A 56 seat, modern Greek restaurant is taking over the old India Grill space at 1835 West 4th, just across the street from Trattoria Italian Kitchen and next door to soon-to-arrivers PHAT and Pinkys (fully licensed and everything). The young, brothers-in-law owners are scions of F&B families (Olympia Pizza, Caprice, Celebrities, Plaza) and are already partners in another venture, Kitsilano Billiards.
One of them, Alex Graffos, told me tonight that we can expect “Greek food like we’ve never had it before”. The emphasis will be on sharing plates, or “mize” as he calls it, referring to a popular dining style in Athens. The previous tenants had built over a perfectly good wood-burning oven, and it will now be restored and used during service. Bonus: Graffos says he’s shipping in only the best Greek wines and ouzos, the kinds we never get to see, buy, or taste. Cue Tim Pawsey’s saliva.
Piato, as the restaurant is called (it means “Plate” in Greek), is scheduled to open in September. We wish them the best of luck for a seamless build.
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This is my new “most excited to eat at” restaurant opening.
What kyledejong said… thanks for the heads up!
“Greek food like we’ve never had it before”. Does that mean it will be good?
kits needs a great place like that… especially when it will look the picture above!
I love the way you always get the inside scoop on design Andrew
I had high hopes for Piatos. I have worked in Vancouver restaurants for over 10 years and was excited about the idea of greek beyond souvlaki. Piato could not have been more disapointing. The room itself was contemporary, simple, I liked it. The service was riduclous, she highly recommended the cod or tuna, I opted for the tuna and she brought me the salmon. hmmmm. My boyfriend waited patiently with his cold quail and potatoes for my tuna to arrive. I understand mistakes, I have patience, for gods sake I have catered to the down and out and the high and snotty. This was the worst food I have ever had. I t was inedible, the tuna tasted like tin and blood, it was served with bagged brown greens in a pool of olive oil. I had two bites. We voiced our opinions quietly to our server, ” I cant tell the manager, he would freak out, but I told the other servers, and they would never eat what you had.” … lovley. Seventy dollars later, we headed over to Pinky’s Steakhouse, 2 doors down, for a full plate of deep fried calamari to take the edge of. What a waste of time.
Boganest restaurant. Huge prices, slow service,
I completely agree with “T” and “Onoma”.
We were there opening night and the service we had was horrible and the food, well, let’s say we should have stayed home.
I wrote about it to let others know, giving them a ‘discount’ for the opening night thing. I have to say I’m not overly surprised that the service and food issue wasn’t a one-off thing.
Had the salmon. Was like rubber. Lamb, rancid. Wanted to complain, which I never do, but this time really wanted to. Waitress just shrugged.
2 people: apps + antree and drinks: $90.
Satisfaction? ZERO.
Festivus, sounds like you got the same kind of taste in your mouth that I did.
Honestly, I don’t know why Erik and Rob continue to pump this place up. It’s horrible.
My boyfriend and I went there last night and we were really surprised…we didn’t plan on going there but we saw it as we were walking by…there was no room for us at the bar or the restaurant but our host went out of his way to make room….my fried cheese with balsamic was delicious…so was my moussaka…my boyfriend wasn’t as impressed with the lamb but it wasn’t disappointing…it was a great experience and nice looking place…
Loved it! Really enjoyed the fresh take on an old concept. Great room, excellent dishes and great ouzo. Nice staff, could be more knowlegdeable. Nice twist on the Saganaki. 2 drinks, 2 appys, 2 entrees, and a 50 dollar bottle of wine for 115 dollars. I say great value.
I think that Piato is great! I had the most delicious meal..I tried the soups (all 3 were amazing), shared the greek salad, and had the swordfish which was served with giant baked beans that are my new favourite. Our server was great as well, helpful, friendly and fun. We even thought “what the hell” and tried the ouzo! An atmosphere I will surely dine in again!!
Piato is a fresh take on Greek cuisine.. I suggest you forget Earls or Cactus and try something new
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