An Unexpected Journey from Athens to Van Nuys
Great food almost always comes with a great backstory, and Yasu Guys is no exception. When founder took a trip to Greece, he never expected to get stuck there for years due to worldwide lockdowns. But instead of letting the situation get him down, he used that extended time overseas to immerse himself in culinary inspiration.
In Greece, gyros are the ultimate street food staple—found on nearly every corner for late-night cravings and casual strolls. Ed realized that back home in the San Fernando Valley, gyros held the same cultural place as LA’s beloved street tacos. Upon returning to Southern California, he searched for that genuine street-style flavor but couldn’t find quite what he was craving. Driven by passion, he set up a ghost kitchen, installed a couple of fryers and a gyro spit, and launched Yasu Guys.
When traditional menu setups proved tricky for local LA palates, Ed embraced his roots as an LA kid who fell in love with Greece. He began blending the two worlds together, creating an innovative menu of Greek street food fusion that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the Valley.
The Star of the Show: The Greek Gyro Crunch Wrap
If there is one item on the menu that captures the spirit of Yasu Guys, it is their viral Greek gyro crunch wrap. Taking inspiration from iconic LA handhelds, this massive creation builds layers of savory textures in every single bite.
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The Protein & Char: Sliced thin from the vertical spit, the blend of beef and lamb gets cooked until it develops a beautiful, crispy char while staying tender and juicy on the inside.
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The Layering: Wrapped inside a warm, toasted tortilla, the gyro meat is paired with grilled onions, sweet peppers, and a golden crispy tostada shell placed right in the middle for that signature crunch.
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The Sauce Combination: A cool splash of scratch-made tzatziki sauce balances out a gentle kick of chipotle aioli, marrying traditional Mediterranean freshness with classic LA spice.
The result is a heavy-duty, handheld masterpiece that delivers crispness, juiciness, and bold flavor in every mouthful.
Next-Level Sides and Crossover Desserts
While the Greek gyro crunch wrap takes center stage, you cannot visit Yasu Guys without ordering their standout sides and one-of-a-kind sweets.
Garlic Parm Fries
Most garlic fries at sporting events or local diners wind up heavy, soggy, and drenched in oil. Yasu Guys completely flips the script with their Garlic Parm Fries. Hand-cut and fried to a deep golden crisp, these fries are lightly tossed with fragrant garlic and parmesan cheese. They manage to stay remarkably crisp, delivering rich savory flavor without feeling greasy.
Baklava Cheesecake
For dessert lovers, the Baklava Cheesecake is an absolute game-changer. Ed fuses two iconic desserts into one seamless slice: a smooth, dense, rich cheesecake base topped with a sweet, flaky, nut-crusted layer of authentic baklava. It offers the crisp texture and honey-nut notes of traditional Greek pastry paired with the velvety sweetness of classic cheesecake.
Why Yasu Guys Belongs on Your SFV Food List
Living in the San Fernando Valley means having access to incredible culinary diversity right in our backyard. Yasu Guys captures everything that makes the local food scene special—passion, creativity, authentic roots, and unapologetically bold flavor combinations. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just exploring Van Nuys, this spot is a certified hidden gem worth supporting.
Restaurant Location & Contact Information:
📍 Yasu Guys
14062 Vanowen St, Van Nuys, CA 91405 (Southeast corner of Vanowen St & Hazeltine Ave)
📱 Instagram: @yasu_guys
About Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley
Hosted by Scott Himelstein, Eat Live Love SFV is your premier local guide to exploring the best restaurants, hidden food spots, and community lifestyle across the San Fernando Valley.
📞 Phone: (818) 396-3311
✉️ Email: Scott@ScottWorks4u.com
🆔 DRE #: 01452719
