Driving through Gaithersburg's Spectrum Town Center on a Thursday afternoon, I was still getting my bearings in a part of Montgomery County that seems to reinvent itself every few years when I arrived at Ela Mesa Taste of Greece. The restaurant's name means "come in," and after sitting down with owner Georgios "George" Papaevangelou, it became clear why he chose it. From the moment guests walk through the door, they're welcomed like family.
A Place That Feels Like Home
This wasn't so much an interview as it was a conversation with someone who genuinely wants people to feel at home.
George and Executive Chef Ioannis "Yanni" Karageorgos have been friends for more than 15 years. In 2022, the co-owners transformed an empty shell into what has become far more than a Greek restaurant. Today, Ela Mesa serves as a gathering place for one of the nation's most diverse communities.
That diversity is reflected throughout Montgomery County. According to WalletHub's 2026 diversity rankings, Silver Spring ranked as the nation's most diverse city, followed by Gaithersburg at No. 2, Germantown at No. 4 and Rockville at No. 19.
Built Around Community
On weekend evenings, the plaza outside Ela Mesa comes alive.
"Every Friday and Saturday, it's different bands," George said, describing the live music performances just steps from the restaurant's patio. Families bring lawn chairs, children play in the grassy square and neighbors gather to enjoy the music together.
From May through September, weather permitting, the outdoor space becomes an extension of the restaurant itself. For George, it's about much more than entertainment.
"It's community," he said. "The neighborhood."
A Modern Take on Greek Tradition
Inside, the atmosphere shifts to something more intimate.
Modern Greek music plays softly in the background, creating a setting that reflects the restaurant's philosophy: honoring tradition while embracing contemporary influences. That same balance carries through the menu, where classic Greek recipes are prepared with fresh ingredients and modern presentation.
Chef Yanni continually refines the menu by staying connected to Greece. Each month, he and George meet virtually with the executive chef of a resort in Greece to exchange ideas about recipes, techniques and plating trends. The collaboration keeps Ela Mesa closely connected to the country's evolving culinary scene while remaining rooted in authentic Greek flavors.
George also visits Greece every year to spend time with family.
"I love both countries," he said. "I believe I belong more in the United States, but culturally Greek."
Hospitality Comes First
It's easy to understand why Ela Mesa has built such a loyal following.
Rather than relying on flashy marketing or passing trends, the restaurant focuses on genuine hospitality. Whether it's a senior living community gathering for dinner, a family stopping in after shopping or first-time visitors who simply wandered through the door, guests often leave talking as much about the service as the food.
That reputation is reflected online, where Ela Mesa maintains a 4.7-star Google rating and is ranked No. 7 among more than 330 restaurants in Gaithersburg on Tripadvisor.
Fresh Ingredients, Genuine Service
The restaurant's success comes from a partnership built over more than 15 years.
Chef Yanni is committed to preparing dishes with fresh, high-quality ingredients, while George prefers spending his time greeting guests rather than sitting behind a desk.
"You have to like it," George said. "You have to like what you're doing."
That passion is evident from the moment you walk through the door.
Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant directly or through OpenTable.
Ela Mesa Taste of Greece
109 Paramount Park Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
301-944-3750
elamesatasteofgreece.com
From the Author
I've lived in Montgomery County for more than 35 years, and after my conversation with George, my wife, Deborah, and I stayed for dinner.
We started with stuffed mushroom caps, warm pita bread served with Greek olive oil and olive spread, then moved on to Ela Mesa's signature yiouvetsi—slow-braised lamb shank served with red wine jus, light tomato broth, vegetables and orzo. It was rich, comforting and full of flavor.
For dessert, we shared the house-made baklava, layered with walnuts, almonds and pistachios in crisp phyllo dough and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect ending to a memorable meal.
"Come in, sit down, eat well and feel like you belong." - George Papaevangelou