Johnny's Restaurant

Both Chef and owner of Johnny’s Restaurant in Homewood, Timothy has a special philosophy; food should not only be prepared to feed the body, but also to feed the soul. Since August 2012, Johnny’s restaurant has been serving the classic ‘Meat and Three’ dishes, which allows guests the option of choosing of one meat, and three side dishes. But it has also been serving Greek cuisine, including the very tasty spanakopita, baklava and pastitsio.

At Johnny’s Restaurant in Homewood, chef Timothy Hontzas puts a Greek spin on the traditional Southern meat-and-three with a menu that features chicken souvlaki, Greek meatballs, spinach and chickpeas, fasolakia (stewed green beans) and Hontzas’ signature parmesan grit cake. But as satisfying as his entrees and sides are, don’t leave without ordering one of his desserts – specifically his Greek yogurt cheesecake with a koulourakia butter cookie crust and baklava citrus syrup. The cheesecake is complemented with a root beer and fig compote and with pickled grapes flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar.

For a modern take on the classic meat ‘n’ three, Johnny’s in Homewood is the place to go. Also referred to as a Greek ‘n’ three, Chef Timothy Hontzas dishes out Aegean eats like Keftedes (Greek meatballs) and Fasolakia (stewed green beans and tomatoes) alongside Southern specialties like 15-hour pot roast, fried catfish, and chicken pot pie. This relatively small lunch spot tends to get rather busy at peak hours, so be prepared to wait in line and have your order ready when you reach the front of the line!

Chef Tim Hontzas effortlessly blends the flavors of his Greek heritage with those of his childhood in the Mississippi Delta at this Homewood restaurant. Dubbed by locals as "Greek plus three," Johnny's serves traditional Southern dishes like fried catfish, jambalaya, and red beans and rice alongside Greek staples like ketfedes (Greek meatballs) and fasolakia (stewed green beans and tomatoes).

A more casual lunch spot is out in Homewood where you’ll find a diner-like atmosphere serving a Greek twist of southern food. It’s one of many meat-and-three spots around the state but the restaurant’s dedication to fresh ingredients and supporting local stands out. Delish says Johnny’s “shows its support for Alabama farmers and Gulf fishermen with everything from keftedes to fried catfish.

For Southern food and hospitality Greek style, Johnny’s Restaurant Homewood will feed you body and soul. Located in Birmingham’s Homewood neighborhood, this welcoming diner has been offering its patrons flavorful, freshly made food since 2012. Owner Tim Hontzas, whose family has been in the food business for generations, named the restaurant in honor of his beloved grandfather.

For less pricey lunch options, I’d consider El Barrio, the Garage (cool bar with solid sandwiches), Johnny’s, Carrigans (good drinks with good pub fare), Rodney Scott’s (whole hog bbq from a South Carolina guy that knows what he is doing), Post Office Pies, Saw’s, or the food hall at the Pizitz. A quick spot that I like downtown is the Miami Cafe. Good sandwiches and mofungo.

Yes, it would be a collection of vegetable side dishes, but that’s the point at a meat-and-three, right?. Especially at Johnny’s Restaurant, where chef/owner Tim Hontzas sources from a single farmer, and cooks those vegetables without meat. Veggie plates come with two, three, or four choices from a chalkboard listing a dozen Southern, Cajun, and Greek classics.

When it comes to classic “meat & three” comfort plates or Greek specialties, look no further than Johnny’s Restaurant. Situated in the heart of Homewood, Johnny’s comes from a family of successful chefs, and that’s reflected in the delectable dishes. Chef Tim Hontzas has been nominated multiple times for James Beard awards, and was a finalist in 2022.

Chef Timothy Hontzas keeps it local, fresh and seasonal at Johnny’s Restaurant in Homewood. Opened in 2012, Johnny’s continues a family legacy of meat and threes that originally began with Hontzas’ grandfather (that’s Johnny!) and pays homage to his Greek heritage. Order Southern faves alongside spanakopita and keftedes (meatballs).

At Johnny’s, multi-James Beard semi-finalist chef Timothy Hontzas specializes in Southern dishes with Greek influences inspired by his family heritage. Here, you’ll find keftedes (Greek meatballs) and red beans and rice on the same menu with a wide array of accompanying sides that make it difficult to select a meat and just three.

You know that distinctive smell of home cooked food that just warms your soul?. Those delicious aromas that trigger all kind of those happy memories from years back. If you want to recreate those tasty flashbacks day after day go give Johnny’s in downtown Homewood a try.

Consider two Birmingham attractions for families and local favorites, Johnny’s Restaurant or Demetri’s BBQ. While both were founded by Greek immigrants instrumental in feeding Birmingham since the last century, the menus include regional ingredients and Southern recipes.

Johnny’s Restaurant is a perfect reflection of classically fine dining trained chef and owner,Timothy Hontzas. He is Greek and Southern and that is exactly what you will find in his restaurant. He makes everything, including the yogurt for Taziki sauce from scratch.

2902 18th St S | @johnnyshomewood | Here Southern staples, barbecue, and Greek fare live on the same menu at this modern meat and three counter serve eatery, resulting in an unexpected yet ultra-tasty take on traditional cuisine.

There are plenty of good restaurants that didn't make this list. If your favorite restaurant isn't here, feel free to comment below about why it's better than the restaurants most similar to it that did make the list.

Head over to Homewood for lunch, and try popular Johnny’s Restaurant. Johnny’s is beloved for its Greek-inspired brunch/lunch menu run by Chef Tim Hontzas. He and the restaurant have won many James Beard awards.

At Johnny’s you will find the comfort of classic “Meat & Three” dishes, as well as Greek specialties, such as Spanakopita, Souvlaki, Rolo Kima (Greek Meatloaf w/Lamb) and House Made Yiaourti Cheesecake.

Johnny’s Restaurant: Johnny’s is a Homewood staple serving up classic meat-and-three options and Greek specialties inspired by Chef Timothy Hontza’s heritage.