Greek Food to Dine For!
The menu didn't look like it was something to be reckoned with, but once you start reading it, you just can't decide what to order.

We had a party of 4, so we decided to go for the "Big Olive Platter". The menu indicated it was suitable for 2 adults and 2 children. We brought along 1 child, just to be difficult.

The platter was chalk full: beef, lamb, chicken, rice pilaf, carrots, roast potatoes, mousaka, stuffed grape leaves - the works. If I wasn't a fan of Greek food before this now I am! The flavour, the texture, the smell, the presentation if I knew how to say "bellisimo", in Greek, I'd say it. It was steamy, nutritious, delicious goods direct from the kitchen. For the vegetarians, there was enough to go around - for the carnivores, it was sizzlin' hot, and tasty enough for more. I'd say they make their fare fresh every day. I've never tasted Calamari so good, and talk about tender!

Our waitress looked like she was genuinely Greek. The tip matched the service, and no empty plate survived for long on our table. She didn't give us "the look" when we asked for water at first. We tried the iced tea, which was the only rough spot: it was a bit too sweet, so the extra water came in handy! Our waitress made us feel at home.

The restaurant was clean, bright and airy, with high ceilings and lots of panelled windows - the kind you'd find in Greece. They've got enough seats for the lunch crowd, but the location is still cozy when there's less customers around. Someone has a green thumb, because there is no lack of greenery to keep the air fresh.

I've visited plenty of Greek restaurants, but well over 60% of them taste like they'd be called fast-food diners in Greece. The Big Olive Taverna was not one of those fast food dives! For those on a budget, this is the place to go - the portions were tremendous. We took some home for lunch the next day!

I'd say reservations for a big party would be in order during the lunch rush, or on special occasions, but if you're dining on any old tuesday evening, there should be no problem finding a table.    [21 Dec 2006 23:10:40]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Big Olive Platter

     ­Emphatico, Vancouver