Touch of Athens Greek Cuisina

03/01/09

Awesome, hidden greek restaurant I never knew existed

by WillAshworth

I took my kids here last night and waited for my wife to arrive from work on a Saturday night to join us. The owners were great to take the time to talk to me and my children while we waited for their mother to arrive.

I second everything "ChristieWagner" said on her review of the place. We had a wonderful time with the live entertainment they had for that evening (belly dancers on Friday/Saturday nights) and was entirely kid friendly. The food was amazing and we're already talking about bringing a large group with us next Saturday.

The rice they serve with your meal is to die for and the lamb Kabob was perfect. I tried a bite of my son's unfinished chicken kabob and I think that's my meal order for next time. I'm not a huge fan for salads, but their greek salad was out of this world. I'm actually looking forward to that part of the meal now.

Sigi (I hope I spelled that right), the owner, was a charming older man that just wanted to see us have a great time at his restaurant. He treated us like family during our stay. At the end of the evening the chef, staff, dancers and owners were there to bid us farewell and shook our hand as we left.

Parking is plentiful in front and at night there's free parking after 6PM on the street (at least I thought there was as I parked my car at 8PM...no, I didn't get a ticket). The meters should be free after 6PM.

The sign through me off a bit and we walked once around the block making sure we had the right place. The restaurant looks as though it's in an old house, with the sign on the outside saying "Hidden House". The name of the restaurant is actually: "Touch of Athens Greek Cuisina at The Hidden House".

If heading south on Main Street, it's on your right at the end of the block after LaserQuick printing.

We'll definitely be back soon. I have to say again, the food isn't the only reason we're coming back. Great experience.

• Pros: Excellent food. Great personal touch. Wonderful wine selection.
• Cons: A little pricier than Urbanspoon led on. Recommend a kid-specific menu with kid portion sizes.

09/22/08

If you want wonderful, flavorful, fresh, AUTHENTIC, Greek food, your search has ended.

by ChristieWagner

our family loves this restaurant, we have a wonderful time, every time.

My husband and I absolutely LOVE to go on the first Friday of the month. It has been unofficially dubbed Greek night! There is almost always live entertainment, and a friendly, heartwarming crowd.

I may not be greek (and neither is my husband) but we are welcomed like family! We have been taught a couple songs, a few dances, and had a marvelous time!

Touch of Athens ~ Thank You! for making our dates, and family events so very special.

To my friends and neighbors looking for a wonderful evening.. this is the place to go. Candle light, personal service, great food, (if you are a wine drinker) There is a tremendously yummy selection of Greek and Italian wines. I highly recommend asking the owner's opinion.. he knows exactly which wine will taste best with your order. Small Parties of 1 or 2 or large parties of 20.. they are ready for you.. and are happy to serve.

I can not say enough good!

By the by.. for those of you who read the comment from the lady who ordered take out... No food that is made fresh to order, will taste good 1/2 an hour lader, plopped on a table, and eaten with plastic forks! If you want their food but you are in a hurry.. Order the Greek Salad... TREMENDOUS.. even the next day :)

09/12/08

Great Food, Warm Service, Diversity much appreciated!

by RbplcnsSck

Wow. I am constantly amazed at the level of whining that I see on a daily basis in this town. I can actually picture what the two or three people who gave this restaurant a poor review look like! White, republican, sheltered security moms with a sense of entitlement. I used to hear endless stories of people like you who go into Starbucks each day for your morning 12-pump vanilla syrup, non-fat, 183.56 degree "binky". You have a severe case of the "me-wantees". No matter what you order, it is never right when you get it. Weah-weah! The belly dancer wasn't at my beckoned command. Weah-weah, the lamb I ordered wasn't bleeding onto the plate. You know, your reviews of this restaurant only succeed in making you look like a giant A55H0LE. Basically, your kind should stick to fast food. I think you'll find it is more synthesized to your palate's liking. Don't bash somebody's business that they bust their tail to run with excellence, because you are an unhappy, unappealing, small-minded, most likely republican, suburbanite, giant SUV-driving, anglo-centric, obnoxious B1TCH. This restaurant is amazing. I have eaten Greek food all over the world, but most importantly in Greece! (and not on one of those ugly-American tours you go on). This cusina is creating some of the best Greek cuisine you will ever eat. And by the way, if you came into my restaurant, I would intentioanlly give you something a lot worse than dry meat. To the rest of you out there who actually have a clue, sorry for the rant. I just cannot abide some lazy soccer mom trying to bad-mouth someone who actually works for a living and is good at it. The only plus about the bad reviews is that I won't have to look at any of those people when I patronize Touch of Athens.

• Pros: Absolutely perfect.
• Cons: none

04/15/08

Awful take home

by vanmatty

Went in to get take home, as I have been by there lots and never stopped in. Also, have read and heard many positive reviews. I was greeted by a very nice waitress who took my order. I ordered the appetizer "platter"? for two, and the gyro plate. Totaled 29.11 and tipped 5 bucks and change. Got my order and headed home. Icould tell already there was something amiss. I smelled funny, kind of a greasy smell. When I got home I saw the appetizers did not look appetizing. It had two fair size chunks of feta that had lost their firmness, 5 kalamata olives, very soupy hummus, 2 dolmas that were edible but unremarkable and calamari with an off flavor all for 16 dollars. The gyro was just ok. I have had better at the mall. The spanikopita (sp?) that came with it was awful, and squishy. I'm sure caused by condensation in the container. The vegetables that came with it had the appearance of frozen veggies from a bag. In the end we threw away the majority of the 30 dollars worth of food. If it is a take out issue, they should not do take out. I have never eaten in the restaurant so I cannot speak to that, but if this level of quality was what I would've received there I would've sent it back.

• Pros: I'm not sure of any
• Cons: The food, cost, etc.

03/26/08

4-4.5 stars!! Great food.

by pdxfoodwine

Touch of Athens is a very nice authentic Greek restaurant. We came in late on a week night and the food was still good, despite our fears. My husband had the calamari entree, which was delicious, I had the pastitsio (similar to a noodle casserole with beef, tomatoe sauce, cheese, but with a white sauce). Entrees were accompanied w/Greek salad (nice feta), pita bread, potatoes, pasta, vegetables w/feta. We ordered a side of Tzatziki, which is delicious, lots of garlic and lemon. The atmosphere is very clean, and welcoming. It's an old home and you feel transported into a quaint Greek family home. The chef made a brief appearance, he is friendly and made us feel welcome. We recommend this restaurant if in the area. It's a treat for Vancouver!

03/12/08

Great Food and Outstanding Customer service!!!

by awnd

GREAT FOOD and OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!

Best Greek Food, especially the hummus! Entertaining and romantic atmosphere! LOVE IT... go all the time for lunch and dinner!

• Pros: Great place to have in Vancouver

01/14/08

Great family restaurant

by mcgovern22

I've taken my family to Touch of Athens several times for dinner. Everyone LOVES it! Favorite appetizers are Saganaki and Tzatziki. The chicken lemon soup is out of this world, and the Leg of Lamb Weekend Special is the best! The Greek wine selections were nice and the friendly waitress suggested a delicious red to go with the lamb. George, the owner and chef came out of the kitchen to chat for a few moments. I always appreciate knowing that the chef is authentic. The live music (accordian) was fun (kids liked it). We left before the belly dancer performed, so I can't comment on that. We'll keep going back, again and again!

10/19/07

Best roofies in town! Old man got soap in his kitchen?

by mudhoneyo

Dirty old man with a dirty old kitchen. lives upstairs and hires the bums for some man time. Lack of soap is concerning.

• Pros: if yure dirty its party time
• Cons: who knows when the roofies will wear off

09/02/07

Hummus is great !

by angelsongs

First time dining ..... What an experience! Friendly, joyful, warm, was treated like I was family. Saki, the accordian player was delightful, along with the belly dancer, t hey both created a spark that invited the patrons to get up and dance, sing, creating an atmosphere of artistic expression to flow.

Best humus I have found. The garlic cucumber is wonderful!

Enjoyable night.....I will be returning often, will introduce my friends and the rest of my family to this type of down home feeling.

THANKS GEORGE Vancouver needs you!

09/30/06

Best Greek restaurant anywhere!

by basha_rose

Close to heaven! This place is so friendly and inviting...You may never want to leave. The atmosphere and wait staff make you feel right at home. The music is enjoyable. The food is incredible. Best hummus around. A great place for the whole family! Come experience real Greek hospitality!!! What a wonderful historic Vancouver treat! :)

• Pros: good food. good wine. great location. friendly.
• Cons: need more vegetarian dishes...