1043 Mainland Street, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 985 9853

Web: http://thegreekbyanatoli.com/

Twitter: @TheGreekYT

Advice: Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Taking Greek cuisine to another level. brothers Alexi and Iani Makris and their friend Daniel Bergman, have created a room that’s filled with delicious eats, drinks and exuberance. My friend Ajay Puri joined me for a catch-up over some cocktails and multiple sharing dishes. Starting off our Greek culinary adventure, I enjoyed the smooth Papou cocktail ($12) a white negroni and a Campari dust rim in a very cool glass; while Ajay had the Syko Cocktail ($12) with vanilla, cardamom, fig Martini finished with a chili pepper.

I loved the grilled Haloumi Caprese ($13.50) with grilled Cypriot cheese, heirloom tomatoes, mint and olive oil served with house-made warmed pita in metal dish. Next was my favourite Saganaki ($13) here it was breaded and pan fried mountain sheep cheese, also with pita, outstanding flavours! An order of Ianis Prawns ($16.50) were a must, sautéed mushrooms and prawns in a delicious tomato feta ouzo sauce.

Next was the outstanding and flavourful, Pidakia ($6 per lamb chop, min 2 per order); followed by the stunning Grilled Octopus ($15) olive oil, lemon caper dressing, crispy potatoes. The Rabbit Kalamakia ‘popsicles’ ($16) were a standout, rabbit loin with lamb sausage wrapped in bacon in an amazing sauce! The Country Lamb ($26) was quite the presentation, served in a large rectangle pan, tender, flavourful fall of the bone lamb, with lemon potatoes, rainbow carrots, and rice.

For dessert, we shared both offerings, the sinfully delicious Pistachio and Honey un-Baclava ($7) with house-made Dark chocolate almond ice cream; and the Chocolate Mousse in phyllo pastry ($7) rich and delicious.

With a very unique cocktail menu, an exciting menu of Greek inspired dishes, and wonderful hospitality, I for one can’t wait to try the rest of the dishes on the menu and hope they add weekend brunch soon.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada