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

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.