I have a story
Last night, we did take away. A small indulgence and a small support for our local community business. I called Village Grec … a fixture on Jean Talon in Park Ex.
I placed my order and finished with i would like to have slices a bread included please, I will pay for this. I was told “ it is included with your salad.”
After one hour of restless waiting, I called Village Grec to find out what the delay was about. I was told the driver is in his way.
One hour and ten minutes later, the order of $53.75 arrives. The driver leaves, and we discover we are without the bread. I called back the restaurant. I tell the person at the counter we were without the bread. She responds “the chef forgot to include it.” I reply “ I see but I am still without bread that I was willing to pay for. And how am I supposed to eat the tzatziki and salad without bread. The response “ the chef did not put it in the bag.”
No apology and no driver to return three blocks with the bread. Because this is how our community businesses acknowledge, respect, and realize our choice to choose their establishment over the +15 other choices. And what could I possibly respond to this IQ of an eggplant without spinning into repetition because she just did not get it.
I could have driven to Marathon on Decarie, picked up my order, paid less and still have returned home in less than one hour and ten minutes. Or walked over to Marven’s next door. You consider that Village Grec…. You are not the only souvlaki joint to choose from, but we decided to support your business and buy our take away from you.
You may not have been our first choice for souvlaki take away, but Village Grec was our choice for last night, regrettably.
So, was the 30 cents you saved and one less client worth the attitude? You may have laughed about it yesterday, but remember this: we will be telling everyone who cares to listen! And, I was going to pass by today for a face to face but decided you are not worth the trouble.
I suggest anyone who eats there orders bread and makes sure there is no...
Read moreWhen a close friend from Greece insists a local spot tastes “just like back home,” you listen. That’s how I found myself at Village Grec Souvlaki, a cozy, unassuming eatery in Montréal that delivers an authentic Greek experience with every bite. From the moment I stepped inside, the warm, taverna-like vibe—complete with Mediterranean accents and the hum of lively conversation, felt inviting.
The star of the show, as promised, is the “Village Grec Gyro”. Wrapped in a soft, pillowy pita, this humble-looking masterpiece is a flavor explosion. Thinly sliced meat is seasoned with a masterful blend of spices, charred to smoky perfection, and paired with crisp tomatoes and onions that crunch like they were plucked from a garden that morning. But the real magic lies in the tzatziki —creamy, tangy, and utterly essential, it elevates the gyro from great to unforgettable. My friend wasn’t exaggerating: this is the taste of Greece, no passport required.
What surprised me most was the consistency. After two return visits, each gyro arrived with the same care and quality, a rarity in the fickle world of dining. The staff, friendly and efficient, wear their pride in tradition like a badge of honor, emphasizing their commitment to time-tested methods.
While the gyro alone justifies a pilgrimage, the menu teases other classics: souvlaki skewers sizzling off the grill, Greek salads bursting with feta and olives, and lemon-roasted potatoes that I’ve vowed to try next time. Takeout and outdoor seating options make it a versatile spot, whether you’re craving a quick lunch or lingering over dinner with friends.
In a city brimming with trendy eateries, Village Grec Souvlaki stands out by keeping it simple. No fussy garnishes, no avant-garde twists—just fresh ingredients, tradition, and a commitment to authenticity that’s as rare as it is delicious. As my friend said, “This is what it tastes like back home.” And after one bite, you’ll...
Read moreSo you think you know Greek food. You've likely had a souvlaki experience or two. Maybe tasted a spanakopita that your friend's mom's neighbour baked. You may have even been to Greece and sampled the fresh seafood, the simple yet heartening salads and the unapologetically bold flavours. And if you're reading this you probably are in Montreal or are planning to visit and have heard some things about the Greek food in this town. Don't be fooled. This city does a lot of things well food-wise; there's no disputing that. But for all its culinary gravitas, there are some serious lapses in the area of mediterranean cuisine in our fair city. Fortunately, there are some bright spots, like Village Grec on Jean-Talon in Parc Ex. To say that this place is iconic would be both redundant and a fallacy. It's redundant because those of us who grew up loving it know the truth. It's a fallacy because too many have ignored or have not been clued in to the truth. And that is that this little gem of a place makes the most delicious souvlaki and gyro pitas one can ever hope to taste. This isn't hyperbole. Let me be clear; Village Grec doesn't just make the best gyro in Montreal. They make the best pita sandwiches I've ever tasted. And I've been to Greece. My family is Greek. I've tasted the delectable souvlaki in Athens, the gyro in Glifada, the kebabs in Kalithea...none of it comes close to matching the delicate harmony and balance of the flavours of Village Grec's exquisitely simple composition of meat on pita bread with tzatziki, onions and tomato. If you're in town for a visit or if you've lived in Montreal your whole life and have been blinded by more flashy offerings, I offer you a light. To put it plainly, Village Grec is the best place in town, and perhaps the world, to sample the humble yet elegantly simple gyro and souvlaki pita sandwiches. Opa!- my...
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