A Greek restaurant a few doors down from Stepho's. Don't want to wait in line? Try this Greek alternative.
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Reviews
Added Nov 20, 2009 by nogami of Coquitlam (42 Reviews) Good Greek without the wait
Had a decent dinner at Takis the other day - food was well cooked, generous portions and tasty.
My only complaints were that service - while prompt, was a little impersonal. The server didn't really seem all that interested. I understand that he does it all the time, but show a little passion for your work.
I was also annoyed that they added a mandatory service fee on the bill for a group of 5. They didn't have any indication of that ahead of time and I find that offensive.
I would've tipped regardless (and probably included more than their fee anyway). That in itself may make future returns unlikely. |
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| Added Oct 18, 2009 by Gilster217 of Vancouver (2 Reviews) Close to home, but that's all
My husband and I are on a quest to find the best Greek restaurant in Vancouver.
Takis is close to our house, and that is pretty much the only reason we end up eating there. The food isn't spectacular by any means, and it definitely isn't a bargain compared to other Greek restaurants we've looked at. The food usually takes about 20 to 30 mins to arrive. Often its overcooked and could use more flavor. Portions are mediocre.
Don't waste your time unless you happen to be in the area |
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| Added Oct 4, 2009 by whoelius of Vancouver (19 Reviews) Excellent
I had the pleasure of dining at Taki’s on Davie Street just the other day.
The good lady and I arrived and were seated after having waited a few minutes. We were both comfortable and despite being quite close to our neighbours, we didn’t feel vulnerable to our nosy dining neighbours as one often can in cramped Mediterranean restaurants.
I picked my usual favourites: avgolemono soup for an appetiser and lamb kleftiko to follow, and also taramasalata, which I was delighted to see on the menu. My fiancée started with the saganaki and then had the chicken souvlaki.
I was thrilled with my soup; it was the best avgolemono I’ve had in Vancouver, hot and tart with just the right amounts of chicken, rice and lemon. The taramasalata was very nice and fresh, too. My kleftiko was excellent. The accompanying potatoes, rice and vegetables tended more towards mediocre than the rest of the meal did, but as a carnivore, that hardly mattered to me. The lamb was soft and cooked beautifully. My lady said her rice was a little on the hard side, but otherwise her meal was excellent and she loved it.
We shared a pitcher of sangria to wash the dinner down, and that was perfect.
We could barely hear the music over the ambient chatter but what we could hear was traditional Greek and that’s always welcome. Every now and then a set of plates would smash and everybody applauded.
Our service was fine. The waiter was happy and non-intrusive without being aloof. I think he was a Cypriot.
The bill came to about $70 and it was the best Greek I’ve had downtown. Maria’s Tavern on Denman is also excellent. Olympus, also on Denman, is very popular but really quite generic and nowhere near the standard of Taki’s or Maria’s Tavern. I’d recommend Taki’s to anybody looking out for a high-quality Greek dining experience with a true Hellenic ambience. |
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| Added Oct 1, 2009 by WeekendChef of Burnaby (27 Reviews) Very tasty food!
We did a takeout order on a Sunday night after seeing the line up outside. We were hungry and just didn't have the patience to wait in a long line up. The fellow I placed the order with was cool, calm and collected considering how hopping busy they were. The staff was just flying around with plates loaded with yummy looking food. I ordered the beef souvlaki and the hubby had the lamb souvlaki. We were told about 15 minutes so we took a stroll down the street. When we got back, I went back inside to get our food. The staff were just running like crazy to keep up but it was a controlled chaos which was impressive. Several of them zipped by me with a smile and I fellow eventually came flying back to ask if I'd been helped yet. Upon hearing it was a takeout, he went straight into the kitchen to check and let me know it was being packed up right then. Service with a very nice smile. Didn't feel like I was imposing on his work at all. The food? Amazingly pleasant! Good sized portions and tasty. I ate every bite and was sooooo stuffed afterward it was rediculous. I just couldn't leave any of it behind.
Would we go again? Absolutely. I'd love to try the dine-in experience one day but am perfectly happy to do takeout anytime I can.
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| Added Oct 1, 2009 by Norman of Vancouver East (60 Reviews) It used to be a lot better
Takis used to be a good alternative to the lineups at Stephos. Not any more. The food was awful - I've never had such tough lamb in my life, and it had no flavour. The server kept reaching in front of me without warning to put things down or pick them up. She's lucky she didn't get stabbed by my fork in mid-air. I would rather wait for the rush to be over at Stephos than eat here again. |
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| Added Jul 11, 2009 by missymiss of Vancouver (2 Reviews) Over-rated
I just ordered pick up from Taki's today and I'm actually a bit disappointed. The rice is dry and lamb is chewy and bland. The Greek salad and carrots are good though. Sorry Taki's fans but, I actually pick Stephos over Taki's for flavour. The quality might be better at Taki's but, IMO, Stephos is yummier. |
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| Added May 18, 2009 by EatsFats of Vancouver (209 Reviews) Good food, good ambience, why lineup next door?
Went here for a "quick" bite instead of lining up at Stepho's. When I last ate on this block many aeons ago, couldn't taste anything special about Stepho's and looks like nothing has changed.
I like the interior (is it new?) gives such a nice ambience that seems very fitting for a Greek restaurant. Perfect for sitting around munching and chatting with friends. Thumbs up here.
The food? We went lazy and just ordered a platter.
The service was kind of friendly, a little indifferent ... but most disturbingly, lacked "passion". I mean, they treated us like we were Greek food "newbies", yet didn't even bother to use the real names for each of the dishes. Come on, say it, you can do it "moussaka", yeah, was that hard?
Alright, I'll cut them some slack this time, because the food seemed to be darned good, better than I ever remember it.
Nothing was too greasy, very tasty. Especially the aforementioned moussaka. Dolmathes, very nice, different that the stuff we've usually had at other places. Spanakopita, yes, thumbs up on that too. The "low" might be the chicken souvlaki, but the worst one is hardly near bad in this case.
Value wise, I would say typical Greek, which I've yet to find a place that rates 4 stars in my book. Yeah, we were full, we had leftovers, but still ... when all was said and done, $30 per person, without drinks.
Still, it was damned tasty and I came away happy. If I lived in the area and had a Greek food craving, yup, I would hit this place for sure for some of the "North American" Greek classics. What I'm still looking for is some place with a different and more authentic / home-style menu... |
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| Added Mar 8, 2009 by kibbylover of vancouver (24 Reviews) WAY better than Stephos!
I had been visiting a friend daily at St. Paul's so I ended up trying Stepho's and Takis within a couple of days of each other.
The quality of the food was way better than a lot of Greek restaurants that I have been to in Vancouver. It wasn't just a bunch of slop that was thrown on a plate and was cold. It seemed very fresh and was of MUCH better quality than Stepho's!
The price is good, I mean you won't get the whole Stepho's 3 breasts of chicken in your meal, but it's hot, fresh and good quality.
I got the rest of my meal to go and they even weren't cheap on the packaging like other greek restaurants... It was nice black to go containers, not styrofoam.
I guess the reason I am soo annoyed is that I always saw the line ups and heard the rave reviews about Stepho's and I am just wondering what the @$%#*@& hype is!! |
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| Added Feb 18, 2009 by amarie09 of Vancouver (4 Reviews) Love,love,love Takis!
i love takis, the ambiance, the food, perfect! its a small place with very nice decor, at night they turn the lights down low and light candles, its wonderful; a really nice little laid back place. the service was terrific although it gets busy in there we never felt forgotten. And the food, simply amazing. Huge portions! i recomend the kalamari. deeelicious! |
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| Added Jan 2, 2009 by diner40 of Vancouver (41 Reviews) A Big Ole Slab Of Lamb
Went here New Years Day for a big lamb feast and was not disappointed. Takis cook up a delicious tasting roast lamb.
A huge , tender portion no knife is needed to eat their lamb.
My roast lamb dinner came with the usual greek potatos that I love and that greek rice that is the same no matter what Greek Restaurant you go to.
My potatos were good but I have had better. They tasted fine but sorta looked like they may of been sitting around for awhile.
My dining partners enjoyed their dishes as well the Calamari and Chicken Souvlaki.
Our server was quick and efficient and gave just the right amount of service.
Takis needs a makeover though, the decor looks very ratty, old and worn. |
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| Added Jul 22, 2008 by wedqcent of Burnaby (1 Reviews) Very satisfied
I had been here once before with my fiance, and we decided to take his family, who were visiting from France, here for a meal. We came at an awkward time- between lunch and dinner- but our server was gracious and inviting.
The ambiance is of a typical Greek taverna, with the usual Greek music and colours. The food was very good. We ordered two platters- one seafood platter, and one "regular" platter (the name escapes me now, but it had the usual Greek fare like souvlaki, moussaka, rice pilaf, dolmades, etc.) The portions were great, and we were unable to finish our meal, we were so full.
Our server was wonderful. He was proactive in explaining what each dish was, he was patient as we translated for my in-laws, and at the end of the meal, he brought us five shots of ouzo on the house! He said it was a from the owner.
My in-laws were very happy and enjoyed their time very much. It's fast becoming a favourite spot for the two of us, as well. |
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| Added Jul 8, 2008 by onegirl of vancouver (14 Reviews) not that great..
Went to Takis for dinner last week... my friend lives in the neighbourhood and said she and her husband go there when they need thier greek fix. So we decided to go.
My friend realized that service had gone way down from when she last visited. We waited at the door for a bit, and had to flag down someone to say 'hello? we'de like to be seated' (it was not that busy). We were seated and given menus and then seemed liked we were ignored? Finally after catching a servers eye, we were given some pita bread (dry) and then asked what we wanted to eat. We ordered our food, and then had to flag someone to order a drink!
Food came out (slowly).. .honestly - i have better Greek food then this..portions were not bad, but quite bland tasting.. it's a small step up from Stepho's but not by much..
Then we waited quite a while for our bill, and again we had to flag someone down.... my friend said she's never had this bad service from them before - perhaps a change in management or ownership?
Regardless my friend got home, and spent the rest of the evening throwing up.. . I don't think we'll be going back anytime soon. |
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| Added Jun 22, 2008 by pdq of Yaletown, Vancouver (10 Reviews) Great Meal
We were in the mood for Greek and were headed to Davie but didn't feel like standing in line at Stepho's so after reading the review for Takis we decided to give it a try. The restaurant was packed but we were seated by the window within 5 minutes. The food was outstanding and the waiter was very helpful when it came time to order as we had a few questions. Our appetizer wasn't delivered and we needed to ask for it after our entre arrived but they were very apologetic and gave us the appy for free. The main course took a little while to arrive but the restaurant was packed and it was nice to people watch as we were seated right by the windows looking onto Davie. I definitely recommend this restaurant. We will return. |
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| Added Feb 13, 2008 by epicurian of Kerrisdale (43 Reviews) Boring
After reading so many good reivews, I thought I'd pop by and see this little gem. Sadly, there isn't much to rave about. I suppose that compared to it's neighbour, the food is better. The chicken souvlaki was the same as every other average greek restaurant. The vegetarian moussaka was utterly disgusting, mushy and greasy & lacking in flavour. The rice came out mushy & soggy as if it had been sitting somewhere for a few days. Service was prompt but a little worn down. Probably won't be going there unless absolutely necessary |
| Added Feb 5, 2008 by dessertfan of Burnaby (12 Reviews) I Miss Taki's!!!
My husband and I used to eat at Takis regularly when we lived in the West End. It was our favorite Greek restaurant. They have awesome Saganaki in particular (they use the real Greek cheese). I also loved the homous, chicken and beef souvlaki, and my husband loved the roast lamb. They also have great kalamari. Plus the atmosphere is homey and the servers are friendly. You know a restaurant has a good owner when the wait staff have been there many years, as had the servers at Takis. It is fantastic Greek food. A lot of people have been comparing it to Stephos in their reviews-- both are good. Both are also head-and-shoulders above most other Greek restaurants (like the one in our new neighborhood - sigh). We will still visit Takis whenever we're downtown. |
| Added Jan 28, 2008 by Thalia of New Westminster (5 Reviews) Affordable, generous and tasty lunch menu, great service and atmosphere
Takis is a great place for weekend lunch. Dinner is a few bucks cheaper at Stephos, but lunch is the same price at Takis and at Stephos. Takis has no line-ups, pressure, nasty washroom, and bus stop atmosphere like Stephos. |
| Added Aug 19, 2007 by advcardio of northshore (15 Reviews) Our staff come here for lunch
It's not just me but the staff at our workplace will often either dine in or order take out. All the choices of beef, chicken, lamb were well reviewed...Watch out for the tzatziki it's strong but good.
It's a bit more cozy and relaxed than the greek place down the street.
Good deal for lunch for the portions you are given.
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| Added Jul 31, 2007 by borg44 of Vancouver (12 Reviews) What's all this Stephos bashing...
After reading the Takis reviews, almost every one bashes Stephos in comparison. Being diehard Stephos fans for many years we ventured out last night to Takis and got a table for two by the window. The restaurant was full and had the occasional brief line-up. We started with the mussels. At $9.50, the serving size was about 2/3 of Stephos but the preparation was basically the same (garlic, butter, tomato, onion & mussel broth). Although, if you like the bite that hot chili peppers provides, Stephos is the way to go. Also, the mussels themselves were small and dry, not the big plump variety one occasionally gets at some restaurants; however, Stephos is also guilty of serving mussels of the small variety... not sure if it's a seasonal thing or supplier issue.
At $13.50 the specialty half-chicken wasn't so special... reminiscent of the Safeway lemon-herbed whole cooked chickens you get for $7.99. The greek salad was passable, although the tomatoes were not as fresh as they could have been... at Stephos it is rare not to find firm ripe tomatoes in their salads. The rice was not nearly as flavorful and didn't have the seasoning and nice perfectly cooked texture that Stephos rice has. Roasted potatoes were okay, although a tad mushy and without the distinctive mustard zing of the Stephos version. The (small) lamb souvlaki came with the same sides and at $9.95 (about $1-$2 more than Stephos) was 3/4 the serving size. Also, pita bread does not accompany the main dishes but can be ordered for a few bucks more.
The service was quite good considering that the restaurant was full the entire time we were there and there appeared to be only two servers and one busser. Our water glasses were constantly full; only 15 minutes from ordering to receiving food and we were asked if things were okay a few times.
Overall, not disappointed for $40, but would wait 45 minutes for a table at Stephos and a $30 bill before venturing to Takis Taverna as an alternative. |
| Added Apr 14, 2007 by suzeque22 of north vancouver (15 Reviews) forget Stepho's go here for great food
I got fed up with Stepho's so we tried this place tonight. WOW! It's not the best I've ever had, but it was darn good. Service was excellent, portions were healthy. Meat was high quality and very tasty. They didn't stuff the plates with starch and little meat. Also the fried calamari was excellent and huge. Give these guys a try and you'll never wait in that line again. |
| Added Mar 11, 2007 by CalicoGirl of WestEnd (6 Reviews) Best Huomous in town
I love the Houmous at Takis, out of all the Greek/Mediteranean restaurants we have been to none of them compare to Takis. We've been here on and off for about six years and its still my favourite Greek restaurant, great for a casual lunch.
I just do not understand why people are willing to line up on the street for Stepho's when this wonderful restaurant is just a few doors down. For a couple more dollars you get better quality food and an overall much more enjoyable experience at Takis.
The service is usually pleasant and helpful, especially Ivon, he is especially attentative.
The mismatched chairs and pillows give great character to the space.
Will definitely continue to dine here. |
| Added Feb 16, 2007 by wright of West End, Vancouver (21 Reviews) Solid Food, Excellent Service
Didn't feel like waiting in the lineup a few doors down, so tried Taki's, and absolutely loved it. The food was good, the service was incredible with a packed house, and I've been back several times with the same results. |
| Added Nov 26, 2006 by got2hot of Vancouver (48 Reviews) Best Greek on Davie
Get out of that line up a couple doors down and go to Takis. We had lunch at Takis this weekend, and the food is a million times better than Stepho's and the price is virtually the same. The service is way better. They are very friendly here, attentive and sincere.
The lamb souvlaki was absolutely amazing, it tasted so fresh, the perfect amount of gaminess, I loved it. Their houmuos is the best, lots of garlic, nice and lemony too.
Im not a big fan of the room, but Im not with any greek restaurants, they're always too busy, filled with clutter and various nick nacks...but that is a personal thing.
We actually tried to tell people when we left to get out of that line up and go to Takis instead, anyone who makes that choice will be glad they did.
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| Added Jul 24, 2006 by matchalatte of San Fran, CA (35 Reviews) Best Greek on Davie.
A friend introduced me to this place a couple years ago, and I've been coming here more often than Stepho's. Whether dining on my own for lunch or with a big group of people for dinner, the experience has been very good and consistent. I recommend the salmon souvlaki, domathes, moussaka, and the hummus. (But even the side salads, rice, and potatoes are nice) The servers are attentive but not impatient, and, on a side note, the background music seems to be better here than at Stepho's. Highly recommended! |
| Added Jul 24, 2006 by kels of New West (13 Reviews) No Line-ups Here... but there should be!
Taki's Taverna is a great little Greek restaurant on Davie st. Just doors from the popular "Stephos" restaurant, Taki's offers great food without the long line up. For under $15, you can enjoy a calamari platter (grilled or deep fried), Athenian Chicken (really yummy), Roast Lamb or any other great Greek foods. The service is good, and the ambiance is inviting and fun. Try Taki's today and you will return time and again for great Greek food. |
| Added Jul 23, 2006 by SfromAustin of Austin, TX (3 Reviews) Tourist's Review
This small, cozy place offers up some great food and service. The hummus was delicious, the spanokipita great. My girlfriend loved the food as well. The service was excellent. Our server was knowledgeable and prompt but not intrusive at all. We got the last available table just before the line started forming out the door and into the street (5:30PM on a Friday). If I lived in Vancouver I would definitely dine here a lot. |
| Added Jun 16, 2006 by nbo of Vancouver, BC (9 Reviews) Some of the best Greek food in town
I have been to Takis numerous times and it is by far my favorite Greek restaurant in Vancouver. I cannot understand why people line-up for the substandard food at Stephos a couple doors down when there is much better and tastier food at Takis. I ate at Stephos once and hated it - large portions of bland food. If you care about quantity not quality eat at Stephos - if you have a palate then go to Takis. |
| Added Jun 16, 2006 by junevisitor of New Jersey, USA (7 Reviews) pay more, get more
We looked at the menu and through the window at the food in "the other place". Prices and quality both looked lower. At Taki's, the quality was high, the Greek wines were interesting and food friendly as well. The main dish portions were huge, enough for two meals. Five of us shared one serving of saganaki, and with the excellent bread, it was plenty. Our meals (5 people) were split between seafood and lamb, and everyone was content. The service was outstanding, very relaxed, friendly and knowledgeable. The space between the tables was also appreciated. |
| Added Feb 1, 2006 by humblechef of West End (9 Reviews) Awesome Roast Lamb
Taki's is well worth a visit. It is inexpensive and the portions are huge. My fave is the Roast Lamb, for $12.95 you get enough for two meals. The staff is friendly and hospitable, ambiance is good. They could use a better cocktail menu and a bartender to serve up some yummy drinks to go with the great food. Much better than waiting in the line at the other greek restaurant up the street. |
| Added Dec 24, 2005 by MrTriscut of Commercial Drive, Vancouver (3 Reviews) More Please
I have been here a few times, never wanting to stand in line for the other place. I don't even bother thinking about the other place. I have heard from a few people that they prefer this one.
The non deep fried calamari is amazing and I recommend it to anybody who likes calamari. All the food is simply excellent, and the service is great. The staff are always pleasant and happy, laughing and joking. I enjoy the atmosphere too. Its cozy and comfortable. I have spent many evening with friends having a great time.
For great Greek food here is the place to go. |
| Added Dec 23, 2005 by Hammer of West End (1 Reviews) Better than Stephos!
So, I've been here is the West End now for 3 years, and love the Greek food! I used to wait in line at Stephos like everybody does, except one day I was too starving to wait, so my gal and I tried out Takis. We both completely agree that this place's food is simply better. We figure "Best greek in Vancouver." Stephos is good, don't get me wrong, but don't believe the hype! Try this place out, and you'll be walking right past Stephos to Takis! |
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