This is my first autumn in Vancouver, and I was not mentally ready to face this much rain. On most days we still get two-digit temperatures, however the sun often plays hide-and-seek with the dark clouds. I may not have the power to make the sun come out, but I can at least make it come to my plate. So, regardless of the grey sky, I decided it was about time to enjoy some Greek cuisine and I headed to The Greek by Anatoly in Gastown for some warm Mediterranean food.
The Atmosphere
My partner and I were apparently the only ones with a Greek food craving. No other guest showed up that particular Friday between 1 and 2.30pm. That was surprising, but I can’t complain. You don’t often get the chance to have a restaurant all to yourself! We grabbed the best seats by the window and sat down ready to eat…
The décor was not exactly authentic or beautiful, yet I would say it was a notch above casual. The red bricks gave the place a real ‘Gastown’ feel. I think it’s a good setting for a regular date or a catch-up dinner with a couple of friends.
The Food
Taramosalata ($9)
We started off with some Taramosalata. The Mediterranean flavors of the fish roe and olive oil blended very nicely in this spread. The creamy texture worked great with the fluffy and airy pita. This flatbread was served warm and lightly sprinkled with herbs, which were here more for the pleasure of the eyes than the mouth.
Saganaki ($16)
I have been obsessed with Saganaki ever since I tried it at The Apollo in Tokyo. This saganaki was definitely on the lower-end, but it was still good. The outside layer was nice and crispy and the inside was soft, yet a little bit more rubbery than what I am used to. A squirt of lemon was great for extra flavouring, however, a drizzle of honey would have taken it to the next level.
Lamb Youvetsi ($22)
The Lamb Youvetsi was delicious. The braised lamb shoulder was extremely tender and it came off the bone effortlessly. It was served on a bed of orzo pasta and sprinkled with saganaki. The tomato sauce was hearty and flavorful and it complimented the lamb very well. This dish came with a small yet tasty side of Greek salad and more pita bread. Although the presentation was not the best, this dish was a hit.
Baklava ($10)
I cannot resist the call of Baklava. The Greek by Anatoly’s baklava was tasty. The filo pastry was flaky and the buttery nut and honey filling was delicious. The pistachio ice cream turned out to be a very pleasant surprise and I must admit that it was my favorite part of dessert.
Overall
The Greek by Anatoly is a solid option if you want good quality Greek food in Vancouver. They will serve you all the Greek classics done right. It did not go beyond my expectations, but it did not leave me disappointed either, which is a win per se.
I found the prices reasonable. If you can, I would recommend to go there past 2pm because their Happy Hour menu seems like a good deal. The service was quick and pleasant, but we were the only guests, so the contrary would have been a little upsetting.
Verdict: I would happily go back to The Greek by Anatoly to explore more of their menu!
The Greek by Anatoly
Opening hours: open everyday from 11.30am to 10pm or 12am
Website: click here
Address: 1043 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P9
Telephone: (604) 979-0700
Note that prices and information featured in this article are subject to change.
