Rice Village is mostly just rows of strip centers, but Helen Greek Food & Wine feels more like a cavernous wine cellar that just happens to serve pretty good food. No matter the time of day, the casual restaurant stays cold and dark, with only the front tables basking in the golden hour light. The food here works as a great background character. It’s tangy and sometimes spicy, and whatever conversation you’re having will appreciate the souvlaki-based support. Head to Helen when you don’t need anything fancy and just want a relaxed spot for a dinner with friends or a last-minute weeknight date, or for grabbing a bowl of fries smothered in feta and red pepper sauce with a glass of wine at the bar during Happy Hour.
Food RundownWine
The only country of origin on Helen’s entire wine menu is Greece. So, if you’ve wanted to learn a few Greek words—like agiorgitiko or assyrtiko—then you’re in luck. Expect light, mineral-driven flavors that complement anything on the menu.
photo credit: Quit Nguyen
Trio Of Dips
Despite this being a simple appetizer plate, we kept dipping into it throughout dinner. We couldn’t resist slathering bits of the muhammara with crumbled feta, creamy hummus, and a bright tzatziki on everything. Order two if you go with a group.
photo credit: Quit Nguyen
Soutzoukakia
These lamb and beef meatballs are rich with garlic and slightly sweet cumin spice. Order an extra pita for the sauce.
photo credit: Quit Nguyen
Grilled Octopus
Helen makes the most tender grilled octopus, and the bed of silken fava bean puree below adds an almost cloud-like texture. Every morsel on this plate is worth finishing.
photo credit: Quit Nguyen
Ribeye Souvlaki
Each piece of chargrilled ribeye is about the size of a tennis ball and looks way bigger than a 12-oz. portion. Use whatever might be left from the dip trio to dredge each bite of tender beef.
photo credit: Quit Nguyen