Kisamos Taverna — Restaurant in Richmond

My wife and I decided that tonight was a night for greek food so we headed to Kisamos. This was our second visit and I think it was even better tonight than the first time we tried it.

We started with some calamari because we both love it and know if we don't get it as an appetizer, we'd just end up getting it as meals. It was light and crisp with tender squid and a thick garlicky tzatziki. Well executed and a generous portion, something that seems to be common amongst Greek restaurants I've been to.

For dinner I had the roast lamb, it was succulent and falling off the bone. Full of flavour with a light minted gravy on top, it was deeply satisfying. Their roast potatoes are also better than average, not too soft with a bright lemon flavour and crispy along the bottom. Greek salad was fresh, light dressing and paired well with everything. The pilaf was more on the average side but still good. My wife had the prawn souvlaki which was okay, nice touch of char from the grill, but I don't know if I'd order it again when stacked against everything else we've tried at Kisamos. Last time we visited the ribs were the stand out dish.

We managed to save some room to share a dessert of ekmek, mostly because I saw they had it last time but didn't save any room so I wanted to make sure to try it this time. Very tasty, the custard was fantastic, creamy without much sweetness on it's own so that when mixed with the whipped cream and cinnamon syrup it all balances each other out. The Kataifi on the bottom tasted like it could have been baked a little longer but didn't hinder my enjoyment of the dessert much.

This is a really solid Greek restaurant, I'd recommend giving it a shot and getting either the roast lamb or greek ribs, plus a calamari...

Oh boy, what a huge let down and disappointment at Kisamos. We used to live in Steveston several years ago and were regulars here. We loved it, the staff were friendly and attentive and the food was the best Greek in Richmond. Today we were out in Steveston (it’s been a few years!) and of course decided to have dinner here. Made a rezo and we’re seated on time. The restaurant was normal busy but not slammed. Our server was nice but short with us but we figured just due to her being busy. All good. The drinks and appy, Saganaki, came out fast and was great. We were served pita, no tzatziki. Not the way it was served before, but ok. Our meals came out in a reasonable amount of time, and here’s where it all just sucked. We ordered the roast lamb, it was over cooked and without much flavour. The Greek salad has little to no dressing. The potatoes were way over salty, and no lemon. The chicken souvlaki was over salty. After our meals arrived, our server never came back to our table to check on us or see how the food was. We had to flag down another server to refill our waters. Again when we were done, (didn’t finish our dishes) we had to flag down someone to ask for our bill. Our server came over with the bill and didn’t even ask how our meal was. Interestingly, we overheard another couple complaining about their food and experience. One bad night? I don’t thinks so. Too many things were sub par, and there was plenty of staff. Such a shame as this used to be a great restaurant for delicious Greek food and friendly service. Now it seems, it’s changed. I wouldn’t even say it’s average. At least based on our experience...

My family has always loved eating here we came once every while from Vancouver. I used to always beg my parents to take us here as it was one of my favourite Greek restaurants, but today's experience has left a bitter taste in my mouth.

As other reviewers mentioned they gave you a look if you were a person of colour. We called to make a reservation at 7:20 PM for three people as we were on our way the owner picked up and said to come before 8 p.m. I found that quite weird as the restaurant closes at 9 pm. Do they not take customers an HOUR before closing? We arrived at 8:01 PM and were rudely greeted by the owner saying “I'm surprised you showed up, I was going to call to cancel” While yes we did show up with three extra people I quickly scanned the restaurant and there were four empty tables. The owner told us “You can't do that! Fine, it's your lucky day.” then they angrily pushed two tables together and threw the menus down. I understand having the number of people coming to change without notice might have been upsetting, but they could not justify their behaviour because of that. The food has also gotten worse the chicken souvlaki I ordered was dry and burnt, the calamari was subpar and the roast lamb left a great deal to be desired. Only when we tipped 15% did the server say thank you.

Disappointed, to say the least, we will not be supporting this place anymore. I advise everyone to find a new...