Today we were at the highly acclaimed Adonis, a newer Greek spot on the Granville Strip. We were here celebrating a friend’s birthday, and this place was recommended as a more lively setting with in-house entertainment. Looking for a good time we made our reservations early and counted down the days.
From the exterior the restaurant is non-descript, inside the space has been transformed. I have been in it previous reincarnation, so can confidently say that it feels like day to night. It is now more robust with an opulent style. The room is surrounded by white walls meant to mimic the architecture of Greece along with Grecian style pottery and sculptures; all set in a warm amber glow. We were seated at the very back by the DJ booth.
We started with a round of drinks from their signature cocktail menu. I had Mo’s Way, intrigued by the mix of spirits. Volcan Blanco Tequila, Bombay Gin, Ginger Beer, Port Wine, and Lime. Despite this deadly sounding mix this was fairly easy to drink with depth that had you going back for more.
After this I went to wine, thinking a red would be a better match to our shared family style meal below. This in between shots of tequila.
For food we started with a Trio of all their dips plus grilled pita to dip them into. The Chickpea Hummus was roasted and salty. The Beetroot was on the sweeter side, but still salty. And the Babaganoush was my favourite with its mashed texture that contrasted the fluffy pita. This was easy sharing that helped to jump start our appetite and want to drink.
The Calamari was the classic grilled squid chopped up and seasoned with dill spice, and served with tzatziki for dipping. I liked how they were cut into larger pieces, which gave you more surface area to chew through.
The Saganaki was a great show. Fried Kefalograviera (a hard Greek table cheese) dressed in a lemon infused honey and set on fire, table side. Just as quick as it is lit, the flame is blown out. Be warned, it is just as quick to cook and harden, leaving the pita not tough enough to scoop it up with.
The Prawns were a small serving, not enough to share between five girls. Three larger pieces for $25 felt a little steep. Dressed in ‘nduja (a spicy, soft, and spreadable cured pork sausage from Calabria, Italy), garlic, and dill. Accompanied with more crunchy pita chips to be used as a base, which was needed given how salty this was.
I enjoyed the Spanakopita the most. Large triangles stuffed with spinach and feta. Flaky and crispy these were cheesy bites that satisfied.
From the list of entrees we ordered their Chicken Souvlaki and were given a warning by the server. This is just the chicken and if you wanted it as a platter you would have to add on rice pilaf and roasted potato separately. That we did. Once again for just chicken $46 seemed a little steep. This was simply grilled boneless chicken, nice enough but nothing out of the ordinary. The rice and potatoes however felt dressed up with additional vegetables and a golden brown deep fry.
We also had the 48 Hour Brined Chicken. At $38 for chicken supreme, lemon gnocchi, and pickled cucumber, this felt like a more substantial plate than above. The chicken was also nicer, more tender and juicy with a rustic flavour to pair with the squishy squares of herbed gnocchi.
Overall I found everything we had salty, however that might be intentional to have guests continue ordering drinks to wash out the mouth.
For dessert we ordered the Lemon Tart, asking for it to be dressed for a birthday, but they gave us a cake specifically for just that. So this we ate as a regular dessert. A refreshingly tart lemon cream with candied lemon peel and a poppy seed streusel base. Its flaky base made me think baklava. This was a nice last bite to cleanse the palate with and end our salty meal on a sweeter note.
As for the actual birthday cake the kitchen brought out a complimentary lemon sponge. It was a dry cake with thick candy-like icing. However, this was not about the dessert, but the large sparkler that topped it and the gel frosting wishing her “happy birthday” in black. No need to blow out the candle, but watch it burn out as we sang happy birthday.
We also wanted the staff bring out a handheld, back lit billboard sign wishing her happy birthday, by name in lettering. Ones that we saw being walked out for other tables. However, changed our minds when we learned that this service only came with bottle service and the cheapest was just under $200. Or you can buy just the novelty of the sign, as is, no shots or drinks included for $50. This is just $50 for the sign and the staff to hold it and wave lights like you get in a night club setting, celebrating something similar. This was disappointing and felt like a money grab.
Instead, we fully enjoyed and participated in the live entertainment. This included the staff twirling cloth napkins to Christen the start of the night. Followed by some minor dancing by an employee in armour with a Greek flag and another dressed like a bride in a white gown.
They had a saxophonist playing the instrumentals of popular songs, paying special attention to each table. Taking the time to pause and play privately, as if just for them.
Similarly, the belly dancer invited guests to dance alongside her. Here, the birthday girl shed the shyness she held for the saxophonist, and got up to show her moves. She rolled her hips in-front of the whole restaurant, alongside our performer.
In conclusion, I would recommend them for an interactive dinner. However, between unmemorable drinks and a food menu I found too salty and not all that authentic, at a higher than average price, I would come for the entertainment and the vibes, but not for the food alone.
Andonis Vancouver
1193 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M1
(604) 565-1193
andonisvancouver.com
