Customers are rarely surprised at the food and atmosphere of Platia Greek Kouzina, said owner George Manos. If the name doesn't tip them off, then the restaurant's motto surely will: "Food is family, family is life, life is everything."

And if you don't know Greek, Manos will happily translate.

"Platia means town square, the center of communities where everyone gathers," Manos said. "Almost every European city has one, even though they might call it a plaza or something else. Even Fort Worth has its Sundance Square."

So what exactly should diners expect?

"A cozy, authentic Greek place, plus home-cooked everything—a place where you can gossip and have coffee," Manos said. "A place you can feel at home."

Manos was born in Greece and moved to the United States when he was 11. He owns the restaurant with his wife, Rhea Manos, and her sister, Sally Maglarias. The sisters were born in the U.S. but are Greeks and have spoken the language all their life.

The Manos are originally from Chicago, but they followed Maglarias to Texas for the warm climate. At the time of the move, the trio knew they were going to open a Greek restaurant and had specific plans about the atmosphere.

"The ladies knew basically what they wanted from the beginning," Manos said. "They wanted something that reminded them of the old Greek taverns and eateries, something from a village."

Platia, which has been open in Frisco for almost four years, is similar to family restaurants Manos operated in Chicago.

"Our family has been in the business for two or three generations," he said. "We knew what we were getting into. In fact, one of the things that people like most about our restaurant is that the food is served sizzling, just like Dad's Chicago diner did."

One of the most popular items was a specialty of Manos' mother back in Chicago. "Yia-Yia's Kota" is Greek-style chicken roasted in olive oil, garlic, lemon and oregano. Manos recommends Greek potatoes with the dish ($11.95).

"It is half a chicken," Manos said. "It is a great meal and a lot of food for the price."

Another menu favorite is the Souvlaki ($13.95), which is medallions of lamb or chicken, seasoned with olive oil and a special blend of Greek spices, skewered and flame broiled.

A customer favorite appetizer is Ktapodi, or tender octopus ($9.25).

"We even get a lot of to-go orders for that," Manos said.

The food and atmosphere are not the only qualities that make Platia successful. The location, near hotels and major highways, has turned out to be a big plus.

"The people that work at the hotels come here and eat, so they are all quick to recommend our place to their customers," Manos said.

Platia Greek Kouzina

Platia is different from most restaurants when it comes to alcohol, as customers have to bring their own bottles. "People seem to love the BYOB for some reason," owner George Manos said. "Maybe it is just unique, but customers will bring in their own bottle of wine and seem to have a fun time with it. Sometimes folks will show up with a cooler full of beer and enjoy that with their meal. We charge $2.50 a bottle when they bring in their own drinks, but we do provide setups. Most people say it's always cheaper doing it that way than having to buy from the restaurant."

• 2995 Preston Road, Ste. 1590, Frisco
• 972-334-0031
• www.platiagreek.com
• Hours: Sun.—Thu. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Fri.—Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.