SHERMAN OAKS. Loud music, fun waiters, and fabulous Greek food are proof of the popularity of one of LA's best Athenian restaurants. Dining at Great Greek is an adventure in Hellenic culture, courtesy of framed photos of famous Greeks, political posters, and dancing staff members and patrons. The pita bread is freshly grilled, the moussaka is a work of art, and everything from braised lamb shanks to seabass Santorini is delicious. A fun jaunt from the ordinary!

KOREATOWN. First appearances are deceiving here ­ the storefront does nothing to indicate the incredible Greek food and imported goods that inhabit this unassuming place. But their rack of lamb is near legendary, and the gyros, Greek salad, and spanakopita are sublime. And with such warm, friendly service and such great prices, it might be tempting to eat here every day! Adjacent to the dining room is a shop with shelves full of imported olive oils, cheeses, wines, and liquors.

SAN PEDRO. Entering its third decade of tempting diners with Greek cuisine, Papadakis Taverna always manages to leave customers smiling and eager to return. Owners John and Tom Papadakis treat customers like a long-lost family members, greeting them at the door before seating them in front of Greek staples like chicken souvlaki and spicy lamb. Each night diners are also treated to animated Greek dances, some of which are performed by the still spritely Papadakis brothers.

WEST HOLLYWOOD. Dining at this serene Greek taverna is about as romantic as it can get. Ask to be seated on the patio, where you can relax amid trailing vines and bougainvillea. A local favorite, the restaurant serves authentic dishes like lemon chicken, moussaka, spanakopita, and pastitsio. Many people prefer to order several of the wonderful appetizers to share ­ try dolmades, saganaki (flaming kaseri cheese with ouzo), and keftedes (meatballs). For dessert, the rich, nutty baklava is a solid choice.

MALIBU. Covered with vines and flowers, this Hellenic tavern looks as if it were lifted from the rocky shores of Santorini or Mykonos. Whitewashed walls and a festive patio set just the right mood for a meal of dolmades, spanakopita, moussaka, char-grilled lamb, and the PCH's best baklava. Frequently, as diners enjoy flavorful meals and imported Greek wines, a band plays traditional bazouki music in the background. On Friday and Saturday nights, belly dancers perform. Greek feast $30-33/person.