Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Demetri's Restaurant: Chicago's North Shore OUTSTANDING Greek dining destination.

When you think of unbelievable Greek dining on Chicago's North Shore, Demetri's Restaurant in Deerfield (http://www.demetrisrestaurant.com/) should immediately come to mind. This wonderful Greek destination is a gold standard that offers a wonderful ambience and outstanding food in addition to a catering for many types of events.


Demetri's opened their doors on October 26, 2002 and it has been full speed ahead ever since. Sam Marinakos and his sons Bill and George are the partners in this wonderful venture.

Sam and his sons purchased Demetri's and have done an outstanding job of managing their restaurant and making it grow and flourish. One of many steps in achieving a successful establishment is to provide a more authentic menu and include dishes and twists that come from Sam's upbringing in Kastri, Tripoli Greece. The ingredients and products come from some very reputable distributors. The meat and fish are freshly purchased and cut in house. The calamari and octopus are very fresh. The Sea Bass, Lavaraki, Barbounia (which are types of Greek fish) are all flown in from Greece. They offer other fish from the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean such as Dover Sole, Whole Red Snapper, Halibut and Salmon which are very popular with the customers. The menu is authentically Greek and is also inspired by the market area. They try to please a variety of customers at lunch that includes the corporate community and serves a lot of different people. It also includes a variety of American food.


Demetri's provide large portions and good prices. The food is consistently of great quality. Cleanliness is of top priority and they have staff that are very dedicated to this great task.


George Papadatos, who is the Executive Head Chef is in the process of making his own bread recipe which absolutely top secret and has the customers waiting for its arrival.   

Sam is a very astute business man and has adapted his business to the ups and downs of the economy such as providing an early bird special that includes a drink, soup or salad, a full entree, and dessert for $11.95 between 3pm – 5:30pm. His lunch prices range from $7.95 to $14.95 which also helps the customer in a topsy turvy economy. Every entrĂ©e includes soup for lunch and offer a variety of soups such as lentil, bean, vegetable, fish, egg lemon or minestrone that are offered at various times during the week.

When there is a private function or party, Sam is so dedicated to his business, employees and customers that he stays until the last employee walks out the door to make sure that everyone is accommated and to make sure that the customer is happily satisfied and content.

They offer a wonderful catering service and can BBQ a lamb or Pig on the patio which also houses a parrot who is the darling among the customers.

There may be another Greek Restaurant somewhere in the future and they are also going to change the menu so it is graced with more authentic Greek food. 

All the Greek sweets and yogurt are all made in house and taste like they've been shipped from the mother country. They are fresh and created in an authentic manner.

Their  food, the way they treat their customers and employees, the comfortable and hospitable atmosphere and being a family owned establishment sets them apart from their Greek counterparts.


They have two private dining rooms and large patio for private seating with beautiful flowers that give off a beautiful aroma. The restaurant also has a salt water fish tank as you walk in the door. Every table has fresh cut flowers and bottle of olive oil.

They also offer  one room that hold 65 people and other room that holds 40 people comfortably for any large event or occasion. The patio can hold up to 100 people.

They have a fully stocked bar and also offer Agioritiko wine is which is from the monastery in  Mount Athos, Greece in addition to various wines from California. They are also able to have private cocktail parties by the fire place.  They specialize in quality of service which is their main emphasis.  They also offer delivery for large parties which can be arranged for parties starting at 50 people.

Demetri’s Greek Restaurant is a family owned establishment that focuses on high quality, a friendly environment, and great service to make you feel at home.

The patio has  (a type of flower) that came from Sam's mother's home in Greece and he is able to  incorporate a lot of things from his family and his traditions to share with others and takes a lot of pride in his family.




The restaurant and kitchen are immaculate and you can eat off the floors.

There are plans to open a cafe and expand the banquet facilities.

I was able to sample the wonderful Demetri's salad, avgolemeno soup (egg lemon), a spanakopita entree that came with some great lemon and oregano potatoes with mixed vegetables and the combination platter which offers lamb, moussaka, dolmades, potatoes, rice and vegetables. This combo plate did not disappoint. The lamb was moist, flavorful and tender. The Moussaka and dolmades were made with great care and unlike any others on the North Shore. The potatoes rice and veges were also outsanding. For dessert, I was able to try all of the wonderful sweets that they offer. The baklava and walnut cake were very well done and tasted like it came from some yiayia's (grandmother) kitchen. The rice pudding and creme caramale were just unbelievable. They were sweet and cooked to perfection.

I truly recommend this wonderful Greek delight of a restaurant.

Demetri's Restaurant
660 Lake Cook Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
Tel - (847) 940-0777
Fax - (847) 948.8200
http://www.demetrisrestaurant.com/