A summer vacation to Greece may not be in your plans, but you can get a taste of the Mediterranean by dining at Thira in Hallandale Beach, where the cuisine is prepared with the freshest ingredients and the friendly staff will make you feel like you’re visiting a Greek family home.
Thira, celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, is owned and operated by the Morfidis family and to ensure that every guest has a memorable dining experience, at least one family member is at the restaurant at all times.
The casually elegant interior of Thira features a palette of deep blue and creamy white, recalling the colors of the surf on the Mediterranean Sea. Graceful arches draped with sheer white fabric separate different areas of the dining room, creating cozy spaces within the 200-seat interior. Paintings portraying the Greek islands and the seaside grace the walls, conjuring the sense of a Mediterranean holiday.
Wood tables are covered with starched white cloths and a horseshoe-shaped oak bar in the center of the room is perfect for friends to gather for drinks. The wine list offers domestic favorites, but focuses on Greek vintages. An attractive patio offers comfortable alfresco dining and also accommodates smokers. For special events such as birthdays, anniversaries, bar and bat mitzvahs, wedding showers and rehearsal dinners, there is a private room. Catering is also available, so you can stage your party at home without worrying about the cooking.
AUTHENTIC, FRESH, MADE TO ORDER
Authentic Greek cuisine is prepared from top-quality produce and the freshest seafood and meats. Ingredients like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, olives and feta cheese are imported from Greece. Many items on the menu at Thira are based on the Morfidis’ traditional family recipes. The owners believe that a dish can only be as good as what goes into it, so they start with the very best that’s available.
DELICIOUS YET HEALTHFUL
Many experts agree that the traditional Mediterranean diet is a healthful one. A plentiful amount of vegetables, herbs and olive oil contribute to fare that is low in saturated fats. With everything made from scratch and with fresh ingredients, diners can refrain from preservatives and other food additives they may want to avoid.
While there are many delicious meat and fish dishes, vegetarian diners will find a variety of tasty and interesting menu items to choose from. There are also alternatives for those who prefer something other than Greek cuisine. The menu offers enough choices so everyone will find something that pleases.
MODERATE PRICES
Although Thira offers the freshest food and a stylish ambience, prices are moderate. Lunches start at just $4.95. Appetizers are priced from $3 and entrees begin at $13. Money-saving lunch, sunset and Happy Hour specials are offered every day. Diners looking for an experience that is memorable, special and a great value will find it at Thira. You will want to return often, and not just for special occasions or on weekends.
ON THE MENU
Among the appetizers are house-made hummus (creamy, chickpea and garlic spread); gyro (seasoned strips of broiled lamb and beef); dolmadakia (grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, served with avgolemeno sauce); panakopita (spinach pie with feta and green onions, wrapped in flaky filo pastry); saganaki (pan-fried kefaloteri cheese); loukanik (grilled country sausage with roasted peppers; taramosalata (whipped caviar spread); keftedes (charbroiled Greek meatballs with traditional spices); and metilzanosalata (grilled eggplant spread with garlic, olive oil, red peppers and tomatoes).
Entrees include thalasovouno (char-grilled lamb chops and sautéed jumbo shrimp); mousaka (traditional casserole of eggplant, potatoes, and seasoned
beef topped with béchamel sauce); paidaki moschari (14-ounce grilled veal chop marinated in olive oil, garlic, parsley and rosemary served with creamy feta mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms; youvetsi (aromatic braised lamb shank with orzo, topped with freshly shaved kefaloteri cheese); whole, char-grilled snapper with lemon and oregano; whole grilled Chilean sea bass with rice pilaf; baked grouper with tomatoes, olives, potatoes, onions, carrots and oregano in white wine; and jumbo shrimp in garlic sauce.
GREAT SERVICE
Service at Thira is prompt, attentive and professional, but also relaxed.
“The staff is trained to make our guests feel special, and also as comfortable as if they were at home.”
Thira – like the Greek Isle it is named for, if you visit once, you’ll want to return again and again!
Thanks for that. I moved away from Greece when I was really young, and I really want to rediscover my heritage. I’ve been trying out a lot of random greek recipes, and the best I’ve found yet is this greek recipe – it totally remind me of my childhood. I dont remember much of it except for the lovely smells and delicious food on every street corner.