Gyro Uno gets a facelift

Gyro Uno Pizzeria Restaurant Café (28-01 Steinway, Astoria)

Call for delivery (718) 274-4870

Though there was something alluring about the Greek writing on Gyro Uno's tattered turquoise awning which first drew me in, I have to admit that the recent exterior facelift (as well as an all-new gated outdoor cafe) was much-needed, even if the interior, while clean and friendly, still offers a vintage throwback to the traditional diners of yesteryear.

While a diner may not necessarily be your personal cup of tea (the new signage does not include diner as a descriptor; just pizzeria restaurant café, but let's call a spade a spade), I will confess that Gyro Uno continues to serve up one of the tastiest gyros in the area.  The delightfully fresh pita is stuffed with cuts of lamb from the doner kebab (giant rotating roast) in the front window, and piled with lettuce, tomato, onion, a generous dollop of homemade tsatsiki (Greek yogurt mixed with pureed cucumber and garlic), and a dusting of paprika.

The menu also offers an extensive selection of stromboli, calzone, and hot heroes (the meatball parmigiana is delicious), other diner fare such as cheeseburgers and pastas, along with more traditional Greek plates (musaka, spanakopita, pastitsio, and souvlaki platters, to name a few).

As they have apparently realized by showcasing pizzeria on their new marquis, one of the best deals in this Greek-American hodgepodge of plates is their particularly delicious pizza.  If you want a traditional New York slice, this is one of the best in the area.  A buttery, garlicky crust that is consistently thin and crisp from the center to the edges, the perfect amount of tangy tomato sauce, and cheese that stretches just the way you want it to.

For the quality, the price is unbeatable.  Just $5 for a personal 10" pie, ranging up to only $11 for their largest cheese pie.  Where else can you get a quality New York slice for only $1.85 (you might find a cheaper slice, but not this good).

Though delivery is always prompt and efficient, it might be worth the walk to try out the new outdoor seating area.  Table service is available both within and out.