Most Tourists Come for the Sponges, but These 8 Tarpon Springs Spots Are All About Baklava

One bakery in this little Greek town still uses its original oven, mixer, and wooden work table, and it has been baking since 1925. I love that detail so much. It means the bread and pastries coming out today share tools with nearly a century of earlier batches.

That bakery is not alone, either. Another shop nearby has been turning out Greek pastries since 1970, and it even ships desserts nationwide. A third spot rolls its baklava and adds orange blossom water.

Most visitors to this corner of Florida show up for sea sponges, boat tours, and souvenir shops. That’s fair. The sponge story is famous.

But the honey, walnuts, and paper-thin filo deserve their own road trip.

So I went digging for the places that treat baklava like a main event.

1. National Bakery

Nearly 100 years of practice will make anyone good at pastry. National Bakery has been baking in Tarpon Springs since 1925.

That makes it the oldest bakery in town. Even better, the original oven, mixer, and wooden work table are still in use today.

Think about that for a second. Generations of bakers have worked at that same table, folding dough and following methods passed down through the family.

You won’t find this spot along the busy waterfront strip. It sits on Athens Street in a quiet neighborhood, a short trip from the sponge shops.

So why make the detour? The baklava comes in both triangle and square shapes, often packed with walnuts.

Shape fans, here’s your chance to pick a side. Triangles feel a little fancy, while squares feel like a sensible snack.

Baklava is only part of the case, though. You’ll also spot galaktoboureko, the custard pie wrapped in filo, plus tiramisu and other Greek pastries.

Bread matters here too. National Bakery is a major supplier of fresh bread for local churches and community traditions.

Timing your visit can pay off. During Lent, the bakery is known for lagana, a flat bread tied to the start of the season.

Around Easter, look for koulourakia. These twisted Greek cookies are a classic holiday treat in Greek homes.

Locals often stop in, which tells you something about the place. It feels like a neighborhood bakery first and a tourist stop second.

Want a smart plan? Grab a mix of baklava shapes and a loaf of bread, then build a picnic.

Florida has plenty of shiny new dessert shops. Few of them can say their oven has outlasted nearly a century of customers.

Address: 451 Athens St, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

2. Hellas Restaurant & Bakery

Baklava cheesecake exists, and it lives on Dodecanese Boulevard. Hellas Restaurant & Bakery has been serving Greek pastries since 1970.

Bob and Maria Karterouliotis, immigrants from Greece, opened the business that year. Their family has kept it running for more than 50 years.

The bakery sits next to the restaurant in the middle of the historic Sponge Docks district. It has a European feel and indoor seating, so you can linger.

Now, about that dessert case. Classic baklava is here, of course, but the menu keeps going in fun directions.

Baklava brownies sound like a peace treaty between two dessert worlds. Baklava cheesecake takes the honey and nut idea into creamy territory.

Prefer tradition? Try galaktoboureko, flogeres, or kourabiedes, the buttery Greek wedding cookies dusted in sugar.

Portokalopita, a Greek orange cake, is another option worth a look. You’ll also find cannoli, eclairs, tiramisu, and Athenian chocolate mousse.

Savory pastries round things out. Spanakopita and tyropita make a solid case for eating lunch before dessert.

Greek coffee pairs nicely with something sweet and sticky. It gives you a reason to slow down between bites.

Bakery hours stretch later than the restaurant hours. That makes it handy for an after-dinner sugar run along the docks.

Here’s a bonus for the folks back home. Hellas ships desserts nationwide from its factory, so your baklava habit doesn’t have to stay in Florida.

Pro tip: buy a sampler box and split it with friends. You’ll taste more, and nobody has to choose just one.

Address: 785 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

3. Mykonos

White and blue buildings on the boulevard hint at the Greek islands before you even see a menu. Mykonos borrows its name from one of them.

The Salivaras family owns this restaurant. They also run Dimitri’s on the Water, so dessert clearly runs in the family.

Their baklava keeps things classic. Crisp layers of filo and crushed nuts get covered in honey.

Sounds simple, right? That’s the beauty of it, since good baklava doesn’t need tricks.

Still, the dessert menu offers more than one road to happiness. Kataifi swaps flat filo sheets for shredded pastry wrapped around nuts.

Ekmek is another layered treat worth knowing. Galaktoboureko brings custard into the mix for anyone who wants something softer.

Then there’s paghoto, which might be the wild card. It’s ice cream topped with shredded filo crunchies.

On a hot Florida afternoon, that one could win you over fast. Cold ice cream plus crispy pastry is hard to argue with.

Rice pudding and Greek cookies fill out the lineup. So yes, you can sample your way through a whole afternoon.

Seating works for different moods. Pick the indoor dining room or the heated outdoor terrace when evenings cool down.

Families get some help here, too. A kids’ menu and high chairs are available.

Reservations are accepted if you’re bringing a crowd. The restaurant also has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms.

Open daily, Mykonos makes an easy stop after strolling the docks. Just save room, because the dessert list deserves real attention.

Address: 628 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

4. Mr. Souvlaki

Don’t let the name fool you into thinking it’s skewers only. Mr. Souvlaki has a dessert list that could steal the show.

This family-run Greek eatery has been going for over 30 years. That kind of staying power says the kitchen knows its stuff.

Start with the baklava. Flaky filo, ground walnuts, and honey keep it right in line with tradition.

Feeling adventurous? Baklava cheesecake brings two favorites together on one plate.

Karidopita is a great pick if you love walnuts. This Greek walnut cake offers a softer, cakey take on those same nutty flavors.

Loukoumades might be the most fun item here. They’re Greek honey puffs, small fried dough bites that disappear quickly.

Galaktoboureko and ekmek kataifi are also on the menu. Rice pudding is there for anyone who wants something gentle.

The space is bright and clean, with large windows. It’s simple but classy, which suits a relaxed lunch.

Families should feel at home. The restaurant is kid-friendly, with high chairs and a kids’ menu.

Driving in? Customer parking is available, which is a nice perk in a busy tourist area.

The restaurant is accessible too. That makes it easier for grandparents and everyone else to join the dessert party.

Hours run daily from late morning into the evening. So you can grab souvlaki for lunch and come back for loukoumades later.

Here’s a sweet strategy. Order two different desserts, cut them in half, and trade with whoever came along.

Address: 802 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

5. Dimitri’s on the Water

Sunsets over the Anclote River make a pretty fine backdrop for baklava. Dimitri’s on the Water sits right on that riverfront near the Sponge Docks.

The Salivaras family has run this restaurant since 2010. They also own Mykonos just down the boulevard.

Recipes here follow Yia Yia’s lead. That’s Greek for grandma, and her original recipes still guide the kitchen.

Honestly, is there a better endorsement than grandma? Probably not.

The main menu covers a lot of ground. Local seafood, hand-cut steaks, and Greek classics like grilled octopus and saganaki all show up.

Moussaka, pastitsio, dolmades, and lamb dishes keep the Greek side strong. Spanakopita works well as a starter for the table.

Save some space, though. Baklava is a solid way to end the meal, and you’ll also find cheesecake and other Greek desserts.

Picture yourself on the outdoor patio as the sky turns orange. Actually, just plan to see it in person.

Indoor seating is ready too, complete with a fireplace. Florida evenings do get cool sometimes, believe it or not.

Reservations are recommended. A waterfront table at sunset tends to be a popular idea.

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking, entrance, restrooms, and seating. High chairs and a kids’ menu are available for families.

One scheduling note matters here. Dimitri’s is closed on Wednesdays, so don’t plan your baklava night around one.

Friday and Saturday hours run later. That gives you more time to watch the river and finish dessert slowly.

Address: 690 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

6. Mama’s Greek Cuisine

Live Greek music with your baklava? Saturday nights at Mama’s Greek Cuisine get even livelier with belly dancing.

This family-owned restaurant sits right in the heart of the Sponge Docks. Third-generation Greek restaurant owners run the show.

The kitchen keeps Mama Maria’s recipes alive. Those treasured recipes came over from Greece.

Baklava is on the menu, so the sweet ending is covered. Still, the savory side deserves your attention first.

Saganaki, the famous fried cheese, makes a fun starter. Spanakopita and keftedes, which are Greek meatballs, keep the appetizer round going.

For dinner, consider the pastitsio or lamb shank. The gyro platter is a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters.

After that, baklava feels like the right finish. Honey and nuts after a hearty Greek meal just make sense.

Weekends are when things really pick up. Live Greek music plays from 7 PM to 10 PM.

Belly dancing joins the fun every Saturday night during those same hours. Kids and grown-ups alike tend to enjoy a show with dinner.

Prefer fresh air? Outdoor seating is available, which works well during Florida’s milder months.

Short on time? Curbside pickup lets you grab dinner and dessert to go.

Doors open daily from late morning until 10 PM. That makes it a flexible choice for lunch, dinner, or a late dessert stop.

My advice is simple. Come on a Saturday evening, order baklava, and enjoy the music.

Address: 735 Dodecanese Blvd #40, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

7. Acropolis Greek Taverna

Plate breaking and napkin tossing aren’t typical dessert companions. At Acropolis Greek Taverna, they’re part of the weekend routine.

The restaurant opened in 2001. It calls itself Florida’s favorite Greek restaurant since that year.

Bold claim? Sure, but the weekend lineup backs up the party spirit.

On Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll find live Greek music and belly dancing. Zorba dancing, plate breaking, and napkin tossing join the fun.

That’s a lot of excitement. A plate of baklava might be just what you need to recover.

Baklava sits right on the menu. It’s a fitting finish after a big Greek meal.

Speaking of meals, the options are broad. Moussaka, gyro, and a chicken souvlaki platter cover the classics.

Seafood fans can try calamari or octopus. Want lighter? The Greek salad or falafel rice bowl could fit the bill.

Can’t decide on starters? The appetizer sampler lets you try a few things at once.

Saganaki and spanakopita are also listed. Athenian chicken is another option if you want something hearty.

The restaurant sits near the historic Sponge Docks on Dodecanese Boulevard. An outdoor patio gives you a spot to eat in the open air.

Visiting on a weeknight brings a calmer pace. Weekend evenings are the time for the full show.

Here’s a fun plan. Shop for sponges in the afternoon, then end the day with dancing and baklava.

Address: 514 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

8. Katerina’s Taverna & Grill

Rolled baklava with orange blossom water is not your average square slice. Katerina’s Taverna & Grill calls it a signature dessert.

That little twist makes this spot stand out on a baklava hunt. The rolled shape and floral note offer a fresh take on a classic.

Katerina Tsiliclis, a longtime Tarpon Springs resident, opened the restaurant with her husband, Nicolas. The family-owned taverna opened around January 2020.

The look is easy to spot. The restaurant is blue and white, with 52 seats inside.

Outside, a spacious patio adds more room. Seasonal decorations help bring a touch of Greece to the scene.

The grill is a big deal here. Most meats get chargrilled rather than cooked on flat grills or in deep fryers.

Greek meatballs are a house specialty. They’re a smart order before you move on to dessert.

Other choices include moussaka, stuffed grape leaves, and pita sandwiches. A Greek-style lasagna is on the menu too.

Seafood options include grouper and octopus. Spetsofai mixes sausage, peppers, tomatoes, and feta for a bold, hearty plate.

Fresh ingredients get prepared daily. That focus shows up across the menu.

Rice pudding is also available if you want a second sweet. Occasional live entertainment, like belly dancing, can make a visit extra lively.

The taverna isn’t far from the Sponge Docks. It works well as a final stop on your Florida baklava tour.

Paying is simple, with cards and mobile payment accepted. Now go see how a rolled baklava compares to the rest.

Address: 619 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689