Rafina Greek Taverna: Lakeside Lamb Chops on the Boardwalk

Rafina Greek Taverna occupies a 220-seat space overlooking a lake at The Boardwalk on SW 18th Street, opened by three partners — Yanni Agelopoulos, Paul Tzikas, and William Diamond — who leaned on Agelopoulos's Greek heritage to build the menu. More than a decade later, it remains one of Boca Raton's most popular Greek restaurants.

Charbroiled Lamb Chops and Sea Bass Flown in From London

The kitchen starts tables with hummus and tzatziki alongside warm pita, grilled octopus marinated in olive oil and red wine vinegar, and crisp zucchini chips. From there it moves into herb-and-garlic charbroiled lamb chops, a classic moussaka layered with eggplant, potatoes, ground beef, and béchamel, and a Mediterranean sea bass the restaurant has flown in from London. Spanakopita wrapped in phyllo rounds out the savory side, and dessert closes with homemade baklava and ekmek kataifi, a syrup-soaked kataifi pastry with custard.

Lakeside Dining Built for Groups

"You can't find a better meal on the water in Boca Raton," co-founder Agelopoulos has said of the taverna's lake views, and the restaurant leans into that setting with both indoor and outdoor seating built for sharing plates family-style. It's the kind of taverna designed for a table of six splitting mezze and lamb chops rather than a quiet two-top.

Good to Know

Rafina Greek Taverna is located at 6877 SW 18th St, Boca Raton, FL 33433. It's one of the most established Greek dining rooms in western Boca Raton.