What Is Spanakopita? The Traditional Greek Spinach Pie and How Little Greek Winter Garden Makes It Fresh
Spanakopita is a traditional Greek savory pastry made with layers of crispy phyllo dough filled with a mixture of spinach and feta cheese. It is one of the most iconic dishes in Greek cuisine, known for its flaky texture, rich filling, and balanced flavor. At Little Greek Fresh Grill inside Winter Garden Village, spanakopita is available as a starter for $6.99 and as a light meal for $13.99. |
If you have never tried spanakopita, you are missing one of the most beloved dishes in all of Greek cuisine. And if you have seen it on the Little Greek Fresh Grill menu but were not sure what it was, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Spanakopita?
Spanakopita (pronounced spa-na-KOH-pee-tah) is a traditional Greek savory pie made from two main components: layers of thin, crispy phyllo dough and a filling of spinach and feta cheese. The word itself comes from the Greek words for spinach (spanaki) and pie (pita).
It is one of the oldest and most recognizable dishes in Greek cuisine, eaten across Greece as a snack, appetizer, or main course. The phyllo dough, when baked properly, creates a golden, flaky exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, savory filling inside.
Spanakopita is naturally vegetarian and provides a good source of iron from the spinach and calcium and protein from the feta cheese, making it one of the more nutritious starters on any Greek restaurant menu.
What Is Inside Spanakopita?
The filling of a traditional spanakopita contains:
• Spinach: the primary ingredient, packed with iron, vitamins A and C, and fiber.
• Feta cheese: crumbled and mixed with the spinach to add a salty, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
• Eggs: used to bind the filling and give it structure during baking.
• Onions and herbs: typically green onions, dill, and sometimes parsley, which add freshness and depth of flavor.
• Phyllo dough: thin, paper-like sheets of pastry layered with olive oil or butter to create the characteristic flaky crust.
The result is a pastry that is crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, with the distinct tang of feta balanced by the earthiness of spinach and fresh herbs.
How Is Spanakopita Different from Other Greek Pastries?
Greek cuisine has several phyllo-based pastries, and it helps to know the difference:
Pastry | Filling | Sweet or Savory? | At Little Greek WG |
Spanakopita | Spinach and feta cheese | Savory | Yes — $6.99 starter / $13.99 light meal |
Tiropita | Feta cheese only (no spinach) | Savory | Not on menu |
Baklava | Walnuts and honey | Sweet | Yes — $3.25 dessert |
Cheesecake | Traditional cheesecake | Sweet | Yes — $4.90 dessert |
Of these, spanakopita is the most nutritionally complete savory option, providing protein from feta, iron from spinach, and healthy fats from olive oil in every bite.
Is Spanakopita Healthy?
Spanakopita is one of the more nutritious savory pastries in Greek cuisine. Here is why it fits well into a balanced diet:
• Iron and vitamins from spinach: spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available, rich in iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and folate.
• Protein and calcium from feta: feta cheese provides a meaningful amount of protein and calcium per serving.
• Portion-controlled format: at $6.99 for a starter portion, spanakopita at Little Greek is appropriately sized as an appetizer or side dish.
• No meat: naturally vegetarian, making it a great option for plant-based diners or those reducing meat intake.
For exact calorie and nutrition data on the Little Greek spanakopita, visit the nutrition information page.
How Does Little Greek Fresh Grill Make Its Spanakopita?
At Little Greek Fresh Grill inside Winter Garden Village, spanakopita is made using traditional Greek methods, with flaky phyllo dough stuffed with a mixture of spinach and feta cheese. It is baked until the exterior is golden and crispy, delivering the authentic texture and flavor of a classic Greek spinach pie.
It is available in two formats on the menu:
• Spinach Pie starter: $6.99, the classic portion, perfect as an appetizer or side dish alongside a pita or salad.
• Spinach Pie Spanakopita light meal: $13.99, a larger portion served as a complete light meal, including pita bread.
What Does Spanakopita Taste Like?
Spanakopita has a distinctive flavor profile that surprises many first-time tasters. Here is what to expect:
• Exterior: golden, flaky, and slightly buttery from the phyllo dough layers. The crunch on the outside is one of the most satisfying textures in Greek food.
• Interior: soft, savory, and slightly tangy from the feta cheese. The spinach provides an earthy, mild base that balances the saltiness of the feta.
• Overall: rich but not heavy, satisfying without being overly filling. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy feta, and fresh spinach creates a flavor that is both comforting and distinctly Mediterranean.
If you enjoy savory pastries, cheese-based dishes, or vegetarian Mediterranean food, spanakopita is almost guaranteed to become a favorite. For more vegetarian options, read our guide: What Is the Healthiest Thing to Eat at a Greek Restaurant?.
Where Can I Try Spanakopita in Winter Garden, FL?
Little Greek Fresh Grill is the only authentic Greek fast casual restaurant inside Winter Garden Village serving traditional spanakopita made with real phyllo dough, spinach, and feta cheese. Located at 3131 Daniels Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787, inside Winter Garden Village.
Open Monday through Sunday, 10:45am to 9:00pm. You can order online for pickup or delivery, or walk in and try it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanakopita
What is spanakopita made of?
Spanakopita is made of layers of thin phyllo dough filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, eggs, onions, and herbs such as dill. The phyllo dough is layered with olive oil or butter and baked until golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft, savory filling inside.
Is spanakopita vegetarian?
Yes. Spanakopita is naturally vegetarian, as it contains no meat. The filling is made from spinach, feta cheese, eggs, and herbs. It is one of the most popular vegetarian options on the Little Greek Fresh Grill menu inside Winter Garden Village.
How much does spanakopita cost at Little Greek Fresh Grill Winter Garden?
At Little Greek Fresh Grill Winter Garden, the Spinach Pie starter is $6.99 and the Spinach Pie Spanakopita light meal is $13.99 (served with pita bread). For the full menu with current pricing, visit the menu page.
What does spanakopita taste like?
Spanakopita has a crispy, flaky exterior from the phyllo dough and a soft, savory interior made of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. The feta adds a salty, tangy flavor, while the spinach provides an earthy base. The combination is rich but not heavy, and distinctly Mediterranean in flavor.
Is spanakopita healthy?
Spanakopita is a nutritious savory pastry that provides iron and vitamins from spinach, protein and calcium from feta cheese, and healthy fats from olive oil. It is naturally vegetarian and a good source of several key micronutrients. For exact nutrition data, visit the nutrition information page.
Where can I find spanakopita in Winter Garden, FL?
Little Greek Fresh Grill serves traditional spanakopita inside Winter Garden Village, at 3131 Daniels Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787. Open Monday through Sunday, 10:45am to 9:00pm. Order online for pickup or delivery or walk in.
What is the difference between spanakopita and tiropita?
Spanakopita is made with a spinach and feta filling, while tiropita contains only feta cheese without spinach. Both use phyllo dough as the pastry shell. Spanakopita is the more common of the two and is available at Little Greek Fresh Grill inside Winter Garden Village. Tiropita is not currently on the menu.
Ready to try authentic spanakopita in Winter Garden? Order the Spinach Pie starter ($6.99) or the Spanakopita light meal ($13.99) for pickup or delivery, or stop by at 3131 Daniels Road inside Winter Garden Village. Open daily 10:45am to 9:00pm. |
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