If you want to go to a Greek restaurant in Vancouver, you’ve probably heard of Stephos on Davie st. There’s usually a long lineup that starts before they open and lasts till late. After lining up and waiting twice, I’ve only done take out since then. Take out is great since you call them up and the order is usually ready for pick up in 20 minutes. No line, no tip, and eat at the comfort of your own home (or friend’s).

However, if you haven’t gone yet, it’s a restaurant you have to go. It may be just my imagination, but the portion always seems larger when eating in. LOL.

So why is this place so famous? Because the food tastes good, the portions are big, the restaurant has good atmosphere (though it can get pretty loud at times) and the price is inexpensive.

I recently went with a friend on a cold rainy night. I thought we would have to lineup outside in that weather, but luckily, we walked right in and was seated immediately. AWESOME!

We were seated by the window with real plants decor above us. To our surprise, the table had a heater underneath to keep our legs and hands warm! Yay! The table was covered to the floor by a heavy cloth so that kept the heat underneath the fabric. It was kind of like the Japanese kotatsu concept.

I ordered a Spanakopita (spinach-cheese puff) $4.95,  small portion (but not small at at) prawn souvlakia $7.95 (served with rice pilaf, roast potatoes and greek salad). My friend ordered his favourite Marinated Octopus with Pita $5.95 and small chicken souvlakia.

Spanakopita (spinach-cheese puff) $4.95

Marinated Octopus with Pita $5.95

prawn souvlakia $7.95

It was the first time to try out the Spanakopita, but it was really good! Super tasty. I’d definitely order it next time. The souvlakia, well it’s what I always order it cuz it’s just the best. The octopus for me is a bit too hard and rubbery for my liking. I didn’t mind having a few of them though.

The restaurant is very dimly lit, so it’s not a place to go and read a book in the evening. Again, because it’s always full house, the noise level can sometimes be very high for you to be able to concentrate on any kind of focused work. It’s a restaurant to go and enjoy the food and your company. It’s a definite must go!

For Take Out

For those of you that don’t want to line up and wait outside in the cold for 30 minutes, I suggest doing take out. If you live around the area, call and make the order. Then in about 15 minutes, the food will be ready to be picked up! You can eat in the comforts of your own home, and no tips to pay.

Over the years, I’ve found their quality, service and portions to go down, and their prices to go up…I’ve gone less and less to Stephos.

Chicken  souvlakia $7.95 (as of 2016, it’s now $9.95 – still decent price though)

Beef souvlakia $7.95 (as of 2016, it’s now $9.95)

Update:

When I wanted Greek, I would take out from Stephos. It was close by, with great prices and good food. But I’ve been a bit wary since hearing the poor food inspection reports, and some people reporting seeing cockroaches.

I phoned in for take-out once again. When I arrived, there were no lineups outside on a Sunday evening. Odd… there used to be lineups all the time. There were a couple of people waiting on chairs inside, but that was it. The restaurant was still full house and busy though.

The man at the cashier was so rude. No smiles, no chatting, no eye contact just the total cost. I don’t really mind silence, but the vibe wasn’t good. I don’t even recall if he said thank you at the end cuz I was so put off. That was pretty much the last time I had a take-out from them…

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