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Vassilis Souvlaki Greek Taverna
Categories: Restaurants Greek Food Specialty Food Ethnic Food Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Mediterranean Greek, Ethnic Food, Pizza, Mediterranean [Edit]
6558 KingswayBurnaby, BC V5E 1C5
(604) 434-0626
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
16 reviews for Vassilis Souvlaki Greek Taverna
16 reviews in English
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Review from Kenneth E.
Vancouver, BC
12/29/2011
When's it's a 5 here, trust me that it's a winner! Ordered the rack of lamb for the 3rd time, absolutely the most tender and best tasty ever. That's all I order.
Ok, i did order the calamari, also tasty w/o all the oil.
this time I did order the mud pie, which is also a 4 out of 5 stars too. A bit of sweet raspberry, and some rum, but the ice cream mocha w/ the orea-like crumb bottom, is worth eating again.
but that rack of lamb....
and btw, that Ferrari, I had heard the owner won the 6/49 years ago... -
Review from Martina M.
Vancouver, BC
12/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
One word: Overpriced.
More words: I came here on a double date with another couple. Outside, the restaurant looks like a standard Greek restaurant. Inside, it's very dark. I'm not sure what kind of atmosphere they're going for, but when I think Greek food I don't think intimate dining. Everything on the menu is really expensive! A plate of chicken souvlaki cost $17.95, and that was one of the cheapest meals on the menu. I will admit that there was a lot of chicken, and that the roasted vegetables and potatoes were pretty good. However, we only got a few small pieces of bread, never received any drink refills, and it just wasn't worth the money we spent. The owner drives a Ferrari, and now I see how he can afford it. I really enjoyed the date, but I don't think I'd go to this restaurant again. -
Review from Amy T.
12/18/2010
Vassillis is just a few steps from where I live so my husband and I were eventually going to try it out.
What caught my attention was the sign that said "Best Greek Food in Burnaby", but for my husband, it was the ferrari parked outside.
The ferrari must be because of how well the owner is doing and it really shows in the food. I was impressed with the food and we ended up finishing everything. I would have given this place a 5, but I think it deserves a 4.5 because the waitresses seemed a little snooty. Not sure if I went on a bad night for them.
We ordered the Mediterranean Chicken, Kalamria Dinner and Homous with pita. The dishes were pricier than another Greek restaurants, but I definitely think it's worth it! They were also decent sized portions so after we finished, we both sat there for a bit since and wondered how it was possible for us to finish every last crumb.
Oh yea.. this is how we roll! Literally.. I almost had to be rolled home because I couldn't move. -
Review from Doug G.
12/18/2010 12 Check-ins Here
Great food, but they should pay their light bill!
We live close to Vassilis, so when looking for an excellent Rack of Lamb, this is our choice. The food here is never disappointing. The service is usually good. As others have pointed out, you may want to take a flashlight to shine some light on your menu.
The owner of the place is usually there, seldom seems happy to see you, and always seems angry and unhappy. We usually hear him grumbling about something or other - last time about how many glasses people were using, but we tend to ignore that as the food really is good and the people he hires to serve you are professional and attentive. -
Review from Olivia C.
Surrey, BC
12/24/2010
Upon entering the establishment, i was greeted by a waitress who led me to my group. The owner had walked past me mumbling away in in fury.
As we ordered our food, i decided to go for the calamari combo. A friend who sat next to me ordered his meal. When we got our food, the waitress forgot his appetizer order and told him that she never got his order. The food itself was good. Calamari was cooked just right and the rice was nice and flavourful.
I had to leave earlier so i figured i would be able to pay by card at the front. The waitresses and owner told me that i wasn't able to pay just my share. Apparently with big parties, you would have to pay the final amount at the end. As well, if x amount of people didn't show up as you reserved, you would have to pay an additional $15 for the missing people. The restaurant itself was not busy at this hour which didn't make much sense as to why they weren't able to split for at the time. This had led in a terrible confrontation with the owner, who was disrespectful and rude to a colleague of mine. I left this place in a haste, left with a sour taste in my mouth. Not from the food, but the service. -
Review from Melissa L.
Burnaby, BC
12/6/2011
I just called Vassilis to make a reservation for 10 people. The gentleman, and I use this term VERY loosely, who answered the phone (I'm assuming it was the owner) answered and didn't seem happy in the least to hear from a customer wanting to make a reservation. He promptly told me that people could not pay seperately everyone's orders would have to be on one bill. I advised him we would go somewhere else, thank you very much. Mr Vassili man needs to read some of the reviews on here and check his attitude.
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Review from Katrina R.
Burnaby, BC
11/8/2010
Came in a group of 4 and were seated immediately. My first impression of the place was positive, as the decor was very interesting (I like all the plants). It also seemed much bigger once I was inside.
The food was delicious, and the portions were good for the price. If we had had appetizers, I'm sure I couldn't have eaten it all. I got the Mediterranean chicken; no complaints about anything- I enjoyed everything on my plate (the chicken, greek salad, roast potatoes, rice, asparagus).
We had baklava for dessert. It was very sweet, of course- too sweet for 2 of us, but that was okay because we were sharing, so more for me :P
The service was attentive but unobtrusive. I don't think any of us ran out of water, and the server brought out a take-away box as requested, rather than taking the plate back to the kitchen to pack it.
Will come again. It was the first time trying Vassilis for 3 of us (including me), and it was a very positive experience. -
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
12/12/2008
It has been a long time since my last really fantastic Greek meal and that meal was in...Greece!
Yes, it is difficult to find proper, authentic Greek cuisine that tastes amazing but fortunately, with over thirty years experience, Vassilis knows what its doing and it shows. My lovely friend and I were greeted by an enthusiastic and friendly hostess and server when we crossed the thresh hold of the restaurant and we were immediately seated at a perfect table for two with a window view. The atmosphere of the restaurant is akin to your favourite family home, decorated in traditional, overt yet classic and cozy plants, vines and seasonal poinsettias. The lighting is just dim enough to create a warm and very inviting atmosphere with the heady scent of garlic in the air. We hadn't even had our food yet and I was already loving it here!
While sipping a glass of pinot grigio, I enjoyed a meal of incredible garlic prawns and all of the traditional sides, rice pilaf, roast vegetables and roast potatoes. Truly an exceptional meal. The prawns were cooked perfectly in butter and garlic and the sides were just as tasty.
While Vassilis is a bit far from my humble abode, I will definitely be bringing friends and family here should we be craving a delectable, traditional Greek meal! -
Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
12/7/2010
Location: Not bad, a little further East of Metrotown than I would've preferred traveling, however, more central location for others in and around the Burnaby/Vancouver area.
Atmosphere: It was way too dim, we could barely read the menu. I've been in dim dining places and read the menus fine, however, this was a bit excessive.
Service: I've been there before, a year ago actually and the service was decent, however, the service this time around was just horrible. I am surprised that they remembered the reservation that we made a week prior. They screwed up my sister's order, they almost forgot my salad, they forgot to pack some of our take out, when we wanted to order dessert and requested a few minutes, she didn't come back until 25 minutes later and even then my dad had to grab the waitress. When we got our dessert they screwed mine up. I am okay with one mistake, however, at least 4 - 5 in one day for a table of 5 is not cool. I tried joking with the waitress a bit and she seemed a bit standoff-ish which turned me off a bit.
Food: I Played it safe and stuck with bread, pita, Greek yogurt and Greek soup all which were good. The reason we came to the restaurant is for the dessert which is the white chocolate ice cream with raspberry center. The dessert was the saving grace of the evening.
Cost: It was a fairly decently priced. -
Review from Lauren N.
12/4/2008
Vassili's was the first place that turned me on to Greek food. I used to live down the street, so we'd come here all the time. It's a nice, cozy little Greek tavern, and it's privately owned. It's not uncommon to be greeted by the owner himself as you enter the restaurant, before your trendy waitress seats you at your table.
Whether you get a window table or one that is further in the restaurant, the seating here is great. You still get a really comfortable and intimate atmosphere no matter where you sit. And there are no tables near the bathroom, so you don't have to worry about that.
The veal is delicious, very fresh and tender, and not too salty. My favorite will always be the prawns in garlic though. I eat these with gusto until I realize there are no more on my plate.
Like most Greek restaurants, Vassili's is decorated from ceiling to floor with details like vines and decorative plates. Beautiful copper pitchers are placed here and there, and the old wooden floor adds to the place's character. It's as much of a treat to gaze around the restaurant as it is to eat what's on your plate.
Service is always great, and the food arrives at a reasonable time considering they get quite busy, particularly in the evenings. -
Review from Mark H.
2/27/2010
We were craving Greek and thought we'd try this place. When we entered the owner was sitting there, I assumed he would welcome us at least but he completely ignored us even when I said hi. Don't know what his problem is, and his red Ferrari always parked outdoors seems a little fishy.
Anyways, back to the restaurant. The prices are quite high for Greek and portions aren't that great. I had lamb souvlaki and the meat was tough and try with not much flavour. Friend had the roast lamb and again was mediocre.
Looking back into the kitchen I found it funny that both chefs were Chinese and not a Greek in sight. Definitely would not return as there numerous other places that deliver better on Greek. -
Review from Rachel W.
Burnaby, BC
6/12/2011
Aug 2011 UPDATED Review - Thumbs Down
Oh dear. Times they are a changing. Food has REALLY started to go downhill. When doing pick up, even on a quiet night they are slow to get it out and once I get it home (a few minutes later) I find out it's cold.
Very, very small portions now being given for take out (won't do that again). Calamari tastes chewy and too greasy. Roast lamb usually has more fat than meat on it, mousaka is now tasteless, saganaki is super greasy, TWICE I ordered lamb souvlakia but it turned out to be beef (come on, I know the difference) not sure what they are putting in the greek salad...
The owner is constantly yelling at the staff - making for a GREAT atmosphere for customers to walk into - not sure why he thinks that's acceptable? The poor ladies work their butts off. I feel really bad for them.
Some weekend night are still busy, but I have also noticed in the last year that it seems to be getting much more quiet during the week, definitely slowing down.
Oh yeah, and the Ferrari is now "caged" in a plexi glass box in one of the parking stalls...not sure on why that is either?
As per the website..."best of Greek dining experiences"?? I think not.
Used to be a sure fire hit for me especially with out of town guests - now it's a MISS.
Early 2010 Review
Vassilis has been around for as long as I can remember (I grew up in the neighbourhood). If any of you have driven by it, I'm sure you've seen this large blue and white building and been momentaily distraced by the red Ferrari parked out front (at least the guys are).
I have to say, I've been going here for years and it is one of my favorite Greek restaurants to go to. It is a bit loud with traditional music playing, the usual white and blue Greek color atmosphere all over the place and yes I admit some members of the staff could be less arrogant, but the food...the food is why you go!
I have had the Lamb (roasted and souvlaki) and it is always juicy, fall off tender with great flavour. The Mousaka is world class. Garlic prawns and the Saganaki..yum yum yum and not over done. Greek Authentic platter is a hit! Tatziki sauce is a little on the strong size - have a breath mint later! Portions are a good size. -
Review from john h.
Mississauga, ON
3/20/2010
Beautiful interior and great food.
Their special, the broiled stuffed calamari, is just fantastic.
Service was very friendly but dreadfully slow. -
Review from Lex R.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 9/18/2010
We had a take out once and the portioning looked like it meant for a cat. Seriously, 3 table spoon of rice and burned chicken souvlaki. Can't figure why so many raving about this place. Wait staff were rude, they looked like a mine worker than a wait staff.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/3/2010
As you enter this resturant you'll notice abundance of awards, mostly from the local news outlet… Read more »
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Review from Helen R.
Burnaby, BC
1/12/2010
Vassilis is our pick for Greek food in Burnaby. We have never been disappointed here and often bring our out of town guests. The inside decor is fun, but take a look outside as well. The garden is mature and well-cared for making a window seat even more of a treat.
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Review from Saleem C.
5/15/2010
This restaurant served very authentic and delicious Greek food, as well as great Tiramisu. However, the only thing that crossed my mind was that it was kind of overpriced for some of the items.
