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Takis Taverna
Category: Restaurants Greek Greek [Edit]
1106 Davie StreetVancouver, BC V6E 1N1
Neighbourhood: West End
(604) 682-1336
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Takis Taverna
Review Highlights
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"The Kleftiko (roast lamb) is tender, delicious and..." In 5 reviews -
"Love this place and its way better than Stephos." In 7 reviews -
"All in all, give it a try as it's a relaxing place with..." In 3 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Doug G.
3/18/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Save yourself the lineup down the street.
Takis, in my mind, is every bit as good as Stephos down the street, without the lineup. I love Kleftiko, and Takis does a great job of that. I love rack of Lamb, and Takis does a good job of that.. I love Saganaki and Takis does a great job of that. As others have stated, greek fare is pretty consistent everywhere - a heaping plate of potato wedges, rice and greek salad.
There's nothing stellar about Takis, nor is there anything I hate about it. It's our go-to for greek food in the West End of Vancouver. -
Review from Blano B.
2/17/2012
Some of the best lamb chops I have ever had. Food is excellent, my wife and I split a dinner which was plenty for both of us 'Big Eaters', wine list small but good with value pricing. Staff was very friendly, a great Greek joint, you wont be sorry if you walk through their doors.
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Review from Steven S.
2/17/2011 ROTD 12/20/2011
Holy Beautiful Lamb!!! Next to porcine and water foul, lamb is my favorite meat. My friend and I checked out Takis last night. I love greek food and must admit that I have been lacking in my patronage of Greek joints in Vancouver. The "Other" Greek place on Davie which always draws a cue is pretty good, But Takis is in my opinion better and here is why;
It is cozy, like a living room filled with throw pillows, and not over the top with the blue and white theme, which to me usually feels like some wedgewood nightmare. The staff is very friendly, and the portions are American sized, I swear I ate half of a tasty ruman. The dish is kelftiko, roast lamb, and it is not over lamby, it was tender falling off the bone, but not dry at all. My friend had the seafood combo, skewers of prawns, scallops and BC's favorite fish Salmon. It too was I gather was good because she did not share and spoke very few words.
Sometimes the place with the cue is not where you should eat, there are always cues at Mcdonalds. So visit Takis and get your Lamb on!!
Lamb Mentions in post count: 5!Listed in: The Duvets of Comfort Food
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Review from Evilyn T.
I was pretty excited about moving to the West End, because now I am in the haven of yummy restaurants that are at my disposal! The BF and I decided to make one of our first dinner dates at Takis Taverna for some Greek goodness. All you people waiting in line at Stepho's for Greek food are insane! We were able to waltz right into this place, eat dinner, and pay before you probably even got seated next door. And you know I'm the kinda girl that would rub my fat belly walking by that line and belch in your face too, just to put a little salt on your wound.
The BF and I both had the veggie mousaka, which was soooooo good! The veggies were roasted to perfection inside that beast of a helping that looked like it would defeat me the moment it sat down at the table across from me. (It was so big it needed its own chair!) The complimentary pita bread was soft and warm, and the lemon potatoes were actually really good (they are usually my least favourite part of Greek food, but I dug into those babies first!) I didn't love my Greek salad though, it didn't taste like it had any dressing on it at all, and the rice was kind of bland, but rice is usually kind of bland.
The service was great, I think the BF got three coffee refills while we had dinner, and a few refills of water as well, all without having to flag a waiter down. I was impressed. The bill for two dinners, a coffee and a gingerale after tax and tip was about $44, so it was a little pricey, but we both have doggy bags filled with leftovers, so really it was the price of two delicious meals. I have a feeling we may become regulars at this Taverna.Listed in: Beers, Steers and Queers
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Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
6/18/2011
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but Victoria lacks good, affordable, simple Greek Food. So when we head on over to Vancouver, my wife and I like to take advantage of Vancouver's abundance of Greek goodness. We happened to be in Vancouver for my wife's birthday this year and we wanted to celebrate with a number of friends.
We struggled to find a fitting place downtown, but Yelp and Urbanspoon both led us to Taki's. Not only did they accept a reservation for 12 people on a Saturday night at 7:30, but they exceeded expectations.
All meals were served in a fairly speedy, and friendly fashion, but we never felt rushed. A few of us even showed up a bit late, and we didn't suffer any flak. Of course, we were ordering plenty of drinks.
I also had to spend about 15-20 minutes splitting the bill for everybody, but the restaurant was up front about adding an 18% gratuity and not splitting bills when we made our reservation. It's all about setting proper expectations with large groups.
And the food was both a great value and delicious.
Sadly, they were out of the Chicken livers that I intended to order, the server recommended their Lamb Souvlaki. I've had more than my fair share of boring Souvlakia, but Taki's dry rub and expert grilling reminded me that a simple Souvlaki can be awesome.
And their potatoes contained a perfectly nuanced amount of lemony flavour.
On the downside - and this is an issue when eating with a larger party - the potatoes and rice on the vegetarian plates were fairly cold by the time they were served.
Still, Taki's provided a great, festive ambiance and friendly service to make for a great birthday night, -
Review from Richard D.
Vancouver, BC
11/12/2011
This restaurant provides the perfect combination of tasty food and top-notch service. The servers are friendly and you never have to wait, even though the place always seems quite busy. There's always just one or two tables available. The grilled calamari appetizer is not only delicious but also a great alternative to the fat-laden deep-fried version; I never feel as though I'm sacrificing anything having that healthy alternative. It's delicious. The lemon potatoes are excellent. Kleftico (roast lamb) is a quite fatty; I prefer the Souvlakia lamb.
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Review from Brett Y.
2/27/2012
The food was pretty good here. The server was nice but rather awkward and minimal. It seemed like ages between visits and he never asked how things were. They make a very strange margarita here...can't say I recommend it.
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Review from Mark H.
9/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
Greek food. It's one of the few cuisines that continues to remain consistent quality wise no matter where you go in the world. Value wise you almost always get stuffed.
Takis is no exception. Decent Greek grub without the lineup of its neighbour. Ordered the usual calamari and lamb souvlaki. No complaints.
Although consistent, it's almost like McDonald's, Greek food that is. You know what'll you get at whatever Greek place you go, yet it's rare to find 'different' Greek food.
Maybe a Greece trip is in order.. -
Review from Tyler V.
Vancouver, BC
3/22/2011
I'll keep this one simple..
Servings great. Food Ok, Saganaki excellent.
Service Excellent. Managers... NO presence at all...
I hate that. ALL MANAGERS should be on the floor!
Love this place and its way better than Stephos! -
Review from Ramon V.
Don't wait in line!
This is a far better choice than the heaps of rice and potato down the block. Decent prices, adequate wine and beer selection. The Kleftiko (roast lamb) is tender, delicious and absolutely filling. The quality of preparation of their dishes consistently outshines the assembly line a few doors down. Try the Saganaki. You'll never want to eat pan fried lemony cheese anywhere else.
Two things are certain in life:
1. Popular isn't always better.
2. Every Greek song eventually speeds up. -
Review from Kaeleigh E.
Calgary, AB
8/26/2010
I have had 2 experiences with Takis.
1 mediocre.
1 awful.
I ate there for lunch with a co-worker on her recommendation. The service was bad, the food was average at best (I had the chicken souvlaki) and we were rushed out of the restaurant so fast we hadn't even finished our meals when we were given the cheque.
The second time I went with my mom. Not going to lie we went to go to Stephos but the line turned us off so we went next door to Takis where there were literally no customers in the restaurant. The one woman working there was on the phone and would not get off the phone to seat us. We sat ourselves but after 5 minutes of listening to her (obviously personal) phone conversation we decided to just wait it out at Stephos seeing as customers were clearly an inconvenience to her.
I won't go back. The crappy service isn't worth the mediocre food and average prices. -
Review from Desiree M.
Halifax, NS
5/20/2009 ROTD 8/22/2009
The fact that this place never has a line, yet still manages to do well right next to Stephos tells you something. It tells you that most people try Stephos once, think "what the freak!?" and then they notice coy little Takis, and decide to maybe try that little joint sometime in the future instead. And some of them remember, and they do go back to try Takis, whereupon they eat a delicious spanikopita or something similar, and are they not disappointed.
Moral of the story: eat here. -
Review from Sarah O.
5/6/2009
Are you kidding me!!
The food here is garbage! This is a Greek joint right? So how come their Greek Salad taste like old, dirty socks? You can roll a piece of tard in powdered sugar all you want but it still won't make it a jelly doughnut!
They never brought out the pitcher of sangria I ordered, never apologized for it, the server was no where to be found the whole time, the restaurant was covered in thick smoke, I mean, it was just all bad. While I was there, I saw two parties leave angry because they waited over 20 minutes for the server to come to their table! As for me, I waited it out while watching all this train wreck in horror. You suck Takis! -
Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
9/13/2010
Ok, rule #1: don't get to a yelp elite party too late.. the food will be gone!
After yesterday's party (where I won a pair of yelp panties for not wearing any there) me and my plus 1's were starving and headed across the street for some comfy greek food.
The restaurant had a pretty cool design and a bit of charm. It was dead but quickly filled up as we ate.. The portions were ok, not as big as I've seen in other greek establishments but still hard to finish everything on the plate.. the saganaki was one of the tastiest ones I've ever tried.
All in all, not the freshest food I've had, but pretty satisfying after all those free sangrias and the party.. -
Review from Richard W.
Vancouver, BC
3/7/2009
For all those idiots that line up 2 doors down for Stepho's, stop following like good little sheep. Taki's easily has far superiour food than Stepho's. It's standard greek food, fair prices. In tackey greek decor.
I've tried Stepho's 3 times, in non peak times when I did not have to stand in the line, cause it certainly is not worth the wait.
At Taki's you can skip the wait, get better food, and pay the same price.
When will the stupid masses figure out, Taki's is better food, and better service. -
Review from Roanna Z.
3/24/2009
Good Greek food, warm welcoming atmosphere, won't break the bank! Nice looking bar too.
This is no Toronto Danforth people :-(
Slim pickin's. -
Review from Erica L.
Vancouver, BC
1/22/2011
Went to this restaurant after spotting the mile long line-up at Stephos. Was not in the mood to wait, especially in the rain. Really happy that we went here. It's cozy in inside. Was with there with 2 friends, we ordered the roast lamb (which was tender) and calamari dinner (which wasn't overly battered or greasy). The dishes are a really healthy size & was above average. All your regular greek sides of rice, potatoes, greek salad, etc. Prices are about $5 more a dinner platter than Stephos, but worth the extra cost. Another reason I would come back here is our waiter. He was very very nice. Came by to check on us regularly. Was very very thoughtful, making sure we had everything we need.
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Review from Amy E.
BC
4/7/2010
If you want delicious greek food definitely go here. It is a far better choice than Stephos (it is more expensive but the food is 1000 times better here). I really love the Grilled Calamari, which you actually cannot get too many places in this city. The greek salad is great and top it off with a glass of wine you are good to go! Try this place instead of waiting in line at Stephos!
Also, the creme caramel is a great way to finish off! -
Review from lucinda k.
Vancouver, BC
6/11/2010
Ok, maybe I'll give 2.5*... I had the Veggie Moussaka and it was ok, I personally prefer Stepho's moussaka a few doors down. The atmosphere was also a little more sterile than the fun casual Greek restaurants I enjoy... Also took quite a while for the dish to come and there were only a couple of people in the resto at the same time...
Personally I'd go to Stepho's. -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
1/5/2009
So , first off Takis gets the fourth star simply due to not having the huge line of Stephos. I'm hoping four stars will urge people to try Takis because, honestly, their food is easily as good as and often better than Stephos.
The quickest way I judge a Greek restaurant is by their calamari. Calamari is an easy dish to screw up cooking or cheap out on with inferior seafood. Takis though has really melt-in-your-mouth Calamari that's well seasoned and prepared.
Otherwise I've had both their lamb dishes and a seafood dish and been pleased overall. Yes, they do have slightly smaller proportions than the monstrous takes at Stephos but with all the rice and potatoes of Greek food I can never eat more than a small plate in one sitting.
Finally, my parents insist on coming here every time they visit. I don't know why or what the allure is, but they've never even tried Stephos yet always want some Takis before they leave.
Why not disrupt the line-ocracy of Stephos and give some more great local Greek a try? -
Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
12/8/2009
Stepho's a few doors down might get the lineups due to the volume and prices but we all prefer Takis. I find their calamari is far superior and they have better mussels when in season. Their food is basically not as oily as Stepho's. The wait staff is far more efficient and helpful, too, by the way.
Plus it's not as noisy even when the place is full.
All in all, give it a try as it's a relaxing place with great food. -
Review from Shayna D.
Vancouver, BC
11/8/2010
Amazing food. Service is great. It's a sweet quiet little atmosphere inside, very cozy. I had the calamari(my favourite) and everything was perfect. The portion size was large and the rice and veggies and pita were great. Highly recommended.
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Review from Evangelos G.
3/27/2011
Favorite Greek place on Davie Street, Solid. Whenever I'm in Vancouver I'm touched by both the number and quality of Greek places and the interest of the locals in solid Greek food. Wish Boston, New York, or San Francisco had a place like Taki's. Love the Brizoles and any lamb dishes. Favorite Greek in Vancouver, for the food, location, service and all.
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Review from Rupi C.
Vancouver, BC
10/7/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Tatziki is bland. Greek salad too oily.
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Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 1/2/2009
Gotta update based on my last ekmek tasting (today). Don't know what went wrong today. There was no detectable rum or grand marnier (or any alcohol for that matter), no hint of cloves or honey, and it was covered in canned whipped cream. I was so disappointed! I hope this isn't a permanent change as it will be a sad day for my ekmek cravings if this is permanent. Boo hoo. :(
Listed in: Vancouver European Food, Mary had a little lamb, and I…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/27/2008
Ekmek: 4 stars.
Rest of meal: 2.5 to 3 stars depending on how lucky you get.
This Cypriot Greek… Read more »
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Review from Zach T.
Vancouver, BC
4/6/2010
A friend and I were looking for a Greek place, saw the 50+ min line down the block and decided to enter into this somewhat of a small restaurant on Davie. Oh boy was it worth it. Now I am a fairly big eater, usually eat my meal and the scraps from the rest of the people eating with me, but this roast lamb almost, yes I say almost go the best of me. We started by trying to order a Greek beer, unfortunately they were out of it, but the server (possible owner) quickly told us they had a better one, now this could have been more expensive beer, I don't really know, the way she pitched the up sale was incredible. All in all it was a great meal, we walked away full and happy with a great experience from the time we walked in till we walked out.
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Review from A W.
8/11/2010
one word,Moussaka.
I've never really had Greek food before, so I'm not expert but the Moussaka was really comforting.
The prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is pretty quiet. The server was cute too :) (a girl,duhh) -
Review from Kathy B.
Vancouver, BC
3/30/2011
This is the best Greek food I've had since I was in Greece. The calamari and Kleftiko is SO delicious! The staff are super friendly and atmosphere warm and relaxing.
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Review from Alan P.
9/7/2008
After reading reviews of Stepho's and Takis, we decided to choose Takis over Stepho's...I can't say it was a mistake since I have never eaten at Stepho's, but I hope it was a mistake. The calamari appetizer was the worst calamari I have ever tasted. It was overly breaded, overly cooked and spiced beyond belief. I usually favor a light dusting, and this would classify as the exact opposite. The meal came, and we were again disappointed. The spinach pie and spanikopita (the same, but listed as separate on the menu) exhibited a very non-traditional mix of spinach to cheese. Mostly spinach in these pies, and the spinach that was there was not very fresh. The filo was fine, but the overall taste was off. I had the lamb souvlaki, and although it was the best part of the meal, it tasted like it was seasoned to hide a poor selection of meat. To top it off, there was no unsweetened iced tea to be found. Overall it is a miss for me
