Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
oChef » Alexi’s – San Diego
Alexi's - San Diego
Photo from Alexi’s
Alexi's at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🫒 Greek Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 107 of the guests
#74 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Greek Restaurant out of 7 in San Diego
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
536
Reviews
90.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Value
- Tasty Greek Food
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Service Inconsistencies
- Outdated Decor
- Difficult Parking
The restaurant, Alexi’s Greek Cafe, invites you to a casual dining experience in San Diego’s vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood. As a dedicated Greek restaurant, it prides itself on offering a diverse menu with a strong emphasis on healthy options.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll find authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner.
Overview: Introducting Alexi's
Alexi’s offers a compelling experience, particularly noted for its excellent value and consistently satisfying food. Many appreciate the generous portions and the overall affordability, making it a popular choice for those seeking a good meal without breaking the bank.
The establishment has built a reputation for delivering on these fronts. While the culinary offerings and pricing are definite strengths, some patrons have noted inconsistencies in service attitude, despite many positive interactions with the friendly staff.
The ambience, though often described as authentic and calming, could benefit from some updates to its decor, and parking can be a challenge.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
536
Reviews
90.7%
Satisfaction
40
negative
10
neutral
486
positive
Alexi’s earns a strong Restaurant Score of 8.7, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 90.7%, indicating that the vast majority of guests leave content.
These high marks are drawn from over 500 customer observations, with a significant lean towards positive feedback. Delving into the specifics, Value (9.1) stands out as a top performer, closely followed by the quality of Food (8.8).
Service (8.4) also receives good marks for its efficiency and friendliness, though some experiences vary. The Ambience (7.9) is considered good, contributing to the overall pleasant, albeit sometimes dated, atmosphere.
What people like
- Excellent Value
- Delicious Greek Food
- Dedicated Owner/Staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- Dated Decor
- Challenging Parking
If you’re looking for a place that prioritizes excellent value and satisfying Greek food, Alexi’s is certainly worth considering. Its strong Recommendation Score of 8.8 suggests that most diners find it a rewarding experience, especially for a casual and affordable meal.
While the service can occasionally be a mixed bag and the decor might not be the most modern, these aspects generally don’t overshadow the core strengths. Alexi’s delivers on its promise of tasty, well-priced Greek classics, making it a solid choice for a reliable and budget-friendly meal.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Greek Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
541
89.5%
- $$
- Marina
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Greek Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
475
88.8%
- $$
- Mission Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Greek Restaurant
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
369
78.6%
- €€
- Point Loma
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Greek Restaurant
7.5
out of 10
out of 10
423
76.6%
- $$
- Miramar Ranch North
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Greek Restaurant
6.8
out of 10
out of 10
453
66%
- $$
- Grantville
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Greek Restaurant
5.7
out of 10
out of 10
549
51.5%
- $$
- North Clairemont
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Alexi's
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here truly shines, boasting an excellent 8.8 score and an impressive 93.1% customer satisfaction. Based on 276 comments, with a whopping 257 positive remarks, diners consistently rave about the delicious Greek food, big portions, fresh salad, and amazing gyros, often highlighting the authentic taste and variety. It seems like a fantastic spot for a satisfying meal!
However, a small number of 15 negative comments mentioned concerns like bland taste in some dishes, low quality perceptions, and specific sauce issues. While these are few, some customers reported an upset stomach after eating, which is definitely something to consider.
Food
276
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
257
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Greek food
- Generous portions
- Fresh, tasty ingredients
What people don't like
- Food can be bland
- Upset stomach reported
- Sauce issues
Often praised
- foodWhile it was fine, it was expensive and definitely not as good. I went to Alexi's afterward to grab food for later, and it was so much better than what I got at Halal Guys. It made me appreciate the value of small businesses in our community, and I'd love to see this place keep going.
- gyro platepleased to be served the gyro plate that came coursed
- gyrosThis is my go-to spot for gyros. Not only does it taste great but it's priced better than any other place in the city 🤙
- Greek foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had by far the best Greek food I've had in a while. If you're looking for a good, fresh, and tasty meal, especially during the lunch rush, this is the place to go.
- saladWe both ordered the #1 Lunch special - the Gyro Pita sandwich and we're glad we did! It came with a delicious generously sized salad and the gyro sandwich was perfectly prepared with just the right amount of tiziki sauce, onion and the rest. And the best part is that with the drinks, AND a piece of baklava to share, the bill was less than $20!
- Greek saladMy wife and I stumbled upon Alexis Greek restaurant, located at 3863 5th Avenue up town, while searching for new places to try. We ordered a Greek salad and two Gyros for lunch. The food is prepared by two men who have been running the establishment for 28 years.
- falafelI ordered the "Combination vegetarian" dish and really enjoyed it. It features spanakopita, falafel, and dolmadakia, served with your choice of fries or rice. I also tried their chicken noodle soup and lentil soup.
- food qualityits food quality is superior
- great foodstay consistent great food
- gyrohits the gyro cravings
Frequently criticized
- foodI'm giving one star for the price and the owner, but the food itself was bland and not tasty. It seemed like they just microwaved some leftovers or used canned soup. I definitely wouldn't go back, sorry!
- appetizer platterOrdered the appetizer platter
- combo plateThe combo plate does not state that it comes with salad and drink.
- drink sizethe drink size in the set is laughably small
- falafel sandwichTotally bland
- friesfries and the soup. The best thing was the feta cheese
- qualityUnfortunately, I experienced an upset stomach after eating. The low prices seem to reflect the low quality of the food.
- sandwichThey drenched my sandwich in sauce instead of putting it on the side. It was gross
- sauceThey drenched my sandwich in sauce instead of putting it on the side.
- soupthe soup. The best thing was the feta cheese
If you're craving authentic Greek food with generous portions and excellent taste, this place is definitely worth trying. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests a delicious and satisfying experience, though be mindful of the rare reports of blandness or stomach upset.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
Youll be happy to hear that service here is generally a standout! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a high 84.3%, its clear guests are well taken care of. Based on 97 positive remarks out of 115 total comments, many rave about the attentive and friendly service from the staff and owner, often highlighting how speedy food delivery is.
However, its not all sunshine, as 15 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. A few guests have encountered an owner or server described as rude, curt and impatient, or having an attitude. There are even isolated reports of feeling forced to pay tip, suggesting occasional lapses in customer service and friendliness'.
Service
115
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, speedy service
- Kind, caring owner
What people don't like
- Rude owner/server
- Curt, impatient attitude
- Forced tip payment
Often praised
- serviceWe stumbled across this dining establishment after an appointment in downtown San Diego. After snagging a parking space nearby, we were seated quickly and attended to right away. We both ordered the #1 Lunch special - the Gyro Pita sandwich and we're glad we did!
- ownerIt's the only Greek place I've found with the largest portion of food. The owner is awesome; he memorizes every customer's order without needing to write it down, which is a definite plus. The service is excellent, and the food is great.
- stafffriendly helpful staff that goes the extra mile
- ServiceService was marvelous and friendly
- customer servicecustomer service is honestly so funny
- foodfood came out quickly
- serverThe interior of the restaurant is not heavily decorated, giving it mom & pop vibes of an authentic Greek restaurant, focusing on the food and service. Our server was efficient in taking our order and getting it to the kitchen, which could be misunderstood, but he was very pleasant and accommodating. My serving was so filling that I had a tiny bit to take home as a snack later.
- wait timeGeorge has been here for years providing consistent delicious Greek foods. The wait time is always reasonable and food is made to order! Thanks for the years of great service!
- AlexiI hadn't been there for years for some dumb reason, but I need to make it in regularly! He's such a sweetheart. Insanely good, fresh, big gyros sandwich AND perfect crispy fries for under ten bucks?
- Owner and staffOwner and staff are very friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceI did not end up eating here because the service was horrible. The cashier, who might have been the owner, had an attitude when I asked if I could eat in.
- appTheir app needs updating.
- cashierCashier ... had an attitude
- cranky old manI received a call from a cranky old man telling me to pick a different side.
- curt and impatientse portó bastante tajante e impaciente
- customer hospitality skillslack of customer hospitality skills
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was the WORST WORST WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER. The owner forced me to pay tip, which is ridiculous.
- friendlinessPodría mejorar bastante la experiencia con amabilidad
- gentleman who attended usel señor que nos atendió no tenía la mejor actitud
- ownerowner told them in a very rude way
Overall, you can expect a very positive service experience, often marked by speed and friendliness. While there are a few isolated reports of less-than-stellar interactions, the vast majority of diners leave happy. It's definitely worth trying for the generally excellent service.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
The ambience here is quite a charmer, earning a good 7.9 and delighting 83% of customers! Out of 53 comments, 44 were positive, often praising the mom and pop type shop feel and nice atmosphere. Many found it a lovely place with a vintage setting and a calming family atmosphere, giving it an authentic vibe that feels like a diner or a cute little restaurant by the sea.
On the flip side, 7 negative remarks suggest a few areas for improvement. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, and some felt the space design or dining area could use an update. There were also mentions that the decor felt a little outdated, and a desire for music to enhance the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
53
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, family feel
- Authentic vibe
- Dog friendly
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Outdated decor
- Needs music
Often praised
- atmosphereFood, service, and atmosphere are unmatched
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is warm and welcoming
- Dog friendlyDog friendly
- San Diego staplea staple in San Diego for ages
- ambiancethe ambiance is mellow
- authentic vibeGives that authentic vibe
- bathroomsclean bathrooms
- calming family atmospherecalming family atmosphere made for a wonderful meal
- cute little restaurant by the sea feelIf you're seeking excellent Greek food, look no further. Alexis Greek truly captures that cute little restaurant by the sea feel, all while being conveniently located right here in Hillcrest. The atmosphere and service were both top-notch, receiving a perfect 5/5.
- decorCute decor, pride flags everywhere
Frequently criticized
- decorthe food makes up for the decor
- decorationsThe place could use some happier decorations
- dining areaThe dining area is a little dark & outdated
- musicsome music to create an atmosphere
- parkingParking in the area can be a little challenging
- space designspace could use update on deisgn
- street parkingStreet parking is tight
If youre seeking a cozy, authentic spot with a welcoming, family-like feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and dont expect a super modern or heavily decorated interior.
Value (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The value here is truly outstanding, boasting an excellent score of 9.1 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 95.7%. Diners consistently rave about the amazing value, great prices, and affordable food, often highlighting lunch specials and meal deals as unbeatable bargains. With 88 positive remarks, it's clear guests feel they get a lot for their money.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few customers did mention prices or expensive in passing, with just 3 negative comments. One noted a price increase after 4 pm, and another felt low prices low quality, though this was an outlier against the general sentiment.
Value
92
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing value
- Great prices
- Affordable meals
What people don't like
- Price changes
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. I found it to be probably the best place ever, offering very affordable prices with lunch/dinner sets at $9/$10, inclusive of taxes. The owner was a nice guy, and the place itself was lovely.
- priceMy experience at Alexis Greek was absolutely wonderful! I discovered this gem and was immediately impressed by the great food, which was very delicious and always well portioned for the price. If you're seeking excellent Greek food, look no further.
- affordableIf you’re in San Diego, this is a MUST for Greek classics. The food was delicious with perfect servings and very affordable. The Baklava is to die for.
- valueI went to Alexi's afterward to grab food for later, and it was so much better than what I got at Halal Guys. It made me appreciate the value of small businesses in our community, and I'd love to see this place keep going. Come try this place - you won’t regret it!
- Price per personIf you are craving a Gyro or just a good, inexpensive Greek/Mediterranean meal, this is the place! It's a no-frills establishment, but the food is good 💯 🥙 🐑 🍟 🍢.
- great pricesI've been coming here for over 10 years, and they consistently deliver great food and great prices. My experience has always been positive, with the food being a standout.
- affordabilitycombines quality with affordability
- billour total with tax and before tip was not even $36!!!
- lunch specialsLunch specials that make it affordable to eat out
- reasonable pricevery reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- expensiveI initially came to the area to try the new Halal Guys next door, but I regretted it. While it was fine, it was expensive and definitely not as good. I went to Alexi's afterward to grab food for later, and it was so much better than what I got at Halal Guys.
- price increasedidn't like they change the price of dishes after 4 pm
- pricesLow prices low quality
If youre looking for incredible bang for your buck without sacrificing quality, this spot is a must-try. Youll find fantastic deals and generous portions that make dining out truly affordable, making it an easy recommendation for value-conscious diners.
How are the prices at Alexi's?
You’re looking at roughly $13 per person – reported by 107 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Greek Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the breakdown, most folks spend in that $11–$20 sweet spot, but there are also plenty of budget-friendly options under $10 if you’re looking for a quick, cheaper bite.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 107 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Greek spot in San Diego. You get good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Alexi's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Years of Delicious Greek Food and Great Service
I've been coming here for years and I finally decided to make sure this place gets the recognition it deserves! George has been here for years providing consistent delicious Greek foods. The wait time is always reasonable and food is made to order!
Thanks for the years of great service!
- delicious Greek foods10
- wait time9
- food is made to order9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
A Hidden Gem for Authentic Greek Food
My wife and I stumbled upon Alexis Greek restaurant, located at 3863 5th Avenue up town, while searching for new places to try. We ordered a Greek salad and two Gyros for lunch. The food is prepared by two men who have been running the establishment for 28 years.
We've never needed reservations, and I doubt they even take them. It's an older building that has remained largely unchanged over the years. The service is fast, the food is excellent, and while the staff are usually busy, they are very friendly.
I hesitate to share this diamond in the rough, but fairness dictates it. Everyone who discovers it, like we did 8 years ago, keeps returning, just as we do.
- service10
- food10
- staff9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Greek Food, Incredible Value!
I was looking for a home-cooked meal that was also affordable, and this local spot delivered! If you love Greek food, this is definitely the place to try. They offer generous portions at extremely affordable prices.
Alexi deserves so much more recognition for the quality of food served, especially in this economy. It's truly deserving of accolades. 🙏🏽🇬🇷💜
- home cooked meal9
- generous portions10
- extremely affordable prices10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Classic Greek Diner with Friendly Owner
I've been a loyal customer at Alexi's for nearly a decade, and my recent visit last night confirmed why. Everything was just as I remembered. The owner is extremely friendly, and the food is classic Greek cafe/diner fare.
My friend and I enjoyed a gyro pita sandwich, a small Greek salad, and a chicken kabob with tzatziki. The meats were seasoned and flavorful, the salad was super fresh, and the tzatziki was incredibly well-crafted. This is a low-key, no-frills Greek joint that truly holds its own.
While the interior won't impress, it offers a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home. I definitely recommend trying their items, especially the really good baklava.
- owner10
- food9
- meats9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Food, Sweet Owner, Great Prices!
I was drawn in by the mysterious blue lights, and I’m so glad I walked in! The owner was so sweet, and the food was delicious and really affordable. It’s amazing that they’re able to keep such great prices.
Highly recommended!
- mysterious blue lights9
- owner10
- food10
What Alexi's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere does Alexi's Greek Cafe offer?
At Alexi’s Greek Cafe, you can enjoy a casual dine-in experience with table service available for both lunch and dinner. Don’t forget to explore their dessert offerings to complete your meal.
Are there healthy and vegetarian choices available at Alexi's Greek Cafe?
Yes, Alexi’s Greek Cafe caters to various dietary preferences, featuring a range of healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options. You can also explore their selection of small plates.
How does Alexi's generally perform?
Alexi’s scores well overall with a Restaurant Score of 8.7. Its Food (8.8) and Value (9.1) are particularly strong, while Service (8.4) is good, and Ambience (7.9) is decent.
Is Alexi's an affordable dining option?
Yes, many customers highlight Alexi’s for its affordable prices and great prices, offering good portions for the cost, making it a strong choice for value.
What is the service and atmosphere like at Alexi's?
While the service is often described as friendly and efficient, some experiences mention an inconsistent attitude from staff. The ambience is noted for its authentic, calming family atmosphere, though some find the decor a bit dated.