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Yiannis Taverna Greek Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Greek Restaurants Mediterranean Greek, Mediterranean [Edit]
10444 82 Ave NWEdmonton, AB T6E 2A2
(780) 433-6768
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 5 pm - 10 pm
Tue-Thu 11:30 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
15 reviews for Yiannis Taverna Greek Restaurant
15 reviews in English
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Review from Rachel F.
1/21/2012
I wouldn't expect a restaurant whose web address is http://www.eatmorelamb... to have decent vegetarian options, but Yiannis Taverna surprised me. Most Greek restaurants in North America (unlike Greek restaurants in Europe, in countries say, like Greece), rarely offer much in terms of vegetarian fare. But it's nice to see a place like Yiannis, while still appealing to Alberta's carnivores, can offer an authentic touch with some really nice vegetarian dishes.
Probably the best way to enjoy Yiannis is to order like you would in Greece: load up on lots of appetizers (Mezethes) and then share an entree or two, depending on the size of your group. The spanakopita (spinach pie), melitsano (eggplant dip), tzatziki, and humous are all excellent appies, though I did find the pits served with them to be a little dry. I have heard good things about the calamari and dolmades. I just wish they would make the dolmades vegetarian as they are served in Greece (in the time I spent in Greece, I never saw or heard of meat in dolmades, only in North America). They do have an appetizer platter, but sadly, it's not vegetarian and they don't allow substitutions. I wish they'd change that as it looks like an ideal way to try many different dishes.
For entrees, I would suggest the vegetarian mousaka. Delicious! And the Briam Ratatouille sounds greats, too. Maybe I'll try that one of these days, if I don't keep going back for the mousaka.
The dessert menu looks amazing. Sadly, I'm often too full to really explore that menu, though I can say that the Bougatsa, a lemon, cinnamon, custard dessert in phyllo pastry is outstanding! I think I need to go there just for dessert sometime.
Overall, Yiannis is my favourite Greek restaurant in town. They are the most vegetarian friendly, and could be even more so if they'd only allow vegetarians to make some substitutions on the mezethes platter. Alas. -
Review from Debora O.
Edmonton, AB
5/5/2012
I've been to Yiannis quite a few times and this may be a one off but I had to address it because if the same waitress is there next time I go it will be the last time. I went with a friend from out of province, my daughter and grand daughter. The manager seated us by the window which we appreciated.
Bellydancer was great, we had a little 6 year old that she danced with and this little girl will never forget it.
Appetizers were dolmades and tomato and feta cheese...great! Jumbo prawns and swordfish overdone...cold potatoes and rice. Sangrias were yummy. The waitress brought a red, white and blue slushy drink which she said she made herself because the bartender doesn't do it right..Okay that was nice.
My friend offered to pay for the bill and went up to the manager to give her money, he doesn't see well so he left it up to her to take the money. He went to the washroom and the waitress came over to us and asked us what was wrong...we looked at each other and I said well the food wasn't very good and she proceeded to tell us how he shorted her on the tip...gobsmacked to say the least...holy cow can you believe it...why not address it to him or your manager that took the money..she could have given you an excellent tip...I was seeing red....I spoke with the manager and she watched her come and speak with us and was so apologetic...but that's it. Honestly..even if he did shortchange her...should she have said that to us. Don't sit in Alexis's section -
Review from Jo-Ann S.
1/2/2012
I've been here a number of times. It's comparable to other Greek restaurants in the area. I'd prefer to give it 3 1/2 stars due to flavor.
I had the vegetarian moussaka and it was creamy and had a distinct flavor that I couldn't put my finger on. I thought it was fairly good but I would order something else next time. There was enough to take home for the next day but we also ordered hummus, tzatziki and calamari appetizers (all of which were good).
The others at the table also enjoyed their food (rack of lamb and swordfish) although the swordfish was slightly overcooked. Everyone had food to go. Wine was good (only 2 selections of red by the glass) and service was very good.
Overall, I like this place. My one comment is that I would have liked to see the main dishes in smaller portions and at lower prices so that I could order more appetizers and try a wider variety of items. I'm sure I'll be back there sometime in the future. -
Review from Wanda B.
Calgary, AB
3/31/2012
In town visiting during Spring Break and wanted something unique for dinner. We love greek food and heard about Yiannis. We checked out the reviews, some favourable...others not so...but decided this was going to be the place. With short notice we were able to make a reservation and get a table for 5...good start. When we arrived the place was packed, so I was grateful we got in (a packed restaurant is a good sign in my books). Immediately the service was outstanding, our waitress very attentive (3 adults, 2 kids). They did not have a specific kids menu and we were happy about it (kids menu's are all the same and do not encourage kids to try new things...chicken fingers, pasta, burgers) so our kids had to eat what we were eating. After asking for advice from the waitress we decided to go with the Entree for 2 Platter (for the 4 of us). Oh my word the food just kept coming and it fed all 5 of us with leftovers. The greek salad came first and was massive/delicious, next was pita with dips and finally our huge platter with lamb chops, chicken breasts, salmon, rice & veggies. Our belly dancer entertainer was just lovely and wonderful with the kids. Much to my delight this restaurant also serves Ekmek, a favourite greek dessert of mine for over 25 years and so hard to find. Finally the coffee was super tasty and some of the best I've had in a long time. This restaurant is definitely a must and one we will visit again.
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Review from Janine E.
Edmonton, AB
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I found this place mediocre at best. Most of the food was fairly bland and generic. Food was good, and the portions were large so we were well fed. It wasn't the best and it wasn't the worst restaurant I've ever been too. Greek specific it was well prepared. Nice location (on whyte), as it's easy to access however being on whyte and having the windows open in the summer it is fairly loud as there is a bar next door. Great family restaurant, I wouldn't say it's date material though.
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Review from Jason L.
Edmonton, AB
5/20/2010
Yeah, this is not just a good Greek restaurant, it's also a pretty good time out. If you're going out as a group to celebrate, this is a great choice. It's right in the middle of Whyte Avenue and on a mid-Summer evening with the windows open to the street, the party people walking by, a few shots of Ouzo under your belt and a table full of good food, there is little that's better. Evenings also feature a belly-dancer who entertains and encourages diners to join her. If you like her, tip her; it's not sleazy.
There are two ways to eat here. If you're in a group, you might order a bunch of small plates and pass around the pita, hummus, tzatziki and other excellent appetisers and a bottle of Ouzo or jug of beer. A good time is guaranteed. A must order is the saganaki, flaming chevre, cheesy heaven. For a more traditional approach, have the saganaki then select a souvlaki which comes with Greek salad and roast potatoes flavoured with lemon butter. The best though, is the lamb: Tender, moist, succulent and so flavourful.
I have never had a bad meal at Yianni's. In fact, I've never had a bad time at Yianni's. -
Review from Lauren N.
10/16/2008 1 photo
When I feel like Greek, it's off to Yianni's I go. They have a fantastic menu, and it's my personal goal to try everything at least once. The last time I went I wasn't too hungry, so I just had the tzatziki and ek mek. The tzatziki was perfect; not too strong on the garlic and dill. The ek mek is a phylo pastry dessert stuffed with vanilla custard and whipped cream, and they sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the crust. It's scrumptious, flaky, and sweet, but not too sweet.
The first time I came here, we got to see a belly-dancer perform live for us, and it was way cool! She danced over to certain tables and encouraged patrons to get up and dance with her. The atmosphere here is always cozy, but it becomes even more so when the belly-dancer is there, because it gets interactive. It's quite a romantic setting actually, with the soft lights, vines along the walls, and the hand-painted mural of a Greek backdrop spanning the walls. It's really something to look at. You definitely need to take your time here to fully appreciate the food and atmosphere. -
Review from Johnson T.
Edmonton, AB
7/12/2011
I am going to say this is the first Greek restaurant that I've ever eaten at (when I am not counting Opa!) I love the look of the place, especially the openness. When, I got the menu I had a tough time picking anything it all looked good. Decided to go for the beef souvlaki medium-rare and friend went for the ratatouille with a humus to share. The portions were big and tasty but I didn't feel at all the price justified the meal. Also, a little disappointed I didn't get to break any plates.
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Review from shawnna p.
Edmonton, AB
9/15/2011 2 photos
I invited 7 gal pals out to Yiannis for a mini reunion. I made the reservation 2 weeks in advance and received a confirmation call the night before. Very nice. We got a great table and the staff was precious! They did not get in our face too much as she recognized that we girls had not seen each other in a long while and had much catching up to do. We started with tender, beautiful calamari, spanakopita, hummus, tzatziki and dolmades. All wonderful. Most of us had the lamb souvlaki. From rare to well, it just was not up to it's regular deliciousness. I'm usually blown away, but not this time. Generous portions of Greek salad, and rice. Awesome. The roasted potatoes were not quite done. They still had a bit of a " bone" in them (as my Mom use to say). We enjoyed the belly dancing at 8:00pm. She was instructed by the staff not bother our table unless we called her over. Of course I can not resist showing off my cool moves. Oh ya, I had some Greek beers as well. The other girls enjoyed a couple bottles of red Boutari, which pairs nicely with lamb. The table was charged 20% gratuity. Fair. We tipped really well. She kept asking us if we knew the bill included gratuity. We were happy to tip extra. Really fabulous service.
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Review from Brandy N.
Edmonton, AB
3/12/2011
Everytime I go to Yiannis I have a great time. I love that they have Belly dancers on the weekend, it makes dinner that much more enjoyable. The food is also really good, especially the fried cheese. The only thin i don't like, which I find with most Whyte Ave restaurants, is that finding parking on the weekend is hard. Other than that I love coming to Yiannis.
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Review from Evilyne T.
10/17/2009
I ate here a few times when I lived in town. Also tried to eat there once for lunch on Sunday and was disappointed to find it closed. The atmosphere is wonderful, especially in the summer when they open the windows up on to Whyte Ave. Feels genuinely Greek, but even in the dead of winter, their decor takes you away from the miserable cold into a vacation fantasy.
Excellent light, crispy spanikopita and the grilled shrimp were enormous and delicious.
If you want to see the belly dancer, come early. I'm pretty sure we showed up some time between 6 and 6:30 and she was done and gone within 5 minutes of our arrival.
I checked out the bar downstairs but never actually visited when people were present or ordered any drinks. It did look like a nice, intimate environment though. -
Review from Nicole B.
Edmonton, AB
3/31/2010
My old employers took me and the rest of the crew to Yianni's for a farewell lunch a little while back. I don't eat Greek food that often so I didn't know what to expect.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised! I ordered a gigantic plate of food - I couldn't tell you what was on it because I can't pronounce any of it - but it was great!
The tzatziki at Yianni's is phenomenal. I mean, it is absolutely delicious.
I would have liked for our server to be a bit more attentive but she was still pretty good. She was friendly and smiley so that's always good.
If you're looking for Greek, Yianni's is a great place! -
Review from Trevor B.
Edmonton, AB
12/20/2010
It seems we go here for our annual Christmas dinner with friends. Once again, never disappointed as I think about the yummy food Sat night. I had usual Chicken Tzatziki Sp. which was exceptionally yummy. The calamari was small and yummy. My friends all had that flaming cheese and they loved it they said. The server was not exceptional but she did her job. The belly dancers were the feature as usual and always know how to pick me each time. They are super hot! Please tip these dancer if they pick you. The wine is a bit over priced. 38 dollars for a 12 dollar bottle of wine, you do the math. Food came on time but it seemed the server was trying to rush us to order the entrees. Beautiful atmosphere as usual.
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Review from Nikolous F.
9/13/2009
This is a fairly good Greek restaurant. The decor is quaint and festive. The food selection is good. The atmosphere is great for a casual dinner with friends. My one issue is with the dolmades.Yiannis serves them hot. I prefer them cold.
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Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
10/5/2008 1 photo
This is one of my favourite Greek restaurants in the city, not only because the food's spectacular, and the wall murals give the eyes so much to feast upon, but because the owners are such nice people; and you just want to see people like that prosper. The menu's what you'd expect from a Greek restaurant. Lemon and butter-infused potatoes and rice, chicken and beef souvlaki, baklava, Mediterranean fish dishes, and MY GOD the saganaki - flaming goat cheese - it's pure perfection, but there's much, much more. Saturday nights there's a live belly-dancer who shakes her stuff around the restaurant. If you're lucky, you'll see some plates smashed against a wall or be funnel-fed some Ouzo. (This is a dangerous place to have a birthday celebration if you're an easy drunk). A lot of the "entertainment" is for show; I'm not even sure belly-dancing is a Greek tradition. But it's tons of fun anyway. Different is good.
