Rafina Greek Taverna

Serving Up Mediterranean Cuisine With Flair

If you’re looking for authentic Greek food, look no further than Rafina Greek Taverna in Boca Raton. Opened a little more than two years ago, this full-service, modern Greek restaurant has become a favorite among locals and visitors.

Named after a small port town on the eastern coast of Attica in Greece, Rafina Greek Taverna is tucked away at The Boardwalk at 18th Street among retail, office and other restaurant tenants. The 200-seat restaurant faces the water, providing diners with beautiful views of the lake. Inside, the décor is welcoming and chic. 

Restaurateurs Paul Tzikas and Yanni Agelopoulos launched Rafina Greek Taverna in May 2015. Since then, their restaurant has received the Open Table Diner’s Choice Award in 2015 and 2017. 

“We are the neighborhood family Greek restaurant, but we also are a place you can take your girlfriend or wife on a Saturday night,” says Agelopoulos, who also owns It’s all Greek, a more casual restaurant in Boca Raton.

The Rafina Greek Taverna menu ranges from the traditional Gyro, Moussaka and “Spinach Pie” Spanakopita to more imaginative dishes such as Shrimp Santorini; Athenian Stuffed Chicken; and the Mediterranean Mix, a paella dish with a Greek twist.

“We are always adding to and revising the menu based on our customers' suggestions,” says Agelopoulos. “Since we opened, we have added a lot more fish dishes as well as new appetizers.” 

Speaking of appetizers, the Grilled Octopus is a standout. No matter what you order, portions are generous, and the wait staff is always friendly, knowledgeable and engaging.

The restaurant is large enough to accommodate big parties and has hosted everything from bridal showers to weddings.

The craft cocktail menu is extensive – as is the wine menu, which offers 35 by-the-glass options. Agelopoulos says happy hour has been so popular that he’s planning to add a late-night happy hour for night owls from 9-11 p.m.

“We are happy with the community feedback that we owe a lot to the neighborhood,” says Agelopoulos. “We are excited about the future.”

Rafina Greek Taverna is located at 6877 S.W. 18th St., The Boardwalk at 18th Street, Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-409-3673 or visit rafinaonline.com.