Taverna Khione — Restaurant in Brunswick

TLDR: If you like mediocre Greek food and being treated like a second class citizen, this might just be the place for you. If not, avoid at all costs. Food is overpriced and only okay. The staff are rude and unreasonable. And the atmosphere is cramped with a lovely tinge of hostility. These people think who they are when they very much are not.

Vibes: Bad and broken. Taverna Khione is an exceptionally small restaurant. I say that because it was readily apparent that despite having a reservation, we were not welcomed there by either the restaurant staff or the clientele. Immediately we were greeted by a very rude woman who sat us seemingly against her will. She then proceeded to take approximately ten minutes to return with water for our table despite the fact that we were one of only three parties in the restaurant. Then went a coworker showed up, we asked politely to move over an extra chair so our friend could join us. To this, we were met with a very curt response of “we don’t do that here, you’re going to have to sit at separate tables.” Stunned. After a solid 60 seconds of awkward silence, we complied not knowing what else we were to do. Now I’ve been to restaurants ranging from Michelin Star French dining, to pit bbq shacks on the side of the road and no where has a restraint ever presumed to be that far over their guests that they would split up a cohesive group because another person came into the equation. The audacity that these people showed by placing themselves over the dining experience of their paying customers goes far beyond words. As a restaurant manager myself I would never in a million years expect one of my patrons to do something they didn’t want to do in my establishment. That interaction, mixed with the staffs reluctance to engage us in any and all questions, serve us in a timely fashion, and treat our party with any modicum of respect is indicative of an establishment that truly thinks they are better than everyone else simply because they have the market cornered for Greek cuisine in that particular part of Maine. It is a fallacy for them to assume that because they are the only upscale Greek restaurant that they are also the best Greek restaurant. They are bottom rate at best and should be avoided at all costs. I would recommend that American Express and Opentable conduct investigations into their business practices because they seem like greedy and ill mannered people who only seek to prey off the good graces of tourists and casual passersby.

Food: About on par with the halal food stands in any major city and that’s actually doing those guys a bit of a disservice. I got the braised goat over noodles and found it to be rather bland and under seasoned. While the idea of a braised meat always sounds delightful, I found that the tomato base was far too overpowering to contend with the flavor of the meat and wasn’t complemented well with any additional ingredients. In stark contrast to the bland main course, the dip we got as an appetizer was offensively garlicky that left that greasy garlic taste in our mouths well into the next morning. It was also served with a strange almost soggy, crumbly bread that seemed like it had been left on the counter for a day or two. Additionally, it was readily apparent that this establishment exists solely to run up the margins on their guests as demonstrated by my friend who ordered the lamb chops and would’ve been left with nothing more than a over cooked piece of meat with the consistency of a shower shoe had she not ordered a side for an extra cost. Kinda strange approach to lamb chops but to each their own. The wine selection was nice and thoughtfully arrayed however small likely owing to the fact that it is a...

On a cold Tuesday night four of us gathered for an early dinner at the Taverna. The waitress was gracious and accommodating. The wine list is extensive and excitingly different. We selected a delicious red wine from Peloponnese, from Abelon Winery and sipped that with dips ( tzatziki, a feta and hot and sweet pepper, taramasalata) served with grilled and charred peasant bread brushed with oil. We sampled a baked filo pie filled with braised leeks, feta and dill was rich, with alLucious creaminess and flaky pastry, a Greek white bean soup with vegetables and herbs, a Pastitsio of pasta, béchamel, and classic cinnamon, tomato beef combination. The sides chosen were warm herb roasted beets which were beautifully sweet and savory, melt in your mouth roasted potatoes, infused with fresh lemon, and a platter of perfectly baked delicata squash rings. What a treat to explore so many unique flavors, colors and textures of what felt like super healthy options. The menu is al la carte and we could have also chosen halibut, lamb shanks, or chops, sea bass, and so much more. One diner enjoyed a dark NA Portland produced local beer. Desert was the classic baklava that was prepared with a top and bottom file crust filled with cinnamon scented walnut mixture, and a slice of yellow cake dotted with fruity cherries and topped with a cherry juice drizzle. The cherries used were just beautiful in flavor. Tiny vintage cups of Turkish coffee were strong and black and slightly sweetened with honey. The Taverna is a cozy cafe just off Main St in Brunswick, surprisingly simple and elegant at once. We were told by the server they sell their imported wines through a wine club and host wine pairing dinners. We plan to...

I've been coming to Brunswick since I was born and this is my favorite restaurant in town... and to think I only found it this past summer! Taverna Khione is a welcome change from the all too common blt, fish & chips, and lobster roll fare in the area. Don't get me wrong, those are all good, but sometimes you need something different!

The Food: -I recommend starting with the Tzatziki and bread. The Fava is good too, but the Tzatziki is just a little better. -Next, you MUST order the Soutzoukakia -- "Veal and beef meatballs with cumin and allspice; white wine-tomato sauce," according to their website, and oh so yummy. -Last time I was there, I got the special which was veal... no one was more surprised than I was when it stole the show! Their lamb is usually very good as well. That being said, they do change up their menu and I would definitely ask your server what they recommend. -Finish it all off with a greek coffee. Yamas!

Service: I know a lot of folks have complaints about the service. And while you definitely can't expect to be fawned over here, our food has always been very timely. This won't be helpful for visitors, but as we've become regulars the service has improved and we quite enjoy that aspect as well now.

Reservations: You need to make one. Every time I've eaten here people have been turned away.

Parking: There is a small lot to the left of the Taverna. We've never had trouble finding parking there.

P.S. I didn't mention it, but wine is...