Dorians Greek Taverna Vernon — Restaurant in Vernon

Response from the owner, 4/14/25:

Haha omg Karen I mean Debra. Thank you for the funniest reveiw a month later. So the lamb chops were tough and we bought your meal and yes my host is the best. Thankyou for all your kind comments.

⸻

I’m reposting my review of 4/13/25 to include the owner’s response, which I found quite surprising.

Rather than acknowledging any part of the feedback, I was labeled a “Karen” — which, frankly, felt unnecessary and unprofessional. That said, I’ve decided to adjust my review and give the owner a big gold star for their tenacity alone — truly, an unwavering commitment to missing the point. (Applause!)

A simple acknowledgment along the lines of, “We’re sorry to hear about your experience and will address this with our team” would’ve gone a long way, and I would’ve gladly taken the review down. I would still love nothing more than to do so, should that opportunity arise.

Also, just to clarify: I never said the lamb chops were “tough.” They were, in fact, raw and cold — and so was the chicken. Further, you didn’t “buy my meal,” I didn’t have a meal. Big difference. The quality simply wasn’t there that night.

I do apologize for not reaching out directly at the time (you know how those damn Karens can be) though in hindsight, I feel this review reflects not just my experience, but the quiet disappointment of others at the table (and possibly others in the room) who simply chose not to speak up and never return.

It’s a funky new build, however, I gave the atmosphere 3 stars. While the exposed industrial pipes overhead give it more of an Earl’s vibe, the decor leaned more toward ‘Liberace meets urban dentist’s office’ — flashy yet oddly clinical. Not the feeling you'd expect from an ‘authentic’ Greek taverna, where the smell hits you like heaven the moment you walk in, belly dancers sway through the room, and a guy named Nick or Gus comes over to see how everything is and insists on pouring you an ouzo after dinner.

As for the meal on March 22, 2025:

The Bad: The saganaki tasted like it had been fried in burnt oil leftover from last summer’s fish fry. The lamb chops had one lonely, half-hearted sear mark and were practically still grazing. The chicken souvlaki could’ve clucked if it had the strength. The calamari (rings only) were so thick, I’m convinced they were cut from the Squid Olympics’ bodybuilding team.

Our server, bless her, was clearly having a tough day — cranky, curt, and possibly counting the minutes until her shift was over. Our entire table was polite, engaging and respectful to the staff that evening and never placed any blame on the server — who, to her credit, was doing her best under the circumstances.

The place wasn’t busy when we arrived, yet the food came out as if the staff were preoccupied debating why Kevin Costner really left Yellowstone.

The Good: Our server did remove my entrée from the bill, since 75% of it wasn’t edible. As she removed my plate of food, she asked if I wanted them to “cook it some more” not replace it. I graciously declined, as I had already lost my appetite. While there was no apology offered, she was still given a very generous tip — because some days, the universe just needs to give you a break, and honestly, I felt for her.

The lemon roasted potatoes and tzatziki were on point (chef’s kiss) and the only reason I didn’t leave completely starving.

The hostess was warm, welcoming, and absolutely exceptional.

And yes, despite it all — they still made money.

Sure, I had a little fun with my words, but I don’t believe the owner’s response did the business any favors.

I used to love this place back in the day, and I sincerely hope this was just an off night, not...

This was my 171st eatery in Vernon on my quest to eat at every eatery in Vernon.

I once came here under previous ownership twelve years ago for a big family birthday dinner. I didn't like my meal at all as there was a dish that I described as "a $13 flaming piece of cheese."

Twelve years later and it was time for a redemption arc. I paid $35.26 for the calamari dinner which includes lemon potatoes, rice, one piece of pita bread, and I subbed Caesar salad for Greek salad.

The Caesar salad was really good as well as the tzaziki dip. I ran out of tzaziki quickly.

I don't eat meat often, but the calamari tasted a little different from what I am used to in East Asia. It was still pretty good. I just hadn't adapted yet.

They offer $3 unlimited soda refills which is the lowest cost of any restaurant in town. I had three Ginger ales.

I wish there was more dip and more pits bread. I would substitute rice for another piece of pita bread next time.

Lemon potatoes were pretty good too.

Overall, I was happy with my meal. I am not the biggest Greek cuisine connoisseur as I have only spent eight days in Greece total, and my expertise is thoroughly lacking (as with most things in life).

I would come here again. It certainly was a better experience than last time.

I recommend giving this...

The restaurant is dated, with cheap vinyl on the tables. We were greeted at the door by a server who invited us to sit anywhere, and then handed us a stack of menus with loose cutlery piled onto the dirty menu to carry to the table ourselves. It was gross

We sat down, talked about going somewhere else but decided to stay because we were all hungry.

We started wuth the calamari, it came out looking very pale and greasy. We each ate a couple puces but didn't finish it because it was like eating a grease sponge. Maybe the fryer isn't hot enough

The food lacked flavour and tasted like it was cooked by someone who had better places to be. Potatoes had no caramelization from roasting, were they steamed? Not Bueno. Rice, also not good. Pita and tatziki seemed fresh, we ate that

Roast lamb looked like it was just a neck, full of vertebrate and connective tissue. Greek salad was edible, cucumber was fresh but the tomatoes were mealy.

The bill for 3 of us was $130 without any alcoholic drinks. Definitely...