Sebastian’s Greek Restaurant on Glenway Avenue has been a part of Cincinnati since 1976. It sits in a small brick building that many people drive by without noticing. Inside, you find one of the most reliable gyros in the city. The place has many great, loyal customers and plenty of food to choose from to satisfy all of Price Hill.
Buddy LaRosa originally opened this location of Sebastian’s in 1975 at 5209 Glenway Avenue. Buddy decided to stick to what he knew and serve Italian and Sicilian food, such as his famous pizza. One year later, in 1976, Buddy had decided to sell Sebastian’s to his friend, co-worker, and Greek immigrant Alex Vassilou. Little did anyone know that this was the spot where Sebastian’s corner gyro originates.
Until 2022, Sebastian’s was owned by the same guy, you guessed it, Alex Vassilou. He owned and operated the whole thing until selling it to his friend Adel Samaan. It was time for him to call it quits and focus on his family. The famous gyros stayed, but Alex was ready to move on. He had to leave the gyros before the gyros left him.
I recently visited the restaurant to experience the current situation, hoping for a good visit. The long-time Frisch’s across the street had just closed around the same time Samaan bought Sebastian’s. Like always, you order at the register before sitting in one of the half dozen or so booths. Next to the register is a full case of home-made Greek pastries, including spanakopita, baklava, and cookies for dessert or to take home to have the next morning with your coffee.
I personally ordered a classic gyro combo, which comes with the classic Greek sandwich with ground meat, herbs and spices, sliced thin, wrapped in pita bread with tomatoes & onions, a large order of Greek-style steak fries with Sebastian’s special salt seasoning, and a soda. It also comes with a side of fresh tzatziki. I personally loved my gyro.
It’s this consistency that keeps customers coming back, me included. The restaurant uses a mix of 80 percent beef and 20 percent lamb for the gyro meat. The blend gives the sandwich its well-known flavor and texture. The pita bread comes from Old World Bakery up in White Oak. The tzatziki sauce is also made fresh and served cold.
In terms of the menu, it is very simple. You will not find long lists of options; in fact, there are only seven main dishes and only four sides. Most people order one of three things: a gyro, a Greek salad, or spanakopita. The gyro costs about ten dollars and is wrapped tightly with all the ingredients I previously listed. The portion is large enough for one person but can easily be split into two meals. The Greek salad comes with feta, olives, and dressing made in-house. You can also order it with the famous gyro meat for two extra dollars. Spanakopita, a spinach and cheese pie, is also a fan favorite.
The food tastes that good because the recipes and consistency do not change. Customers who have eaten there since the 1980s say the flavors are the same. The focus is on repetition and accuracy. Orders come out fast, and mistakes are rare. My order was made-to-order and was served quickly.
Reviews from local news outlets and websites all say the same thing. The portions are large, the food is reliable, and the service is direct. WCPO called Sebastian’s a “hidden gem” and said the gyro was one of the best in Cincinnati. Online reviewers mention the flavor of the meat and the softness of the pita. Regulars also recommend baklava, which is made with layers of phyllo dough, honey, and walnuts. Unfortunately, if I weren’t deathly allergic to nuts, I would rate it and try it.
After reading this article, if you plan to give Sebastian’s a shot, remember a few things. The restaurant may not take credit cards (so bring cash), the seating area is small, so many people order takeout, and parking is available next to the building in front of Mr. Puff Smoke Shop. Also, during the busy hours, expect to wait a few minutes for your order.
As we can see, Sebastian’s is not trying to be new or trendy (except for the addition of DoorDash and Uber Eats). It stays the same by choice with the small menu and familiar staff making it feel personal. You know what you will get every time.
For Cincinnati residents who like Greek food, Sebastian’s is part of local history. It has survived through changing restaurant trends, wars, global pandemics, and new competition. The food has stayed the same because it works. If you want a gyro that is hot, filling, and made with care, this place is worth the trip. The food speaks volumes, and the quality shows in every bite. For nearly fifty years, Sebastian’s has done one thing well: serving a classic gyro the right way.
