Kypriaki Mediterranean Grill — Restaurant in District of North Vancouver

We recently planned a surprise party for our friends' milestone anniversary and their favorite restaurant is Kypriaki. They have gone monthly for years. So naturally this was our first choice to cater the party.

After going back and forth deciding on numbers and our menu, I was assured we would be receiving medium rare lamb skewers in addition to chicken souvlaki for 35 people. I was also assured the meal would arrive between 5:30 and 5:40 so we would have time to set it up before the couple came to their surprise party. The man I was dealing with said this wouldn't be a problem as it was a fairly easy order for them to put together.

When I phoned at 5:42, the girl who answered said our order just left the restaurant because it took "longer than expected" to get it ready. I phoned the driver and he said he'd be there shortly. While we waited for our late order, the guest responsible for picking up our friends had to circle the block over and over and make up a lame excuse why she wasn't stopping. Finally, the food arrived and a moment after the driver left through the front door, the guests of honor arrived through the back door... to a beautifully decorated party room with paper bags full of food not yet able to be displayed in an attractive way. It was such a disappointment, especially after being assured we would have time to set it up for serving before they arrived.

I noticed the veggie skewer I ordered for myself was nowhere to be seen. It was delivered on its own about 20 minutes after we began eating.

Also, as I mingled, guests kept mentioning how chewy and undercooked the lamb was. A few of them showed me pieces they'd saved in a napkin and asked me how I'd ordered it cooked. I said I went with the restaurant's judgment and they recommended medium rare. The guests who volunteered to bus tables and put away the dishes commented afterward that almost all the lamb ended up cut into pieces or chewed but spit out and uneaten.

When I addressed this privately with the man who organized our catering, he doubled down that the lamb was cooked medium rare and would have cooked even more on the way to the event. I can attest, having worked in a steak house for years, as can the guests who complained to me, that it was on the edge between blue rare and rare. My assumption is that in their rush to get the late meal to us, they hurried the cook of the lamb skewers and hoped the residual heat in the sealed containers would take care of the rest en route. This didn't happen.

I am upset that when I tried to address this with the restaurant directly, I ended up receiving no further follow-up. I like to handle things privately before turning to a public review, but after paying for a substantial order for 35 people, our concerns were just dropped.

So beware if you're thinking of catering an event through Kypriaki. Once you've paid the bill, they don't care what...

Recently discovered "Kypriaki Mediterranean Grill" during visit of overseas family friend. While running some final errands before heading to the airport, I decided to check out this well-known restaurant which has been in business on the Northshore for many years, and was known as "Kypriaki Taverna" in its former nearby Marine Drive location.

The restaurant is open daily between 12 - 9pm, and has both lunch + dinner menus. On-site customer parking is also available in a lot behind the building. Kypriaki Mediterranean Grill is located mid-block near the northwest corner of Marine Drive and Bridgman Avenue and nearby Pemberton Plaza.

When we arrived at the restaurant at noon opening, we received a really great welcome. The lunch menu was in effect with many really tasty options. I chose the generously portioned baked Italian lasagna, while the family friend had the chicken souvlaki, with rice pilaf, and Greek salad.

Greek cuisine is their speciality, and they are well-known for their tasty Roast Lamb, Moussaka and Beef/Chicken Souvlaki, as well as Spanish Paella . Classic rich Greek desserts like Baclava and Bougatsa are also on offer, and not to be missed.

The interior restaurant space has a great casual Mediterranean vibe: think light ochre + blue accented walls, landscape canvasses on wall / plants, country - wood furniture, and overall warm rustic charm.

There is also a sports bar/lounge side of the restaurant with tables/comfy chairs, bar-stools, and 3 big-screens showing football/hockey games. Their daily Happy Hour drink/food specials runs between 4 - 5pm. During Spring/Summer there is an outdoor patio area along the front of the restaurant.

If you're looking for a casual Greek - Mediterranean restaurant with longstanding reputation and delicious food at reasonable prices, you definitely have to check...

1 One star for delivery food we received.

This one has been a long time forgotten until I was searching for Greek food tonight. I saw Kypriaki and it reminded me of the rediculusly low qiality of food we received on Mother's Day.

We were so disgusted a restaurant would send this out we didn't even bother calling.

Very little rice, barely covered the container bottom. Single skewers where there should have been two & Very little meat on skewers & potatoes. Just not worth the $$$ it was expensive. I wish I could dig up the pics & post... will do if I find them.

Kypriaki Has gone wayyyyy down hill and definitely not the same as old.

Yes the food experience has been good not excellent, at the restaurant* and the potatoes are excellent normally. The atmosphere is just a bit off putting and a bit rude. Almost bordering on "snooty"? Not sure why.

I am glad my tie didn't get cut off though. (This was a tradition at the old restaurant)

Really just a shame because the new location had good parking for a change.

Perhaps there is something to be said about the fact it's a fairly new location with new staff and I'm sure Mothers day was busy but they took our money and provided with an underwhelming delivery experience. Won't be back anytime soon but hope they improve so we can have more choices of Greek restaurants on the...