several different things. There are many, many healthy choices on the menu for people trying to watch what they eat. And, the hummus is truly the best I've ever had! We eat at XIOS regularly. The patio in the spring, summer, and fall is great, especially for families with kids.

• Pros: Best hummus I've ever eaten!

05/01/09

love this place

by juliajuki at Citysearch

I love the many, tasty vegetarian options, and yummy desserts. The atmosphere is great too, casual, yet classy.

• Pros: great menu, great outdoor seating