Growing up with a Latin teacher for a mother, I was always hearing about Greece, Italy, the Mediterranean Sea, the ancient world and everything in between. Every spring break, while others headed down to Florida with their families, I went to a day camp. My dad had work, and my mom was taking trips with her students across the Mediterranean, living out my dreams of travel and new experiences. Finally, the summer after my sophomore year, it was my turn: I would be joining my mom and her students on their trip. I would get my chance to cruise across the Mediterranean, set foot for the first time in Greece and Turkey, and, importantly, try some real Mediterranean food. 

The food I ate on that trip was incredible, and all associated with incredible memories with the people on the trip. Walking with a group while we waited to be admitted to the Acropolis, desperately slurping cold drinks and biting into sandwiches from a nearby shop. My shopping partner and I strolling through Athens with coffees and pastries in hand as we browsed. And, one of my fondest memories, getting midnight soup on the cruise across the sea, playing “chopsticks” with one another as we watched the lights of Mykonos fade away in the distance. 

The only restaurant in Louisville that comes close to transporting me back to these memories through their food is The Grape Leaf.

Locally owned by the Al-Saba family, The Grape Leaf has been open since 1992, making it one of Louisville’s first Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eateries. There’s no doubt the family pours love into the business – every experience I’ve had has offered serenity, delicious food, and accommodating service. 

On my most recent visit, my dad, brother and I opted to sit outside. The Grape Leaf offers a range of seating indoors and on the outdoor gravel patio, complete with trellises and umbrellas. Though they offer brunch and lunch menus, we were there for dinner, excited to try some of the many sides and appetizers.

We each just ordered water, though The Grape Leaf offers other non-alcoholic drinks, including house-made lemonade and Turkish coffee (coming from a coffee addict – this is good stuff). To start, we shared a plate of spanakopita ($9.50), feta cheese and spinach wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry. This was delicious, a perfect light starter served with tzatziki dip – which, as a lover of the trending “cucumber salads,” was a great addition.

For my meal, I ordered the samosa appetizer ($10) and sides of lentil soup ($6.50) and black beans & saffron rice ($4). My request for an appetizer as a meal was nicely accommodated, and the entire meal was vegetarian – The Grape Leaf has both a vegetarian and oil/gluten free chunk of their menu. Each piece of the meal came hot, the samosas especially fresh. The lentil soup was served with pita slices, and was perfectly reminiscent of the Turkish lentil soup my friends and I had enjoyed on our trip, the lentils pureed rather than solid like the canned soup from the grocery store. Despite the large portions I was served, I scarfed down everything, leaving the plates and bowl clean.

My brother ordered off the children’s menu, getting a cheese pizza ($8). I was pleasantly surprised when the pizza came out, served on flatbread with mozzarella. I stole a bite and loved how fresh it tasted.

My dad ordered a sliced beef gyro with greek salad and rice with lentils as his complimentary sides ($15). In his opinion, they were generous with the sliced beef, and the gyro was “classic” and packed with fresh veggies and tzatziki. 

Gallery • 5 Photos

Spanakoptia at The Grape Leaf

My only qualm with The Grape Leaf is the time it takes to dine there; however, I see this as another authenticity, given the length of meals in the region. It is definitely something to be mindful of if you’re in a time crunch, though. And, while sometimes neat and picture-esque, the outdoor patio can sometimes be a bit messy, particularly on my most recent video. 

The Grape Leaf is not without a few quirks, but I love the classic locally-owned restaurant. Next time you’re with a large group, by yourself, or with a friend, The Grape Leaf is a great place to go in the Crescent Hill and Clifton area. 

Hours: Wed-Mon: 11am – 8pm

Tues: closed

Address: 2217 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206

Phone: (502) 897-1774