Brothers and now business partners, Dimitrios and John Koukounis, did not let the pandemic stop them when they decided to open yērōs - authentically Greek in St. James, last year.

Dimitrios and John worked as contractors for over ten years when they migrated from Greece. During that time, the brothers found that the Greek restaurants/eateries were different here than back home in Athens, Greece. Seeing as their father owned several restaurants in Germany and Athens, they decided to bring a piece of home right here in St. James.

Inspired by their father, the brothers were determined to carry on the family tradition. The space they acquired was completely renovated and decorated to make you feel as if you’ve stepped right into a café in Greece. Upon entering, you are greeted with a friendly, welcoming staff that makes you feel like family. Family is important to the Koukounis brothers; all the staff at yērōs is just that- family. Both Dimitrios and John’s wives work there, along with their cousins- that exemplifies what a family owned and operated business is all about.

What sets yērōs apart from most is their gyros. Properly pronounced as (Yee-roh), Dimitrios expresses how in Greece, “An authentic gyro consists of pork, not the lamb and beef that you will mostly find at other Greek restaurants. Our gyro is made with stacked sliced meat cooked on an open flame, not an electric stand.” Yes, of course they offer lamb, beef and chicken, but they live up to their name- “yērōs - authentically Greek” by providing real authentic Greek food. A piece of Greece right in the heart of St. James.

In addition, to authentic gyros, they offer an array of signature Greek apps and dishes. From their spanakopita (spinach pie), pastitio bites, falafel and moussaka bites to the grilled octopus and delicious baby lamb chops, yērōs certainly lives up to their name with authenticity. Another thing that sets them apart from most…the rice bowls! Custom, made-to-order in four simple steps, the rice bowls are to die for. On top of that, all of their desserts, such as the loukoumades (mini donuts), kourabiedes (butter cookies with almonds), galaktoboureko (semolina custard) and the baklava are all handmade on premises! And, if you’re looking for a quick pick me up, have their Nescafe Frappe (Greek iced coffee): simply delicious. Their curbside walk-up window allows you to order ahead for a convenient and simple pick-up.

In less than one year, it is exciting to note that yērōs is certainly making a name for themselves within the community. They are the proud sponsors of the Stony Brook University Athletics department and donate to many local charities. Proudly serving the St. James, Nesconset, Smithtown, East Setauket and Lake Grove areas, their work simply speaks for itself. Just check their raving reviews on Yelp and Google, to see firsthand how the customers have fallen in love with their services and unique authenticity of their dishes. And, if you are looking to celebrate a special occasion, check out their full catering menu.

Dimitrios and the yērōs family will be celebrating their one year anniversary this coming May. If you haven’t been yet, you must give them a try- you will not be disappointed. While there, be sure to purchase some merch from their Yeros market; stacked with multiple items like authentic Greek cookies, candies, sodas and even a Yeros T-shirt. The perfect souvenir to showcase that you’ve been to yērōs - authentically Greek.