Yanni's Greek Restaurant — Restaurant in Seattle

I went to Yanni's Greek because I wanted to experience what Gordon Ramsay did on Kitchen Nightmares. First of all, I sat at the same table that Gordon did so that was an interesting start. I started off with the lamb lollipops which were very good and the perfect appetizer size. Then I got my moussaka as my main entree. Even though Ramsay criticized it and I am a fan of his, I felt his review was wrong. The moussaka here is made to order so it does take time. I grew up in a Greek neighborhood so I know what good moussaka is. When I dug into my moussaka, it was piping hot, wasn't oily and very flavorful. It's 100% legit moussaka for sure and it's worth the wait. It's absolutely shocking when you see what Ramsay said and what he wanted them to do in regards to their moussaka. I'm so glad they stuck to their guns and kept this dish the way they've always done it. I finished my moussaka to the last bite. I can't wait to return to Seattle just to order this again. Alyse is right, it is definitely a 10 out of 10.

When you dine at Yanni's, you absolutely must order the baklava ice cream. That is the best way to end your meal here. The baklava provides a great texture to the ice cream but it doesn't come off as soggy or inedible. It is blended in nicely with the creamy ice cream and comes off as guilty pleasure because it's not overly sweet so you can devour it easily. I lucked out because they had like a half a portion left and they gave it to me. Thank you Karen for giving me this opportunity! I was so happy to have tried it and it really put an exclamation point to my meal. By the time I left, the restaurant was packed and I can see why.

Even though I went to Seattle as a tourist, I always dine where the locals go. If the locals love it, then you know you're in for a treat. I was so happy to hear all of the stories about the Kitchen Nightmares experience. It was so interesting to me because you can really see what they gained from the show (decor and menu decisions) and it really made me love Yanni's even more. I wished I had asked about the pumpkin hummus because I see it's no longer...

Much like a lot of relocatees into the WA area, I had originally heard about Yanni's from re-runs of their 2013 Kitchens Nightmare episode. Seeing that this restaurant is one of the few that have beat the test of time and have survived / thrived in the 10 years after, I had high expectations and decided to make the hour+ trek up to dine in at Yanni's since I probably wouldn't get the opportunity again because of work.

After finding a parking spot, myself, my wife and son walked into the restaurant and was immediately greeted by a Runner. He originally quoted us a 30-35min wait because they were only using one side of the restaurant. No issue with that because they were full. However a table opened up within 10, and we were quickly ushered into our seats.

Our waiter had a calm and light personality and had joked with us while recommending some choices. We had ordered a Pikilas Dip Appetizer to share, 2 drinks, a Kalamari Plaki for myself, and the Mr Yanni's Half Rotisserie Chicken with a side of fries and small Caesar salad for the wife.

We had received our drinks and appetizer relatively quickly and the Pita Bread and Hummus Dips were amazing. However, this was going to be the last time we were taken care of for the next 93min (or 3.5 episodes of Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, as per to keep my son entertained).

After multiple (~3) tables, that came in after us, were all eating their entrees, a runner came out and refilled our waters and then our meals were brought out. My wife's chicken was nicely seasoned and it tasted great. My Kalamari meal was rather lackluster. It was over seasoned and the sauce came out sweet and was overbearing.

At hindsight, the waiter was in charge of flipping no less than 12 stand alone tables in the facility. 2 runners and 1 host were only filling the occasional drinks and resetting the tables once people left. The portion sizes and atmosphere was enjoyable, but the rest did not feel adequate to the $100 that was spent.

I do plan on coming back to try another entree, chalking it up as a fluke and...

Yannis Greek restaurant is an absolute gem! From the moment you step through the door, you're enveloped in the warm embrace of Mediterranean hospitality. The menu boasts a wide variety of mouthwatering options, each dish bursting with authentic flavors that transport you to the shores of Greece. Whether you're craving a classic gyro or adventurous enough to try their signature half rotisserie chicken, every bite is a culinary delight.

What truly sets Yannis apart is the way they treat their guests like family. With each visit, we're greeted with genuine warmth and enthusiasm, making us feel right at home. It's rare to find such personalized service in today's fast-paced world, and it's a testament to the restaurant's dedication to creating unforgettable dining experiences.

As if the exceptional food and hospitality weren't enough, Yannis also offers a unique perk—a 10% discount if you pay with cash! It's a thoughtful touch that demonstrates their commitment to going above and beyond for their customers.

On a personal note, dining at Yannis Greek restaurant always brings back fond memories of a beloved family-owned Italian restaurant in San Diego that I frequented in my younger years. There's something special about the cozy atmosphere and heartfelt service that instantly makes you feel like part of the family.

In conclusion, Yannis Greek restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Mediterranean cuisine served with a side of warmth and hospitality. Make sure to bring your appetite and a few bills for that extra cash discount—you...