Papapavlo's Mediterranean Bistro & Bar

I had the pistachio crusted salmon and it was delicious! Everyone liked the dish they ordered.

i had my baby shower here several years ago and i’ve been going here ever since. the calamari is to die for. service is fast and the food is affordable while still having an upscale vibe to it.

Mediterranean and Greek food what could be better? This restaurant does it all so well. Be sure to have their Greek salad, the dressing is amazing They have everything from flaming cheese to homemade baklava. The dolmus are huge and very flavorful.

Came here to celebrate a friend's birthday. There were 6 of us. Our waitress (Maria) was absolutely the best! The food was great and the atmosphere was nice and cozy. First time for me in having been there. You can bet that my husband and I will be returning. It was a great celebration all the way around!

So Good & food is always so fresh! Calamari appetizer I prefer the rings, this order had a lot of whole little octopus very chewy! My husband had Italian meatballs with pasta & I had seafood pasta, scallops were over cooked but all n all Great dinner! Good service, Nice atmosphere 😊 worth the price!

Another local favorite hits a home run! You can taste the Mediterranean influence in their food, and we thoroughly enjoyed every dish. The Mediterranean Chicken was superb, as was the Lobster Bisque. Service was even better as everyone was friendly, professional, and smiling! Salads were fresh, crisp, and just perfect. Thanks for a great experience guys, we will be back!

Fancy restaurant with awesome food! Clam chowder was the best I've had in my life!!!! Service was thorough and joyful. Very clean and peaceful atmosphere, great temperature. Lighting was perfect: not dark and not bright. Food came quickly. Note: The photos of the menu do not reflect the current prices.

The atmosphere is very relaxing. The staff is very patient and attentive. The food was great. First time having a Greek salad and I can say I am a fan.

Really a great find for us. I’m doing this review from memory of being there two weeks ago. Not overly salted. Not overly herbed. Just enough to make the ingredients sing. The salad was light and fresh — not over dressed. The Dolmathes slightly minted — perfect. The Avgolemono was not thick and viscous — right on. I’ll go back every time I’m in Modesto.

The service at this Mediterranean restaurant is second to none. The staff is not only attentive but also exudes a genuine passion for the cuisine they serve. Their friendly and accommodating nature made our dining experience exceptional. The food is a Mediterranean masterpiece. The meze platter with a variety of dips and fresh pita was a delightful start. The lamb dishes were succulent and perfectly seasoned, and the desserts were a sweet ending to a fantastic meal. The quality is top-notch. The ambiance is cozy and authentic, making you feel like you've been transported to a Mediterranean bistro. The soft lighting and charming decor set the stage for a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience.

My first time in and WOW!! I loved the food and so much food!! Delicious fresh hot dishes all of it! I will return w/ my friends! Thank you all!

Moved to Modesto nearly 3 years ago and I can honestly saw this is in the top 3 of my favorite places to eat. The food was so good I wanted to cry. Service was amazing and everything was clean. The food is so delicious and full of flavor. I had the tortellini and the pasta was cooked to perfection and don't even get me started on the sauce. As an Italian I'm SUPER picky about my pasta and the sauce but it was unbelievably delicious!

What a lovely meal and experience. We were able to be seated fairly quick. Amanda was fantastic at helping us navigate the menu and specials. We started with the 'flaming cheese ' [can't recall the menu name]... so good. Our table opted for fish plates and a chicken marsalla. Everyone was impressed. The fish was perfect. The chicken, delicious. Plating and pairing was spot on. I enjoyed a small bowl of clam chowder that I will be back for just that alone sometime. To finish, a creme brulee that was a spoon fight till the end. Amanda kept us taken care of the whole time and ensured we had time to enjoy without being rushed. It's not a budget meal, but for me the value is very high. I'll be back and feel like I can recommend a meal here with absolutely zero worries. Thanks for the great dinner.

Today is officially our 14 year wedding anniversary. We celebrated at Papapavlo’s for dinner. Jovita had the Gyro Plate and I had Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and they were both delicious. We both had the Lemon Chicken Soup. For our beverages, I had a Hazy IPA and Jovita had Ice water. The service here is really friendly and professional. We really enjoyed ourselves.

I drove 1hr30min from SF Bay to try this place. First, the sea food ingredients are really fresh. And, the flavor is very deep and rich. I was full before i got there, so I was not able to eat much, but i was able to tell the dishes are good.

My first time here and I loved it! Everything tasted delicious and the place itself is beautiful. I don't usually eat veg items but I did try their bruschetta and hummus with pitta bread and both were scrumptious. My friend had the chicken Alfredo. Our hostess, who was very courteous, brought over the different dessert selections for us to see live. It helped us decide what we wanted to try. I had the baklava cheesecake and she had the chocolate cake. I can't wait to come back!

Our server was very attentive. All the food, from the pita bread and hummus to our entrees were great. We really enjoyed our dinner. Definitely recommend and we'll be back.

A delightful dining experience that combines cozy ambiance with a menu full of mouthwatering dishes. The service was impeccable. For the main course, I ordered Pistachios Crusted Salmon and home made clam chowder soup, which was rich and creamy. Overall, The Papapavlo’s excels in both food quality and service. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.

When I walked in, I thought this place was going to be super expensive because it is FANCY, like tablecloths and wait staff in uniform fancy. However, I got an incredible Greek salad which knocked my shoes off for just $14! This thing had everything: fancy feta cheese chunks, artichoke hearts, whole olives, super flavorful tomatoes, I could go on. Plus they brought out warm pita bread immediately which went great with the olive oil on the table. And the waitress who served me was so nice and attentive. 100% will be back.

This place is absolutely amazing! The staff and food are out of this world!!! Rosie is a pastry chef you can’t beat! The baklava cheesecake is life changing!!!

Matt Johnson

What a lovely meal and experience. We were able to be seated fairly quick. Amanda was fantastic at helping us navigate the menu and specials. We started with the 'flaming cheese ' [can't recall the menu name]... so good. Our table opted for fish plates and a chicken marsalla. Everyone was impressed. The fish was perfect. The chicken, delicious. Plating and pairing was spot on. I enjoyed a small bowl of clam chowder that I will be back for just that alone sometime. To finish, a creme brulee that was a spoon fight till the end. Amanda kept us taken care of the whole time and ensured we had time to enjoy without being rushed. It's not a budget meal, but for me the value is very high. I'll be back and feel like I can recommend a meal here with absolutely zero worries. Thanks for the great dinner.

ab6485

Today is officially our 14 year wedding anniversary. We celebrated at Papapavlo’s for dinner. Jovita had the Gyro Plate and I had Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and they were both delicious. We both had the Lemon Chicken Soup. For our beverages, I had a Hazy IPA and Jovita had Ice water. The service here is really friendly and professional. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Gatsby Lee

I drove 1hr30min from SF Bay to try this place. First, the sea food ingredients are really fresh. And, the flavor is very deep and rich. I was full before i got there, so I was not able to eat much, but i was able to tell the dishes are good.

Sharon Chandra

My first time here and I loved it! Everything tasted delicious and the place itself is beautiful. I don't usually eat veg items but I did try their bruschetta and hummus with pitta bread and both were scrumptious. My friend had the chicken Alfredo. Our hostess, who was very courteous, brought over the different dessert selections for us to see live. It helped us decide what we wanted to try. I had the baklava cheesecake and she had the chocolate cake. I can't wait to come back!

Rob Brown

Our server was very attentive. All the food, from the pita bread and hummus to our entrees were great. We really enjoyed our dinner. Definitely recommend and we'll be back.

Dharminder Verma

A delightful dining experience that combines cozy ambiance with a menu full of mouthwatering dishes. The service was impeccable. For the main course, I ordered Pistachios Crusted Salmon and home made clam chowder soup, which was rich and creamy. Overall, The Papapavlo’s excels in both food quality and service. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.

Melissa Ekkelboom

This place is absolutely amazing! The staff and food are out of this world!!! Rosie is a pastry chef you can’t beat! The baklava cheesecake is life changing!!!

Marina Magic

When I walked in, I thought this place was going to be super expensive because it is FANCY, like tablecloths and wait staff in uniform fancy. However, I got an incredible Greek salad which knocked my shoes off for just $14! This thing had everything: fancy feta cheese chunks, artichoke hearts, whole olives, super flavorful tomatoes, I could go on. Plus they brought out warm pita bread immediately which went great with the olive oil on the table. And the waitress who served me was so nice and attentive. 100% will be back.

Terene Roberts

Terrific food & service! I'm so glad we stopped by and will definitely come back! We order from here for work lunches & has always been good food!

Our meal was spot on delicious. Heidi our waitress was so welcoming and attentive, excellent service.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We hosted a 40-physician event tonight at Papapolloni Mediterranean Bistro, and it was absolutely amazing! The staff was outstanding — attentive, organized, and so friendly. The food was delicious, the service was seamless, and the atmosphere was perfect for our group. Every single guest had a great time and couldn’t stop complimenting the food and space. Thank you to the entire team for making our event such a success — we’ll definitely be back for future gatherings! Thanks David & Team! :)

Love this place!! Food is Amazing and delicious. Staff are so friendly and attentive. Heidi and Pedro (think that's his name) are the best! I would highly recommend.

Great food / one of the best restaurant for customers service . Waitress always friendly. I feel welcome every time I come to this restaurant. I love it. Keep doing the great job.

Mark Ochinero

Our meal was spot on delicious. Heidi our waitress was so welcoming and attentive, excellent service.

Jazmin

Great food / one of the best restaurant for customers service . Waitress always friendly. I feel welcome every time I come to this restaurant. I love it. Keep doing the great job.

Stephanie Escarcega

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We hosted a 40-physician event tonight at Papapolloni Mediterranean Bistro, and it was absolutely amazing! The staff was outstanding — attentive, organized, and so friendly. The food was delicious, the service was seamless, and the atmosphere was perfect for our group. Every single guest had a great time and couldn’t stop complimenting the food and space. Thank you to the entire team for making our event such a success — we’ll definitely be back for future gatherings! Thanks David & Team! :)

Angela McKellar

The atmosphere is very relaxing. The staff is very patient and attentive. The food was great. First time having a Greek salad and I can say I am a fan.

Love the food and the staff. A favorite place our office like to eat at.

Papapavlo's is a wonderful hidden Mediterranean gem. It is upscale, but a warm environment. The food is on the slightly pricy side, but well worth it. I had the salad with the beef and lamb gyros. The care and flavor in even their vegetables is notable; but the flavor of the gyros was buttery, savory, and tasted the way you'd hope your grandmother's cooking tasted. I highly suggest you give it a try, and I will be returning.

Good food at a fairly expensive price. Excellent service here! Amazing crème brûlée! They serve pita bread with olive oil and vinegar.

+1

My wife and I went for our anniversary. It was my first time eating here. My first impression was wow this place looks upscale. Linens on the tables and very nicely decorated. We started with martinis and crab cakes. When the crab cakes came, there were 3 on the plate with greens. I'm used to thick cakes. These were flat. Immediately, I wasn't impressed until I took a bite. They had great flavor, and sauce was incredible. We asked for more sauce. My wife ordered the pork medallions with mashed potatoes and veggies. I ordered the blackened salmon special. It came with mashed potatoes and veggies. My salmon came with a berry sauce. The salmon was cooked with a nice crust on it. I wish the sauce was a little sweeter to compliment the salmon. My wife's pork had a sauce on it. We should have asked for more sauce. We both loved the mashed potatoes. They were so good, and the veggies were blanched perfectly. The desserts looked amazing but fell short for our liking. All in all it still was a nice experience and we plan on going back to try some other dishes.

Seafood saffron was tasty but why do even the tiny shrimp still have their tails on? Flaming cheese lots of fun but you have to eat it Immediately, it becomes much less exciting once it cools. Baklava cheesecake cool in concept but basically cheesecake with a smidgen of crunch.

Great atmosphere! Was surprised to find this spot, unassuming from the outside, but very nice inside! Loved the warm complimentary pita bread. Good appetizer selection, all Greek fare. The tiropitakia was delicious! All the food has decent portions for the price. The lemon chicken soup was a hit! The filet mignon was a little fatty but cooked exactly how I asked and was enjoyable otherwise. The sauce with mashed potatoes is very tasty. Amazing desert selection! The chocolate mouse cake is a must to try. There is plenty of indoor dining with some enclosed outdoor seating. Overall, I was happy with the experience and would recommend it!

The salad was excellent, but the service was very, very, VERY slow. I had the euro plate, which, ironically had no lettuce tomato or onion on it. I guess that’s my fault for not reading more thoroughly. One assumes… Nice atmosphere, and the people all around me raved about their meals. I would like to give this place a chance again.

Karly Falkenberg

Great atmosphere! Was surprised to find this spot, unassuming from the outside, but very nice inside! Loved the warm complimentary pita bread. Good appetizer selection, all Greek fare. The tiropitakia was delicious! All the food has decent portions for the price. The lemon chicken soup was a hit! The filet mignon was a little fatty but cooked exactly how I asked and was enjoyable otherwise. The sauce with mashed potatoes is very tasty. Amazing desert selection! The chocolate mouse cake is a must to try. There is plenty of indoor dining with some enclosed outdoor seating. Overall, I was happy with the experience and would recommend it!

Jerry Luciano

The salad was excellent, but the service was very, very, VERY slow. I had the euro plate, which, ironically had no lettuce tomato or onion on it. I guess that’s my fault for not reading more thoroughly. One assumes… Nice atmosphere, and the people all around me raved about their meals. I would like to give this place a chance again.

Walked in to get a chopped salad with only myself and 1 other couple in the restaurant and literally waited 30 minutes so I asked them to make it to go. They had three cooks, 3 servers and the owner there, a salad should not take that long especially when you have more employees then customers. Only reason I stopped here was because I seen it was dead and id be able to get in and out.

Underwhelming I had the Gyro. Being from Corfu I found it tasting like sausage. And I didn't care for the texture it was very strange. Lastly the portions were lackluster. My wife had the pork tenderloin which was no better or worse than what I prepare at home in a weeknight except again poor portions. She enjoyed her mixed specialty drink. My old fashioned was half full and completely watered down I could barely taste it. I ordered a regular beer as they have no brewery tap options. The Saganaki Flaming Cheese was alright but again portions issues. The location is off in a small strip mall on Standiford with no ambiance. It's a very nice open air restaurant inside. The staff are catering and polite and very attentive.

Adam Austin

Underwhelming I had the Gyro. Being from Corfu I found it tasting like sausage. And I didn't care for the texture it was very strange. Lastly the portions were lackluster. My wife had the pork tenderloin which was no better or worse than what I prepare at home in a weeknight except again poor portions. She enjoyed her mixed specialty drink. My old fashioned was half full and completely watered down I could barely taste it. I ordered a regular beer as they have no brewery tap options. The Saganaki Flaming Cheese was alright but again portions issues. The location is off in a small strip mall on Standiford with no ambiance. It's a very nice open air restaurant inside. The staff are catering and polite and very attentive.

The staff was incredible rude to me and my friends when we dined there for a birthday dinner. Although they gave my friend a free dessert, some of the staff was literally talking (I can only assume rude things) about our table directly in our view. The service was fairly good but seeing them point at our table and whisper to each other completely ruined my dinner.

Yesterday, Mother's Day, was a disaster... service zero (the waitress refused to take us a picture because she was too busy) food... normally I ask if I don't know, they described a completely different typical Greek dish supposedly it was beef and lamb/rice pilaf... , it was canned spam and precooked rice (false advertising) 25 minute wait for an extra fork, 20 minute wait for a box, of course they will charge you like a Michelin 🌟 restaurant. Not everything was bad, the chocolate mousse cake was great at least.

Ronny

Yesterday, Mother's Day, was a disaster... service zero (the waitress refused to take us a picture because she was too busy) food... normally I ask if I don't know, they described a completely different typical Greek dish supposedly it was beef and lamb/rice pilaf... , it was canned spam and precooked rice (false advertising) 25 minute wait for an extra fork, 20 minute wait for a box, of course they will charge you like a Michelin 🌟 restaurant. Not everything was bad, the chocolate mousse cake was great at least.

My husband and I won't be returning. As an appetizer, we had the calamari, which was good. Then, I had their aveglemono soup. It tasted like it was made with a can of cream of chicken soup. Very disappointing. I was hoping the moussaka was better. The bechamel was thick, rubbery, and literally inedible, and the potatoes and eggplant were nowhere to be found. The ground meat was tasteless. My husband's pastitsio had the same rubbery bechamel and tasteless ground meat. The pita served with our meal was stale. For dessert, we shared a creme brulee. They didn't screw that up. Overall, it was one of the worst meals I've had anywhere. So disappointing.

I visited Papapalov recently and had a truly unpleasant experience. From the moment we sat down, I noticed the staff whispering and pointing at our table in a way that felt very uncomfortable. It was clear they were talking poorly about us, and it was incredibly unprofessional. As for the food, it was a huge letdown. One of my friends ordered pita bread and, despite it being listed on the menu, we received none, even though her dish listed it. I ordered the bruschetta, which was supposed to come with cheese, but there was no cheese to be found. What I got was just hard, tasteless bread with sun-dried tomatoes on top, which completely overpowered the dish. there may have been a hint of parmesan in there if you really looked for it. On top of that, it felt like the restaurant was more focused on the financial class and age of its customers rather than providing good service or quality food. It's disappointing to see a place prioritize these things over the experience of all their patrons. Overall, the service and food quality were far below expectations, and I won’t be returning.

First time ordering from this place, paid $25.95 for the beef plate. Not only does not look appetizing, but the portions are crazy small. Very disappointing 😔

Cesia Mariana Gil

First time ordering from this place, paid $25.95 for the beef plate. Not only does not look appetizing, but the portions are crazy small. Very disappointing 😔

Incredibly disappointed by our order, and we will never go back. If you order the Pastitsio, please let me know where you see the bechamel and where the flavor is hiding. I could not believe the portion size for 15.50 for a slice alone. Pasta, phyllo and ground beef is not expensive and zero bechamel to be found. For those that have said this place is good, I question your palate.

This was my first time here, and unfortunately it was a very poor experience. The gyro meat was extremely dry, and the salad was wilted and unappetizing. Service was unacceptable. Our server with bleached hair was inattentive and repeatedly prioritized other tables, including ones that arrived after us. We watched our food sit under the warming lamps for 10–15 minutes before it was finally brought out. After we finished eating, our plates were left on the table until the very end while every other table around us was cleared. I came in excited to try this place since it’s one of my friend’s favorites, but after this experience I would not recommend it and will not be returning.

Jennifer Chan

Incredibly disappointed by our order, and we will never go back. If you order the Pastitsio, please let me know where you see the bechamel and where the flavor is hiding. I could not believe the portion size for 15.50 for a slice alone. Pasta, phyllo and ground beef is not expensive and zero bechamel to be found. For those that have said this place is good, I question your palate.

Beatrice Renteria

This was my first time here, and unfortunately it was a very poor experience. The gyro meat was extremely dry, and the salad was wilted and unappetizing. Service was unacceptable. Our server with bleached hair was inattentive and repeatedly prioritized other tables, including ones that arrived after us. We watched our food sit under the warming lamps for 10–15 minutes before it was finally brought out. After we finished eating, our plates were left on the table until the very end while every other table around us was cleared. I came in excited to try this place since it’s one of my friend’s favorites, but after this experience I would not recommend it and will not be returning.