Kouzina My wife and…read moreI have visited Kouzina on two consecutive Saturdays for lunch, and both trips left us looking forward to the next one. Located at 1325 Miller Road in Greenville (across from Frankie's Fun Park), getting there means braving Woodruff Road if you don't know the back way behind Mauldin High School. The restaurant has a warm, rustic feel with rough-sawn wood walls, dark concrete floors, oversized barrels, plenty of TVs tuned to sports, and a few Greek touches throughout. My guess is the space was once a bar or wine-tasting venue before becoming Kouzina. Today, though, it is very much a family restaurant. Large dark-wood tables and high-tops make it easy to accommodate groups, and there's a covered patio with plenty of fans to keep the air moving. The staff impressed us on both visits. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and quick to answer questions. During one visit, I was standing beneath the menu monitors studying the daily specials--and their very tempting photos--when our server hurried over to make sure I wasn't waiting for assistance. According to the restaurant's story, Dad Sofokli, Mom Georgia, and brothers Nektari, Vasili, and Nas came to America in 2001 to open a pizza restaurant in New Hampshire. After a few hard winters, they relocated to South Carolina, bringing their authentic family recipes with them. Seeing teenagers clearing tables while younger kids linger nearby gives the whole place a "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" vibe. It feels like a true multi-generational family business. Pizza may be the star at Kouzina, but the menu is loaded with tempting gyros, pastas, sandwiches, and desserts. On our first visit, we split a large Kouzina Special Pizza ($28). The crust is thick yet airy, providing a sturdy base without feeling heavy. The tomato sauce has a pleasant tang and enough body to stand up to the generous toppings: pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and plenty of cheese. It was a very good pizza and large enough that we boxed up nearly half of it to take home. On our second trip, my wife ordered the Authentic Greek Gyro ($15). This monster-sized pita comes stuffed with rotisserie pork, homemade tzatziki, onions, and tomatoes, then topped with Greek-seasoned fries. The pork was easily among the best gyro meat I've ever had--thick, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. This is an authentic "YEE-roh," not a pre-packaged, dumbed-down "gie-ROW." I chose the Tuna Salad Roll-Up ($12), a fresh wrap filled with house-made tuna salad, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. The tuna salad was remarkably fresh and not overly mayonnaise-heavy. In fact, I should have asked whether Greek yogurt played a role because it was that good. Served cold, it made for an ideal South Carolina summer lunch. This time we indulged with dessert. We shared a slice of Strawberry Cheesecake, and it was an excellent decision ($7). The slice was tall and creamy with a graham cracker crust that may have included a hint of cinnamon. It was topped with strawberries--plural, not decorative singular--and finished with two generous swirls of whipped cream. It's the sharing of a single piece that will test your relationship. Near the end, you find yourself hoping your spouse's phone buzzes long enough for you to sneak the last couple of bites. As for our next visit, the decisions won't be easy. The Greek Pizza, Spanakopita, Meat Lasagna, Chicken Gyro, Veggie Caprese, Hulk Smash Burger, and something called Chocolate Lovin' Spoon Cake are all competing for our attention. Kouzina combines generous portions, authentic Greek flavors, excellent service, and a welcoming family atmosphere. We've already been back once, and we're looking forward to trip number three.

At 8:40 pm on a Saturday night, criteria were two, a place which will be open for the next one hour…read moreand at the very least, there was a pizza on the menu! At 9 pm, a calm, spacious spot humming along and very prompt and efficient service was definitely welcome! The menu for vegetarians is sparse and simple. Choices for us were veggie pizza and eggplant parmigiana in entrees, and spanakopita in appetizers. Spanakopita came strongly recommended and did not disappoint. Mom's recipe that is made on the premises, it was clutch with a glass of Cabernet Savignon! A small veggie pizza was enough for two after half of the spanakopita. Food reminded me of our trip to Italy: a couple times when we stopped at small mom and pop run spots in Florence and Venice! Definitely can be done again!!!

The food here is so good! Try the garlic knot appetizer! You won't be disappointed! 3 of us…read moreshared the Grandma pizza and hubs had the veal Marsala. He really enjoyed the veal...and sometimes he's hard to please! The 3 of us LOVED the pizza! Jessie who served us was a gem! Super friendly and gave us recommendations for her favorites. We will definitely make the drive from Anderson to eat here again! Sorry no pics, but couldn't wait to eat!

About 30 min drive from the house but totally worth it. We had mussels and garlic knots for an…read moreappetizer that were both delicious. You could tell right away the marinara sauce was homemade and it didn't disappoint. My wife wanted to drink it lol. Mussels in the white sauce were delicious but definitely trying the red sauce next time per Carmela's recommendation. Pizza is as thin, crisp, airy, and flavorful. Really everything you want out of a good pizza but is so hard to find. This is the spot! And the tiramisu, forget it, order 2! So good! The service from Carmela and the rest of the staff was amazing. Food was out faster than expected, piping hot, and all delicious! I don't know if I've ever been to a restaurant that made everyone who walked in the door feel at home. Great experience in a cozy old diner setting. Love this place and everything about it. We'll be back soon! Chicago approved :)

Entering the Restaurant we were greeted by the server. We could sit anywhere as the restaurant was…read moreempty. We were surprised at this as the parking lots were full. The 2Chefs next door was extremely busy!! Large menu available, Pizza,Pastas,salads,Chicken and so on.... 3 Lasagne, 1 Meatballs, 1Gyro ordered Portion size was large . Two guests took half of the Lasagne home. Gyro needed more meat as it seems more salad and bread which overpowered the sandwich. Fries were good. It was a birthday celebration so I asked for a dessert with a Candle so we could sing Happy Birthday. Server said yes but I had to pay for dessert which wasn't a problem but most places offer a complementary dessert for these occasions. Front of house is clean and bright. Wish there was a little music for some ambiance. Bathroom is a little beat up. Door needs repainting. Flooring is old.

Ordered the large pizza. Undercooked in the middle. Crust was soft. Dominos makes a better pizza…read more Can't say that the cook was over worked as we were only 2 of 4 people in the place when we ordered. Wife said that we should have ordered the small pizza as the crust would have been crispy. I say that if a chef offered it on a menu he/she should know what they are doing. This place has really gone down hill since a year ago when we visited last. Service was acceptable. Improve the menu options and care less about making your profit through the sale of alcohol

Had the tortellini bolognese. It was for sure not bolognese. It was just hamburger in some read…read moresauce. I saw no carrots, no onions, no evidence of pancetta or other italian porks. To be honest, it tasted like it came of out a can. Presentation was nice (see the image). The restaurant is actually the kind of place I like. It is a hodge podge of appliances, tables, chairs, and other restaurant equipment from other restaurants they have picked up on sale or at an auction. I actually like that type of character and can appreciate the grind from the owner. The staff actually earned the place an extra star on my review. Very nice. I want this place to do well and if the owners are reading this, do better with the bolognese sauce, or just call it meat sauce. Those of use who know the difference would love a great place to get some.

Pizza was wonderful. Tried four different slices and they were all wonderful. Waitress was…read moreexcellent. Attentive and pleasant. Checked on us frequently. Kept drinks filled. Clean restaurant. Gentleman cooking was attentive and greeted us coming and going. Will definitely go back. By the way, the brachuto was excellent.

We came here for dinner with friends and remembered when it used to also sell hoagies. Well, now it…read morehas been remodeled and he already has an award for best Italian for 2025! We had the margarita pizza which was big enough to share with four adults. The crust was a little bit charred, but the flavors were absolutely delicious. There is limited seating and they will not allow you to bring your own bottle of wine in. Service with splotchy, but overall it was an outstanding meal.

Excellent food and friendly service from Natalia and Ludo, the owner from Napoli. Hope I got their…read morenames right. Small intimate and casual restaurant. Reminds me of a restaurant in Little Italy NYC. Luv it!!! Delicious pizzas and Italian sandwiches and pasta dishes. I highly recommend this cozy establishment in Mauldin. We will be back for sure!!!

Everything is good! Friendly servers and great meals. The Calzones are yummy and you will probably…read morewant to take some home for a second meal.

Popular local restaurant. Booths no tables. Our server was great (Shane)…read more We ordered Potato Soup and a couple of Gyro(Yero) sandwiches. Fries were nice and crisp. Pita was warm the "meat" was thinly cut, no flavor to it. Nice clean tables.

I love this place! I've built my own pasta each time I've been, getting things like alfredo sauce,…read moregrilled chicken, broccoli, and garlic... and it's SO GOOD! The pasta is also served in recyclable AND reusable containers! I've kept mine because I'm a broke college student lol. Staff have always been nice, and the vibes of the restaurant are so trendy and chic, with really cool wall-art. Definitely give it a try!

I've been here twice. I enjoyed my food. But on my second visit here, I placed my order through…read moreDoorDash as a pick up. When I walked into the restaurant to pick up my food. I came through the door and a non melanated person comes in after me...I walked up to the counter and the person behind the counter (who SAW me walk in first) goes straight to the non melanated person first (who came in after me) and helps them...once that non melanated customer leaves the person behind the counter then turns and walks back to the stove and starts vigorously stirring the pot as if he doesn't see me standing there. I'm left waiting there until the trainee goes to the back and gets someone else who was VERY pleasant and helpful. I was about to put this establishment on my " Non-Melanated Do NOT Disturb or Give Them my Money" List!!!! Because first of all Sir...I came in first and I was the first one at the counter. You saw me come in first...you looked right past me and didn't make any eye contact. If I hadn't pre ordered and paid my food I would have walked out. And honestly I'm not one of those people who makes everything about skin color but this was obvious! He could have EASILY said..."someone will be with you shortly", or even "HELLO" ...if it wasn't for the guy who came out from the back, who may have been a manager I would have given a one star but I didn't run into this guy the first time and the food is good and taste fresh. I'm only giving two stars because of that particular employee. I didn't get his name but he was cooking,

Everything was great. Food and service were excellent. Garlic focaccia, highly recommend!read more

Tavola Italian restaurant was very welcoming upon entering. The hostess greeted us with genuine…read morewarmth and guided us to a table even though we didn't have a reservation on a busy Thursday evening with the Mauldin Farmer's Market in full swing. The indoor acoustics allowed for easy conversation and the background music complements the room. Tavola is quickly becoming one of our favorites. We love the setting and the food. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and beyond helpful guiding us to the Fruitti di Mare appetizer which was amazing..and the cocktails were the best I have had in a very long time anywhere. Being a bourbon fan I couldn't resist trying the Molly's Moda Antica and my wife had a Mediterranean Mule. We had a fabulous dinner. I tried the Branzino seafood entree which I had never heard of, but it was delicious. My wife had the Pappardelle pasta. Next visit I think we'll try for an outside balcony table or enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the open air bar seating. Good service, nice setting and an interesting menu with great food!