JIM & JENNIE'S
GREEK VILLAGE
Hoppen Hierarchy:★★★★
District: Northwest Omaha
Gyros & Classic Greek Dishes
Perfect For: Casual Dining; Takeout; Lunch
Standout Dishes: Gyro; Onion Rings; Spanakopita; Dolmades
Consistency is one of the most important aspects of any restaurants. Whenever a diner sits down, they expect a meal at or above the standard of their last experience at the establishment.
You can absolutely look forward that consistency when you visit Jim & Jennie’s Greek Village, because the two people at the grill not only have their names on the storefront, but they’ve been perfecting their craft for nearly 40 years.
Jim and Jennie Anastasiou moved to Omaha from Pyrgos-Olympia, Greece, in 1974 and opened their restaurant 11 years later. The humble establishment off 90th and Maple began with just five tables and has grown exponentially since thanks to the couple’s commitment to excellence and a menu full of beautifully prepared Greek classics.
The sun around which everything else orbits is the mighty Gyro, a mountain of a plate capable of halting any appetite in its tracks. The meat, a combination of beef and lamb, is shaved from a rotating spit, giving it a tenderness and distinct roasted flavor. With hints of rosemary, oregano, and thyme, the meat is absolutely delicious on its own.
But Jim & Jennie’s pairs a heaping portion of the meat (I’d estimate about 3/4 of a lb.) with a bright, dill-forward tzatziki sauce, crisp onions, and large chunks of fresh tomato. It’s all crammed into a buttery, soft, pita that has just the right amount of chew, and a quick stop on the flattop gives it a welcome crisp texture.
And somehow, despite holding in a shipping container’s worth of ingredients, the pita doesn’t break or tear. It’s kind of mind-blowing, and this bread forms a brilliant base for what is, in my opinion, Omaha’s best gyro.
All the elements of the traditional gyro are present in the Chicken Gyro, which subs in marinated chicken for the delectable gyro/lamb mixture. The cubed chicken is juicy and bursting with grilled flavor, and while it doesn’t quite match the impossibly high standards of the traditional gyro, it’s an excellent change of pace.
The gyros may be Jim and Jennie’s most popular dish, but there are all kinds of other Greek specialties to discover here. That starts with the Saganaki, the show-stopping dish guaranteed to draw the attention of every table around yours. This dish consists of a brick of kasseri cheese that’s breaded and pan-fried, then drizzled with brandy and lit ablaze tableside. Not only is this presentation a spectacle to behold, but it also causes the cheese, already buttery by nature, to achieve peak gooey texture with the addition of texture contrast from the crust produced in the frying process. Whether smeared over soft pita bread or eaten by the forkful, it’s delightfully sinful.
The Spanakopita, a lasagna-style dish constructed of layers of phyllo dough, spinach, and feta cheese, is downright addicting. The flaky, buttery dough is complemented by the herby spinach and the tangy, rich feta to form a delicious appetizer.
The Dolmades, a combo of ground beef and rice stuffed inside a grape leaf, are also excellent. These rolled blankets are enlivened by a tangy, creamy egg lemon sauce, of which any remnants can be soaked up with the provided pita slices.
Ironically enough, one of the menu’s most beloved items doesn’t come from Greek descent. The Onion Rings are arguably the best in the city. These giant inner tubes of deep-fried goodness aren’t limp onion like many other Omaha options; they have some serious structure and feature a crisp, crunchy edge. The batter is present and adds a strong savory element, but the rings aren’t over battered, and you can actually taste the original onion.
This review is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all Jim & Jennies has to offer. From the Chicken Reganato (featuring some of the juiciest poultry you’ll find in Omaha) to souvlaki, kabobs, roast leg of lamb, fish plates, and more, it would take months of eating here to traverse your way through the menu. And if there’s something that isn’t downright delicious, I haven’t found it yet.
Suffice to say, Jim and Jennie have learned a thing or two from being in the restaurant industry for nearly five decades. They’ve found a way to transport the wonderful flavors of their home into their restaurant, and their expertise makes Jim & Jennie’s an Omaha institution.
If you need any proof, just look behind the counter into the open kitchen. You’ll see the two owners, sweating over the grill and building every plate. If restaurants are a labor of love, this couple adores the craft, and their passion comes through in every bite.