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Vasili's Greek Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Greek Restaurants Mediterranean Greek, Mediterranean [Edit]
1501 Mission StSte A
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 458-9808
- Hours:
Wed-Thu 11 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 9:30 pm
Sun 12 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
262 reviews for Vasili's Greek Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The pita bread was so good too."
(in 49 reviews)
"The Lamb Souvlaki was tender and moist and deliciously..."
(in 19 reviews)
"The tzatziki is thick and delicious."
(in 68 reviews)
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262 reviews in English
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Review from Shelley C.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2012
So yummy!
Four of us dined here during a business trip and we loved it! We were sad to leave knowing we wouldn't have that deliciousness again.
There's a ton of food so we were able to take leftovers which was nice.
Love the staff, too! Thank you! -
Review from Ellen S.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
1/14/2012
Good food. I've been here before, but not prior to the sale of the business to a new owner. As far as I can tell, nothing has changed (the menu, food, waitresses, and decor are all the same) except that the loud bazouki music was missing (no music was in fact playing at all, which was fine since there was enough ambient diner noise that additional decibels may have interrupted normal-voiced conversation). I had the vegetarian platter, which contained a variety of typical Greek non-meat foods. All were good, although none were exceptional. The spanakopita, tiropitakia and pita were all tasty, but were clearly re-heated and not fresh. I remember really liking the moussaka last time I ate there, though, and my dad said his lamb was really good.
Basically, the food is good enough that I will go back there on an infrequent but regular basis. The staff is nice and prompt enough, and the slightly spartan decor doesn't matter too much to me. It's not my favorite Greek restaurant, but it's not bad. -
Review from Sarah C.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012
I don't think I've had anything not delicious here.
And you get plenty of food.
I've always really enjoyed the service and the atmosphere is really homey and comfortable.
I can't really think of anything bad to say. I guess it's not cheap. But if you go for lunch then it is!
Every experience I've had has been just REALLY pleasing. -
Review from Suzy D.
Updated - 1/5/2012
Came back here over Christmas vacation and it is still as amazing as I remember. Whenever I come home, I will always make a special trip to Vasili's. Yum!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/3/2011
Growing up, I went here at least a couple times a month. I love the tzatziki and the gyros, as well… Read more »
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Review from Julie K.
Santa Cruz, CA
11/18/2011
I came here today for lunch with my co-worker and the place was jammed packed! I had the meat moussaka and house salad: it was so good! My co-worker had a gyro with fries. The fries had this awesome mix of oregano/rosemary/garlic spices all over it which was so addicting!
I would go back just for the fries!
Although the restaurant was crowded with two huge groups the service was spot on! Attentive, accurate and friendly staff! Our waitress was like a graceful ballerina dancing between tables.
I think my lunch cost $15 including tip.
Get there by noon so you can get a table before the University crowd arrives. -
Review from Jo W.
San Francisco, CA
11/12/2011
Every time I go back to Santa Cruz, I have lunch or dinner at Vasili's . I've been going there for over ten years now, and I still love it!
The food is always fresh and realistically, I could just sit there and eat the super garlicky tzaziki and fresh, warm, herby (ok, it's not a real word) pita bread for a meal, but I always get the souvlaki. Protein and all. Also, very tasty! As are their french fries and salads.
I also love Vasili's informal, warm friendly atmosphere and wait staff.
The wines are ok, but I do wish they had a better wine selection and used better, or just slightly bigger wine glasses. (okay, admittedly, I'm picky about my housewares) And I don't mean a larger, more expensive wine selection: just some good, moderately-priced wines. Granted, it's not a fancy restaurant, but the food is so good, it deserves some good wines to go with it. Of course, everyone's taste in wine is entirely subjective, so it could be just me. -
Review from Richard L.
Mountain View, CA
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
After reading all the reviews on Yelp, we decided to try Vasili's on a Sunday evening at dinner time.
I ordered a glass of Greek red wine. I was really looking forward to enjoying it;, but it was warm and lacked much flavor. I'll have to say it was one of the worse glasses of wine I've ever had and for $8+ a big disappointment. I ordered a Greek lager beer, which was nice a cold and 100 percent better than the tepid red wine. I didn't see anyone drinking wine, which should have been my first clue that ordering wine was risky.
Next, we received Greek salads, which were fresh and seemed full of quality veggies. After about 20-30 minutes our entres arrived. The Souvlakki Plate (tender lamb chunks and grilled chicken kabob) was pretty good, including the mixed veggies. The Kota Lemonati (Oven-Roasted Half Chicken) was very dry and disappointing.
Our first visit was mediocre at best and definitely not worth the $53 we paid for our meal. With that said, we might try Vasili's another time and order different items to see if it can live up to the other positive reviews posted here. -
Review from Ada T.
San Francisco, CA
9/16/2011
Unintentionally, came here with my bf and my housemate during a time that landed on Happy Hour W-F, 3-6pm, half off all appetizers and $2 off beer and wine. We got the garlic fries, housemate and I both got chicken souvlakis (we had the same before), and my bf had the lamb souvlaki plate.
Garlic fries: Didn't taste garlicy, really oil, and a huge plate of it.
Chicken Souvlakis (gyro): The pita is nice and soft along with the tzatziki sauce. Our chicken was supposed to be marinated? But there was no way you could taste it with that creamy, garlicy goodness. Large heaps of lettuce and onion before you get to the good stuff tho. We started to get tired of eating it because the there was too much tzatziki sauce. :( Also, it is hard to hold and eat, so you would definitely have to use a knife and fork to be able to all components, melodically.
Lamb Souvlaki plate: Pretty much a broken up souvlaki. Everything was separated, the salad, the tzatziki sauce in its own little container, the lamb that looked like pulled pork, 2 pieces of pita and he had some rice. The lamb was really dry and flavorless. I didn't really enjoy what I tasted from the bite I tried. Bf was trying to be nice and said it was OKAY.
The server was nice and attentive; would check up on us periodically. Bf didn't finish his plate so we asked for a box and some sauce. Opted out of getting the sauce as a little container is $1.50. Parking is meh. We parked across the street at McDonalds, though that probably isn't allowed. -
Review from Vincent L.
Mountain View, CA
10/16/2011
Look, this is the real thing. Every time I find myself in Santa Cruz near the University and have time to stop for a meal, I want to eat at this place if I can.
The main reason people rave about the place is the soup, and I must concur.
On this visit, my companion had the lamb kabab souvlaki plate and it wasn't the first time for her. It's always delicious (and I think I might get to have it for a midnight snack or rolled into tomorrow's breakfast creation at home! Heaven for me.)
I had the Pastitsio and it was my first time to try this. OH my gosh! This is truly the food of the gods. The combination of flavors and scents filled my head with dining goodness, and I pretty much wanted to stay at that table all night long, savoring each bite of this wonderful dish until they closed and cleaned the place, then ran us out.
I chose instead to box it for a wonderful lunch tomorrow, and smile benignly as my companion finished her love affair with the most wonderfully delicate and delectable baklava either of us had seen in a long time.
I'll be back there as soon as I'm in town again, and I'm willing to bet that I'll leave with a dreamy smile on my face -- Again! -
Review from Sunny K.
Mountain House, CA
My family was in Santa Cruz for a weekend gateaway. My husband enjoyed the Pasantiempo golf course, I ran the Santa Cruz half marathon & of course the boardwalk for my little one.
We wanted to eat something nice the night before the race, not too heavy but good. The reviews on yelp were so good for this place so we had to try. The wait was long & the price seemed bit high for typical simple greek food that I know of. I almost went to other place or the burger king across the street but we patiently waited & after the meal, I was sooo happy. I forgot the name but I ordered the vegetarian dish. They had 2 kinds of vegetarian & I ordered less heavy one. It was worth the wait!!! I love this place & I would just drive down there to eat there. (we live an hour & half away). -
Review from Sam K.
Brought me and my date here for dinner after seeing the reviews on yelp. Maybe I should have done a little more research but basing this review off of my one visit. We ordered the Chicken Kebob Plate and got Garlic Fries as well.
Both of these dishes did not wow me. The salad was very fresh but the chicken was a bit dry and was a bit bland for my taste. The garlic fries were served in a big portion but I have had a lot better compared to Vasili's. Maybe next time if I ever do decide to come back I will order a different plate.
May come back for a review update as I do see that the lamb kebob plate looks good... and the lamb gyro, but there's Falafel next door. -
Review from Robin W.
9/6/2011
What are you reviewers smoking? Given that it's Santa Cruz, I can guess. Now perhaps my BF and I shouldn't have each ordered moussaka on our first (and last) visit -- he the regular, me the vegetarian. But the leaden moussaka served with CANNED vegetables -- I swear, I haven't seen canned vegetables at a California restaurant in, well, decades.
We loved the atmosphere, great waitress. But the food was horrible. -
Review from Jeremy C.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/4/2011
Tried the souvlaki with greek meatballs. The pita was a standout - thick, homemade, and not dried out as is often the case. The tzatziki was creamy and garlicky and overflowing, making the consumption a decidedly messy affair. The spread of cucumbers, green peppers, lettuce, and tomatoes was fresh. The meatballs were well-seasoned and generously portion.
Prices are slightly higher than your usual college souvlaki joint and there is a 5% surcharge for takeout, but the quality is worth it. -
Review from Yumi H.
Fremont, CA
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I heard that this Greek Restaurant was very popular in Santa Cruz. I ordered the Keftethaki Souvlaki gyro lunch special (the meatballs!) and it came with a side of oregano fries. There was so much meat... which is totally awesome! I can say that there was a bit too much of the sauce inside the gyro, and it made it a little bit salty, but there was a lot of flavor :) . Oregano fries sounds so simple yet so delicious. Where have you been all my life? I am new to herbs but this has changed my view on ways to make french fries more awesome.
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Review from Michael H.
Half Moon Bay, CA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Vasili's was a Santa Cruz tradition for a few of my friends and I, when I grew up there in the late eighties to early nineties. I have attended many a party and dish smashing party therein. I have not been back to Santa Cruz in perhaps five years, and I have not been in Vasili's for perhaps ten years or more. As I drove south into town on Mission Street, this afternoon, wondering where to eat and take my girl friend, for a taste of the hometown...Vasili's popped into my mind. Was it still there, I wondered?
Yes, it was and as good, if not better, than I remembered!! Perhaps it is that I have developed a more open mindset to the whole culinary experience but what a WONDERFUL meal it was!
There were three of us in our party. We each ordered a dinner salad and shared two entrees. We still left with a full take home box for tomorrow's lunch for two. We had the
SOUVLAKI PLATE with Eight Keftethakia (kufta, AKA Savory Meatballs) and LAMB KEBAB SOUVLAKI PLATE: Two Skewers of Charbroiled Lamb Sirloin. The lamb marinated with lemon, garlic, and greek spices was exceptional; the marinade wonderfully tangy. The star of the show for myself, was the kufta...they were mouth-wateringly tasty with a wonderful crunch and with a special side sauce/dip of pureed potatoes and garlic (a greek name I can't recall) it was mind blowing!
I am a freak for full and spicy flavors. With the range and breadth of flavors on our plates, it definitely pleased my palate (as well as the other two in my party), which is mostly under-whelmed by most restaurants. I would definitely recommend Vasil's for their both flavorful, generous entrées and casual fun atmosphere! -
Review from Liz I.
Modesto, CA
8/9/2011
If there is one thing I can't stand it's ordering something off the menu and when the receipt arrives, the prices don't match. Our family of four all ordered the souvlaki plate. When given our options for the meat we were told we could do half lamb kabobs/half roasted lamb. So we all opted for that. What the waitress failed to mention was that it would be an extra $2/plate for that choice. Now $8 is not a big deal, it's just not being told ahead of time that there would be an extra charge for that choice. Had I known, I would have just stuck with the chicken.
Having said that, the lamb kabobs were delicious, as was the tzatziki sauce. The "vegetables" are really a stew of green beans and corn which were just ok. Parking is a female dog. -
Review from Elvis M.
Sugar Land, TX
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
No typical gyro meat here. Auththic perhaps but not what I expected...
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Review from Rina v.
Santa Clara, CA
12/6/2011
Went there on Saturday of Thanksgiving week. My mom and me split a dish of lamb kebab and got HORRIBLE food poison. We still had some symptoms week later. It really spoiled our weekend plans. Other people from our party ordered other stuff and did not get sick.
Be aware of this place. We will never come back. -
Review from Kari D.
Felton, CA
11/27/2011
Very good Greek food, some authentic, some "American-ized" to suit the customers, but just about everything on the menu is delicious. Great lunch specials and really great seasoned french fries.
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Review from Jennie P.
GOOD STUFF! Friendly staff and just an overall nice vibe.
Outdoor seating available and semi-dog friendly as long as you leave them outside.
Food was good. I tried the chicken gyro and it was DELICIOUS. HUGE chunks of chicken and veggies and plenty of tzatziki sauce! YUM! It also came with this other red caviar sauce which turned out to be pretty flavorful too. I ordered it on the side because I wasn't too sure about it.
Gotta try it if you're in the area! -
Review from John E.
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Another Santa Cruz landmark, Vasili's serves up excellent Greek food in a lively and fun atmosphere.
The food here is always fresh, delicious, and hot. This time, we ordered Tzatziki, Moussaka, and a Greek salad. The waiter said that the Moussaka was one of the best in California. And after tasting it, I'd have to agree. The Tzatziki was alos amazing and the veggies in the salad were crisp and delicious. Really, everything was superb. We paired the food with a Greek amber beer that was interesting and quite tasty. They also have a small but eclectic wine list.
Two things detract from the experience. First, the parking is limited and you are lucky if you find parking out front. Second, the dining area is charming but a bit cramped. It can get pretty noisy too.
Though not the best for a quiet, romantic meal, it's an excellent place to bring the family to share some fresh and hearty food. Highly recommended. -
Review from Kathy Z.
Fremont, CA
7/3/2011 1 photo
This may be a biased review because I was starving when we came here, but the food was the most delicious Greek "fast food" I've ever had. EVER. OF ALL TIME.
I had the kefta sandwich, which is basically a ground beef patty with tzatziki sauce on a pita with veggies and hummus. The meat was perfectly seasoned, and the pita was so fluffy and soft -- it was a bit messy to eat but worth every napkin. My friends all got variations of falafels, gyros or shawarmas, which were pretty typical(ly yummy). Even the fries were fantastic!
I guess this is really a 4.5 because their menus are kind of all over the place, and I didn't get an overwhelmingly positive impression of the atmosphere (nice servers, clean space, but nothing spectacular). A solid 5 for the food quality, though. -
Review from Nadia H.
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
The tzatziki sauce was good. And the lamb was well-cooked. I would say the food was a 3.5... I wasn't blown away by the flavor, but it was high-quality ingredients and well-cooked.
The service was rude and weird. Tall girl especially. And, what? We need to get take-out because we want to eat on your patio? And knowing that we are going to be eating on the patio, you still wrap up all the food in to-go boxes, and wrap the fries in plastic making them mushy? And then you charge us an extra 5% because "to-go orders are charged 5%"?
Nonsensical policy, waste of to-go paraphernalia (if it's just that you don't want to serve on breakable plates, serve it on paper plates for all I care, but don't wrap it in plastic!).
Also, the garlic fries were majorly over-priced and underwhelming. And mushy. But who knows what they would have been like had you not wrapped them in damn plastic for us because we were sitting 3 inches on the other side of the door. -
Review from Eric O.
San Luis Obispo, CA
11/30/2011
Great food. Good service. Casual.
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Review from attitude a.
Chicago, IL
12/3/2011
I was visiting from Chicago, the land of Greek fast food everywhere you look, so I might be a little easy to impress. That said, Vasili's blew me away. The tzatziki and fresh sourdough was absolutely irresistible, and the lamb souvlaki was hands-down the best souvlaki/gyro I have ever had. It was also huge, and I ate until I felt sick because I couldn't stop chomping on it.
On the downside, now I'm worried that Vasili's has ruined Greek food for me. -
Review from Claudine V.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2011
Since I am Paleo person , I cannot EAT most of the dishes in their menu but I was so happy when I saw the Pork Spare Ribs Greek Style . OMG!!!
It was so DAMN DELISH and so TENDER.
My bf got lamb kebabs and there were very good as well.
Fast service, great food , long lines so make sure you get there as soon as your hungry:) Next time we come here , I would definitely try th flaming cheese even though I'm not allowed to eat it. -
Review from Eric L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here about a year ago. It had some solid souvlaki plates. It's right next to the university and definitely part of the college town culture.
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Review from Rachel H.
La Mesa, CA
10/17/2011
We came here by accident, we had to get something to eat on the way to the airport and were headed for the falafel place but went in the wrong door. Figured we'd try it as long as we were there. I ordered the VEGETARIAN MOUSSAKA : Eggplant, Zucchini, Potatoes, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Parsley, Onions, Garlic and Parmesan Cheese, topped with Bechamel Sauce and Nutmeg - served with a Small Greek Salad 10.95 BUT with no cheese. It was AMAZING. Really delicious. Please tell me if you know where I can find some as good here in San Diego! I would definitely stop here again next time I'm in SC.
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Review from Kayla S.
Santa Cruz, CA
11/8/2011
Really great food. The creamy tzaziki dip is so flavorful and good. I love the chicken souvlaki! I definitely recommend vasili's of you want great authentic Greek food.
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Review from Sonya P.
Felton, CA
12/30/2011
The only-star received was for service, which was good. We ordered spanakopita and a vegetarian dinner entree and they were both awful. Both plates looked and tasted as if they had come right out of a microwave. Upon looking at the menu, I had a bit of sticker shock but the place received such good reviews, we decided to stay and eat. All the plates had a green bean/vegetable side which looked and tasted like it came out of a can. The food was not fresh, nor did it taste freshly made. Between two of us, we could not even finish half of the entree dish because it really did not taste good. The food simply tasted like reheated mush.
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Review from Thai Hien H.
Los Angeles, CA
7/4/2011
I had the Kota Lemonati and Aris beer. Beer was good. Chicken was GREAT. The skin was so crispy - I don't know what else to say.
Wonderful little store in Santa Cruz. I would definitely come back if I'm ever in the area. -
Review from Cristine T.
Salinas, CA
Atmosphere: Kinda feels like grandmas kitchen. The lunch rush made it moderately busy... But not hectic or overwhelming.
Waiters: Friendly and attentive
Food: Solid Greek fare with traditional Greek flavors:
*We had cucumber dip (don't make me spell it) with fresh, seasoned pita bread & spicy French bread... Yumm!
*Also had the Greek version of Mac & Cheese... Decent.
*Anx finally add on a chicken gyro which was soooo big I had to eat it with a fork an knife! We le
Bottom line: They don't try to update a good thing. They stick with the basics cause that's what they do best. If you want traditional, simple Greek fare... Give em' a try. I'd definitely go back. -
Review from Leigh S.
Aptos, CA
8/22/2011
What a disapointment...After cooking healthy dinners all week long, we decided to give in and order take out from Vasili's. We got the veggie plate which was supposed to include a greek salad, two speads, spanikopta, grape leaves, and rice. It came in a tv dinner style tray that caused everything to run over and mix which equal mushy salad. Not a big deal b/c the salad was so blah. Shreaded iceberg lettuce, two olives, two mushy tomatoes and a small cube of feta. No dressing to speak of.
The only upside is their taramasalata was awesome and they seem to be the only place that makes it. Other then that, I would say drive to Aptos and go to Zameens. -
Review from Nicholas B.
Santa Cruz, CA
The Good:
- The Food
- The Service
- Friendly Staff
- Clean
The Bad:
- Parking
- They only serve Kota Riganati on Wednesday Nights
Tips:
- Try the Kota Riganati on Wednesday Nights
- Try the Soulvaki Plate
- Try the "Gyro" Lunch Special
- Try the "Fried Cheese"
Be careful parking in the Mc Donalds parking you may get towed
Recommendation:
OPA! I highly recommend Vasilis for all your Greek Cravings !!!Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Daniel B.
San Jose, CA
11/13/2011
My favourite Greek food place. The lamb souvlaki is bursting with flavor accompanied by the incredibly fresh salad and those amazing tomatoes.
No visit to Santa Cruz now goes without a visit to Vasili's and a visit to Vasili's is another reason to go to the beautiful Santa Cruz. -
Review from Tina J.
Sunnyvale, CA
5/12/2011 2 photos
Moussaka was average... not too much flavor. The souvlaki lamb was good. The pita bread was really good and soft, and the meat was real chunks of meat (i mean versus the meat they slice off the big hunk of gyro meat). The fries were good. But the fried zucchini was a bit disappointing,... it was more of a stir fry w/ a ton of olive oil, instead of battered and fried. Maybe it's my fault for not reading the menu carefully.
The waiters were friendly, and ambiance was nice. -
Review from Elizabeth T.
Santa Cruz, CA
8/5/2011
Happy hour here triumphs! W-F 3-6 half off appetizers and $2 off beer and wine. Many appetizers are already so cheap! There was no one else there when we arrived and just two people dined while we were there at 4. Seems crazy people would miss out on such a great deal but I would not guess a Greek place had happy hour.
Tiropita had a rich and buttery flavor, spanakopita was delicious, served with a generous side of lemon wedges to add even more flavor, chicken souvlaki was juicy, with fresh tomatoes and crisp lettuce, tzatziki and pita was the best I have had anywhere around this part of the coast, and garlic fries were just garlicky enough and even better with fresh lemon juice. Whoever the server was Thursday around 4 p.m. was what one could hope all servers could be. Super nice, checked in with us just enough and even thanked us for stacking our dirty plates which was a first for me. Hope she/and or her boss sees this - you're the bomb!
For two orders of spanakopita, one order of tiropita, small garlic fries (which was huge) one chicken souvlaki, and three beers it was only $33. -
Review from Archana S.
San Jose, CA
9/25/2011
Ahhhhhhhh the best gyro ever...stopped in and bought one gyro...in less than 5 mins finished it and went back to get the second...haha....yummmyyyyy sauce...big chunks of meat....get an extrra cup of thr sauce...the sauce makes it the bestttt...yogurt n cucumber (thnk its tahini) falafel balls are good tooo....Dont even think twice about giving this place a try.....
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Review from Ashley F.
San Francisco, CA
Hands down the best Greek food I've ever had. The food portions are huge and the price is incredibly cheap. The food is freaking amazing. My boyfriend and I's favorites are: the Tiropita, the Taramosalata and the lamb Souvlaki (the Tzatziki sauce on the Souvlaki is killer). I'm freakishly obsessed with their Taramosalata, so much so I crave for it EVERY week.
The atmosphere is super casual and the staff is very friendly.
This place is so good, that both my boyfriend and I consider driving up every weekend from 50 miles away just for lunch. We love it that much. -
Review from Kara M.
Palo Alto, CA
2/26/2011
This place is actually a 3.5-3.75 star restaurant. With all the 5-star reviews I was a little suspect about this place (too many "OMG" and "amazing" and "I'd drive 50 miles every weekend!") but decided it was worth a shot since I have exhausted my usuals around town. I got my order to-go, which is probably not a good idea for a first-timer. I don't know what it is, but every time you get something to-go, no matter where it's from, it just isn't as good as eating it at the restaurant. I'll update my review after I have a sit-down meal but for now this is based purely on the food itself.
Dish #1: Lamb Souvlaki
This was definitely on the dry side, which was unfortunate, since the thing I love about souvlaki is how tender & juicy the meat is supposed to be. The accompanying vegetables were good although they were sitting in oil when I opened the to-go container. Probably one of the bonuses of getting food to-go...if it's sitting in grease by the time you make it home you are more certain about the health factor of your food. The tzatziki sauce was definitely good and I liked the spices on the pita bread to accompany it.
Dish #2: Moussaka
My favorite moussaka ever is from Evvia in Palo Alto (sister restaurant to Kokkari in SF) and I'm pretty sure I will never get better moussaka anywhere else other than say, Greece itself. I was a tad disappointed in Vasili's version of moussaka but it was still pretty good. I would get it again if I were to come back.
I got a side order of spanikopita and that was very underwhelming. The frozen spanikopita at Trader Joe's is better so don't bother with this, just go straight to the main courses (or try a different starter).
The salads tasted like they were soaked in vinegar so I was not a fan. I love Greek salad but I only ate half of mine.
All in all I'll probably go back and stay at the restaurant to compare experiences but this is not the best Greek food I've had in my life and it's certainly not the worst. It's definitely better than most places that just serve gyros and hummus so if you've never tried Greek food Vasili's is a good place to start. Get the moussaka.
