Ayola

Good food but no longer open. I think they have a restaurant up in SF.

My mistake; I didn’t realize that this establishment has closed and been replaced by an Indian restaurant. Have not tried yet, but wanted to make up for my previous rating.

Quick, cheap, and satisfying! Ayola has proven to be one of my more favorite Mediterranean food stops. Conveniently right next to the university, students can come here for lunch, dinner, happy hour, what have you.
Students get a 10% off discount for orders over $ 10! So bring your student ID.
My go-​to order is the 7in gyro. But they also have a 9incher! With indoor seating or outdoor patio seating, you can enjoy the weather or if its too cold, enjoy the warmth.

Came here at the suggestion of Unilocal.I was working nearby and craved some chicken shawarma. The place is a cute hole in the wall, clean and nicely arranged, with a nice front patio. The service was okay, hardly any smile from the cashier. The food was ok. It wasn’t bad but with many 4 star reviews I expected more. I ordered the gyros platter with chicken shawarma at $ 8.95 and used my 20% off first time Unilocal check in discount, thanks! I expected juice and savory chicken shawarma. This chicken was dry. It wasn’t very savory. I feel like it was more of a sliced seasoned chicken breast. The sauces were good. I did like the tzatziki sauce. The hummus was good too. The chicken portion was small, looked like the salad made up for 50% of the plate.
It wasn’t a bad lunch, but it wasn’t great either. Unilocal reviews hyped it up too much, in my opinion.

I got a gyros plate, and it was yummy! I was surprised it didn’t come with rice (actually more accurately, I was surprised that the menu didn’t include rice with it). Anyway, the meat was quite tasty; it could’ve done with more flavor, but the tzatkini sauce was quite good. Combined with the hot sauce they have, it’s great! Really flavorful. The pita bread was good too; soft and chewy. I really liked the hummus too; there’s some spicy light green oil that comes on top, and it gives the hummus a kick. The hummus is nice and thick; it’s delicious. I really like hummus. The salad was fresh, and they put the dressing on the side which I really appreciated. I had a few of my friend’s fries, and they were delightfully seasoned too. Yum! I somewhat wish I got the fries combo instead of the plate, but the hummus! This place closes early though; we were talking about how much business it’s losing by not opening later, since it’s so close to campus! Anyway, great place for food, and it’s not too expensive either. It’s actually cheaper than most Mediterranean places I’ve been to (the gyros plate, which comes with gyro, salad, hummus, and pita), was $ 8.95 pre-​tax.

The gyros are good, better when you have the drunchies, but not something you crave on the regular.
The best part is happy hour well drinks!
Service — good
Food — average

Good customer service, decent food, decent prices, and worth trying at least once. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The Food: I ordered a gyro salad with a side off fries. The salad came with plenty of gyro strips, salad, oil and hummus, but not enough pita triangles when compared to the size of the salad. Additionally, the gyro meat was fresh, but needed a little more seasoning. Moreover, the tzatziki sauce that came with my order also lacked flavor and tasted like bland cream. Furthermore, while the fries were nice and fresh, I would’ve liked a little salt on the fries for additional flavor, instead of the pepper that was used.
Even though the food wasn’t amazing during my first visit, I am willing to give this restaurant another chance and try some other items on their menu.

Well it is safe to say that I have found my new mediterranean spot to eat when I’m in San Jose!
Ayola is a cute little corner spot right across the street from SJSU campus. It has outside patio seating, indoor seating, and a bar area as well.
Upon arriving, I was greeted promptly by the employees. Super nice! After they heard I was a first timer, they were happy to help me choose items from the menu that I may like.
I ordered the gyro, but I definitely plan on coming back to try so many of the other items on the menu! The gyro was delicious! I subbed the tzatziki sauce with hummus and was thrilled with my choice (I hear this place has great tzatziki; I’m just not a big fan in general)!
Be sure to ask for the spicy sauce! Delicious!
Another plus: beers on tap.
Can’t wait to be back!

This is my second time eating at Ayola, and being someone who works with Mediterranean food I highly enjoyed my meals here! Everything is pretty tasty so far and excellently put together and portioned. Deffinently will keep coming here to eat as a SJSU student

I was walking to Maple Press and saw Ayola, quickly checked it out on Unilocal and decided to try it out. I got the gyro sandwich with soda/​fries and my friend got the gyro plate. I liked the prices, it was definitely cheaper than Mikonos Grill.
My gyro pita sandwich came out looking awesome. The gyro was very flavorful and juicy, better than Mikonos. The fries were just regular fries. My friends gyro plate came with gyro, salad, hummus, and pita. They gave him really big cuts of gyro.
Ayola is better than Mikonos when it comes to the gyro and prices, but Mikonos has better sides/​salads/​portion/​etc. I wish I could buy the gyro from Ayola and bring it to Mikonos, lol. I will definitely be coming back since it’s near school and relatively cheap for really good food!

Close by to SJSU and with delicious authentic Greek food! I’ve worked at a Greek restaurant before and this one definitely is one of the best. Very generous portions plus salads are even more delicious. Its worth the walk for me!
There’s tables inside and outside on the patio. Clean and good customer service. Sometimes there is food on display too.
Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys Greek style lunch/​dinner!

Another formerly good downtown spot that has gone downhill.
The first few times I went in here, the service was outstanding and the food was great. Lately, though, the counter help has seemed uninterested in customer service and the food has become quite greasy and lackluster. I’m really disappointed because I used to love this place. I haven’t been back since my last underwhelming encounter, which was months ago.

I’ve been here a few times for lunch now. It’s a small place, looks like a house converted into a couple of businesses.
So, order at the counter & pay, then seat yourself. I think they’ve brought the food to me every time I’ve been there. The place is pretty small, & I want to say that there’s just as much seating outside as there is inside. I’ve been lucky that the weather’s been nice every time I’ve been, so I’ve sat outside. There’s utensils & napkins at a service station at the front inside.
I’ve had the lamb & beef gyros sandwich & a combo platter (hummus, falafel, dolmas, eggplant salad, tzatziki). The food’s pretty good.
There’s some bottled/​canned drinks in the cooler in the back.
There’s a discount with a student ID (I think they asked me once if I had a student ID, but alas, I haven’t been a student for many years now).
I believe they’re related to the locations in SF with the same name.
There’s room at the service station to put non-​disposable containers, so I’ve bused my own table.
Located on the northeast corner of 10^th St. & San Carlos, right across the street from SJSU campus.

The food and service is great here! I usually don’t eat Greek food because it’s too rich for me, but everything here was cooked just right! I ordered the lamb gyro with the seasoned fries. I think it’s just pepper, but they make the fries so well that I wonder how they couldn’t be more seasoned. The baklava is also really great here. Very flakey and sweet! ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would dine again, and next time I’ll use the 20% off!

Not sure why I didn’t discover this place sooner (being that I go to school next door at SJSU). I’ve been here a few times and I love it! Their gyros are absolutely mouth-​watering. Their food is delicious and conveniently priced– especially for the penny pinching student.
I find myself craving their food and it is fastly becoming my new favorite spot to grab a bite to eat in between classes.

Time: 2:47pm/79°F sunny
Purpose: In downtown SJ to see a potential client slated to open a new business. Not sure if it was just talks or hearsay so I can’t say business name just yet. After walking around with him, it became apparent that it was just a dream to him. Wasted my time to hear what he’s dreaming of got me piss and hungry.
Ambiance: From the outside it feels like you’re approaching a house. Has all the deco and set up of being just that. It even has a front yard like with new wooden makeshift benches and picnic tables built in on the porch. Inside about 3 – 4 tables with a real all 4 person seater bar. Mirrors covering the walls reflects every corner you look. Flat screen in corner with utensil cabin underneath, water dispenser, display case, recyclable trash set up, soda fountain. Back of counter houses espresso machine one shot extractor with a grinder. Syrup flavoring line the shelfs along with other package flavor drinks. Not much to say as the place is the size of a average living room if not smaller. Not noisy or loud just average noise setting. The loudest machine problem the coffee bean grinder.
Staff: Older gentleman around late 60’s could be the owner. While entering without taking 3 steps he said, hi what can I get for you today? I’m thinking wow nice guy, told him I’ll need a minute or so. Made up my mind told him the beef & lamb gyro. Waited while standing there I look around and notice it was a home before there’s a back door to the back. He came out with order and recommend that I should get a dessert. I said not today kinda not in mood for it, however I’ll remember next time. He wasn’t piss answer back with very well, I’ll be here.
Cleanliness: Grade B, clean enough to run a business from a house like environment. The back fridge area has dust in the corners but it’s minor no biggie. Tables were clean as he bus the tables after each party leaves.
Eats/​Drinks: 7“in gyro lamb & beef w/​tzatziki sauce $ 6.50. This gyro was soft and fresh with all fixings. The bread itself tasted like it’s store bought, heated to make it soft. The lamb & beef was tasty as that was the first thing I pull out and try before sinking teeth on the rest. Season just right with herbs/​spices embedded. I thought it was just a tad on the salty side. So I balance it out by placing the meat with the bread so each bite will have meat and bread together. The bright side about this gyro was that it’s an 7“in with generous amount of meat, no skimping. The veggies was ok too just wish it was more given to balance it out. I can understand if it will make the bread moist but I don’t mind as long as it taste good.
Products/​Services: Gyros, chicken gyro, falafel, hortopita, chicken shawarma, wraps, salads, combo platter, gyro platter, hummus, baba ghanoch, tabouleh salad, dolmas, spanakkopita, baklava, French fries, make your own platter, party trays, gyro trays. One day notice for party trays. Hot/​cold beverages, wine/​beer, Greek yogurt drinks (Pavel).
Punch Lines: Homey feel, near SJSU, street parking, great for students on budget, good flow of foot traffic, residential/​business area, T-​intersection, friendly worker, fast/​efficient, in/​out less than 5 mins, takes all payments, alcoholic beverages, TV with sports channel, small bar area, by the glass or bottle.
Tradeoffs: You’ll definitely get Greek/​Mediterranean items here without leaving downtown SJ. You don’t have to worry about being treated differently because you’re not a student nearby. Your money is as good as the students here.
Final Thoughts: It’s not one of the best or authentic eatery around. What you get here is a nice nearby off campus Mediterranean place with friendly owner. He has 2 other location in the Fi-​Di district but I prefer this place not lunch crowd and heavy traffic, more enjoyable. Full attention given from the time you enter and when you leave nothing pretentious. I didn’t feel out of place as I can pass for being a student because people says I’m so youthful looking. It’s mostly a place to hangout and catch up with friends on a Friday/​Saturday nights. What else does a student wants? TV, beer/​wine, food, friends everything is here. No excuses and you don’t even need to drive here, use your feet. Satisfactory was met as I will be back to spend time inside on colder mild days/​nights.

I love coming to Ayola. Their food is very good and cheap. You can get a nice glass of Greek wine for around $ 6. They have the basics, gyros, Greek salads, great fries, baklava.
It’s a good place if you’re by yourself or want a cheap but delicious meal. They have lots of outdoor seating.

I eat with my eyes first, that said, when my friend sent me a photo of their beautiful combo platter of their hummos, falafels and gyro meat — I knew I had to try it. Especially when it is right next to SJSU!
Did I mention 10% of with student ID!!! Uhhhh yeaaaa!!!
These are the items I have tried so far (in alphabetical order):
Baba Ghanoch: I know its true baba when I can taste that smoky flavor. They also put a dollop of this addictive jalapeño-​garlic-​olive oil paste that just rounds it all up and adds a perfect amount of spicy kick. My mouth is watering as I am typing this.
Beef Kebab Wrap: Not on their menu but it is available — I tried it one day and it was pretty darn good — juicy and flavorful — all wrapped up in a pita with fresh veggies, and tzatziki sauce. Oh yea.
Falafel: Their tahini sauce that goes on top of the crunchy falafel is just to die for … a must try!
French fries: YOU MUST TRY THEIR FRIES. They put a blend of six spices that is apparently top secret. They were nice to tell me that there are six. That is it.
Greek Salad: I don’t know what they put in their Greek salad because I made Greek salad at home and for some reason, their salad is far superior to mine. I suspect it is the freshness and quality of their ingredients. Oh, and their house dressing!!! Oh … my … goodness.
Gyro: I don’t think I will go anywhere else for gyros. Ayola is officially my spot for gyros.
Hummos: Soooooo good!!! I’ve had a lot of hummos but I believe what sets them apart is the quality of their olive oil. It’s that good. The dollop of the jalapeño paste goes on top of the hummos too — this spicy paste is addictive.
Tzatziki sauce: I will shamelessly admit that I have eaten spoonfuls of this stuff. My friends and I discovered that the fries dipped in tzatziki sauce was pretty good. And their HOT SAUCE … THEIR MAGICAL HOT SAUCE.
… AYOLA’S MAGICAL HOT SAUCE … just try it. My words will not do justice to their hot sauce. That dipped in fries, over gyro, over falafel — it is a perfect amount of spicy kick that will not overpower the flavor of the food that you are slathering the hot sauce over.
I love Ayola. Fresh, high quality, and great prices.
Oh and HAPPY HOUR from 3 – 6! Private lot behind the building.
My mouth is seriously watering from all this reviewing … mmmmmmm

Having been a student at SJSU since 2010, I’ve seen a fair share of businesses come and go at this location. I probably went to this place twice prior to this, once when it was Fusion Café and another when it was University Café. Needless to say, I wasn’t particularly impressed and never felt the need to go back despite it being the closest boba spot to my (then) dorm.
Cue to two or so weeks ago when I first saw that the business had yet again changed. The prospect of there being a Greek/​Mediterranean place just minutes away from my apartment excited me. Knowing how businesses there had been in the past, I figured that it would just be mediocre at best and I would probably just try it once just to say that I tried it. During my daily walks to school I noticed that there actually was a good amount of business coming from this place so I finally convinced my roommates to try it out with me.
Upon arrival, it didn’t take us long to all place our order. Although they had a good variety, all 5 of us settled on the same order, the gyro. They had a special for SJSU students that gave $ 2 off orders $ 10 or more, so a couple of us snagged the gyro combo, which included a drink, fries, and a 6-​in gyro for a grand total of $ 8.33 (!!!). Although the wait time was particularly long, I can’t really blame them as they are a new business and this is expected. We took our order to-​go but not before the owner reminded us to try the hot sauce on our way out. We grabbed a couple containers of the hot sauce and went on our merry way back to our apartment.
I’m pretty sure we all had the same reaction. The food was delicious, oh so filling, and the hot sauce was indeed hot. I was pleasantly surprised at how full I was considering I got the smaller sized gyro. To be honest, I probably would have been just as full even without the fries or drink, so that was a plus. What surprised me the most, however, is that I actually really really really liked their food. So much so that I went back again today. That’s twice in a span of 6 days and more than I ever went there when it was Fusion/​University Café. It’s easily now one of my favorite things about living next to campus and I would think that says a lot. All in all, I’m glad this place has opened up and for once, I really hope it’s here to stay.

Is zero stars an option?! This place is beyond disappointing. The owner claims to be Greek yet isn’t, my friend who went with me asked him a question in Greek and he had no idea what he was saying. Ok fine. So you fake your ethnicity to pretend your restaurant is authentic. But that is not as big of a deal as claiming everything is «homemade» yet it isn’t. They buy their gyros and fries from a warehouse like Costco or something. The kitchen guy told me!
Go if you want McDonald quality food. Fake, and totally processed. At least mcdonalds doesn’t pretend to be «homemade». This place lies. And so does the old guy that runs the place.