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Ithaka Greek Restaurant
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Ithaka Greek Restaurant is a family-owned business that celebrates culinary and Greek cultural traditions through authentic, healthy and lovingly-prepared food. Be our guest! We have moved into our newly renovated location at 716 Burdett avenue. We look forward to seeing you soon! From June, July & August we are now open on mondays.
Features
CUISINES
Mediterranean, Greek, Grill, Healthy
Meal types
Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
BYOB
Digital Payments
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Free off-street parking
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 4:30 PM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuesday
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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4.6
1,504 reviews
Excellent
1,116
Very good
262
Average
81
Poor
28
Terrible
17
George Keiser
Sedona36 contributions
July 2024 • couples
As a person who made his career focusing on organizational development, I’m always curious to see how restaurant staff relate and work with each other. These people obviously like and respect each other. They work well together which is a testament to the ownership/leadership of the organization. Now for the food, AMAZING!!! Mur, a staff member of the Doubletree across the Street, highly recommended it and gave us the history of the restaurant in its previous as well as current location. The calamari was so tender it melted in the mouth and the coating was light, not detracting from the calamari. Vegetables were perfectly cooked without being overcooked. My wife’s roast pork was equally delicious. All too frequently baklava in the US is saturated with sweet syrup. Not this baklava, had deep layers of filo and filling with fabulous flavor without the fake syrup. Everything is prepared in house insuring quality and consistency. We will be back during a future visit.
Written 12 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andreaatkinson101
Darien14 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Wow! We just got back to our hotel after dinner at Ithaka and had to write an immediate review! Probably the best Greek food we’ve ever had…so so good. I could have ordered everything on the menu but chose the trio of dips with pita, spanakopita, saganaki and chicken souvlaki. The chicken came with rice and lemon potatoes that literally melted in my mouth. Our server was amazing and so kind and accommodating. We sat in one of the rooms off to the side which was quiet and perfect ambience. Sadly we are just passing through Victoria but would highly recommend this place! Don’t miss out!!
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitri Adamopoulos
Hello Andreaatkison101,
I am really pleased you enjoyed your visit to Ithaka. I am happy you thought so highly of the food. It's great you enjoyed the service, and the prefect ambiance. We hope one day perhaps we will see you again.
On behalf of my family, & team Ithaka thank you for your review.
Sincerely,
Dimitri Adamopoulos
Written 24 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PeterD
Cabo San Lucas89 contributions
July 2024 • couples
Great spot for great food. Kaitlin was our server and a very good one!! She asked if we had any questions, explained new items on the menu as well as offering desserts.
Second time there , both very good. Thanks to the whole team!!
Written 11 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
biffripjock
Victoria19 contributions
Apr 2024 • business
I believe i provided a glowing review about two years ago and declared ithaka top five restaurant in the city.
A friend of mine had recentlyy gone and commented in the shrinkflation. Being less food and raised prices
I had to see for myself to confirm.
Three of us attended a buisness dinner.
Atmosphere, as it has always been some cozy corners some brighter spaces well decorated a soild 8.5/10
Service simply awesome they work as a team clearing conplimenting pouring attending. 10/10
Food
Calamari dinner
7.5 /10 portion was good flavours were standard.
Lamb shank, is a lamb shank. Well served accompanying veges etc now priced high 30$. 8/10
Lamb chops - were NOT chops. Previous years proper chops five to a plate healthy serving of rice and veggies delicious and perfect. Now they take a rack of lamb amd carve of ribs with a little wedge of meat at the end. Very thin. Med rare is a joke with meat so thin. Five on a smattering of rice. Flavours not what it was. Very dissaopointing 6/ 10 i think it was 44$
Wine 22$ for a glass of robert mondavi. Thats not very nice
Baklava fair maybe not as many layers of pastry some lighter versions but fair
Pita and homous 10-12$ appy. One piece of pita sliced into micro wedges. Perhaps a pita and ahalf or two would be better either that or order one per person.....but thats silly
Spanakopita appy. Pretty good two kinda mini wedges.
Beer on tap sleeves not pints. Disappinting as most places these days so in victoria i think thats 8-10 a beer
Lime margarita / served as a cocktail short tumbler glass. Was goid but i would think most people expect it as a larger glass .
Message to ownership. Everyone knows times are tuff this establishement was one of the best in the city. Charge the premium but stick to the quality and sense of value. We will pay when the experience makes it worth while. Sadly i would have to
Go out on a limb to return anytime soon
Written 13 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fcoopfaff
11 contributions
July 2023 • couples
We were comparing Ithaca to the restaurant preceding it. Service was great but we were disappointed with our food. We had the moussaka. It was barely warm and the potato topping was not fluffy and light but appeared like plaster. It was tasty but not great. Every other thing on the plate was stone cold (vegetables and rice). Veggies should be crunchy but not hard as rocks. Creme caramel was very nice but the way it was served could be more appealing. We had coffee lattes which were terrible. The coffee was so bitter we did not finish our cups and would not order coffee there again. The chef and cooking staff need to pay more attention to the temperature of the food. We felt as if our dishes came from an assembly line type of kitchen.
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron M
Nanaimo44 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
Pros : nice welcome and excellent waitress
Cons: Both main plates served lukewarm at best, server corrected that and took 10% off one dish $3.60 for cold rice ??? What about the other cold dish ?
The lamb shank used to be the best item on the menu, not any more, overcooked twice with gravy on the side ?? My wife cooks way better than that. Restaurants ask you to give your concerns to management, but nobody came by to allow me to voice my concerns.
Have been going there for years but not anymore
An aside for anyone celebrating your birthday, this place says happy birthday but nothing else !
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitri Adamopoulos
Hello Assesor,
I read your review, and I am hearing you. I would be very happy to have you call the restaurant & we can look to discuss your experience.
It is important to let your concerns be voiced when something is not right. I am giving you this opportunity for us to connect directly.
Most restaurants do not offer anything to guests celebrating a birthday, anniversary, etc. If someone mentions something to us, we will bring a scoop of ice cream, and a sparkler and sing happy birthday.
Regardless, I would like to hear you out and have allow me to have a better understanding. It is very challenging with reviews to resolve anything. In a way it is like one way texting. The restaurants number is 250-384-6474, please ask for Dimitri the owner.
On behalf of my family and team ithaka thank you for your feedback.
Sincerely,
Dimitri Adamopoulos
Written 16 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian R
3 contributions
July 2023 • couples
After reading so many positive reviews on this place we decided to give it a try because we're huge greek food fans and were visiting from the mainland for a few days.
So disappointing!
Service was very good but the food was not and overpriced.
Before I get to details the hostess directs us over to a crappy little table when there were so many others available at around 430 on a Monday.She disgruntingly moved us to a better one so that was strike number one.
Strike number two was the fact that none of the entres came with the Greek salad like most Greek places and we have been to many over the years. The salad was probably the best part of the meal once all was said and done.
Strike three was the meatball appetizer we ordered. A happy hour price of 14.00, 4 dollars off the regular price for what we got was pretty poor and they were just OK compared to all the others we've tried.
Strike four was the lack of pita bread as they served focaccia bread instead.
Never ever seen that at a Greek restaurant ever.
It was OK but why no pita bread because it ALWAYS comes with Greek meals.
And strike five was the biggest disappointment.
The Greek combo price at 37.00 you would think it would be a decent portion.
Size wise it was just barely what it should be as we shared a dried up overcooked half rack of ribs and the tiniest pieces of chicken souvlaki that I've ever seen which were also dried up and overcooked along with the potatoes and vegetables.
What a let down after reading all these positive reviews which makes me wonder. What Greek food restaurants have these people been to in their lives ?
Maybe the mall food courts?
Earlier reviews have mentioned about the food being overcooked and too salty so I don't think I'm being unfair with my comments.
So as I said before after looking forward to a great Greek food meal we were totally let down and safe to say we're not about to try it again on out next visit.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitri Adamopoulos
Hello Ian,
I am Greek Canadian. I was born in Canada, my parents are from Greece. I have spent a lot of time going to Greece visiting family. I am fluent in Greek. My mom is Greek Canadian, as our my aunts in the kitchen.
In Greece there are many different kinds of Greek eateries, from traditional, to Casual, to seafood, to modern, to upscale, etc. They are all different. Even ones that serve the same kind of food, every place has a recipe that is a little different. Perhaps even a simple kind of Greek food is slightly plated, some places don't have matching flatware, some places have sea salt shakers filled with rice, other are elegant and new world.
Point being, wherever I go, be it to Greece , down the street, or elsewhere in my travels I look to enjoy the journey.
I use Trip advisor personally when I travel, it is a useful tool. However, it is a guide not the key to the city. Sometimes 100 people like a place, and 1 person didn't. Everyone is free to their opinion, but I will not go somewhere because I really liked what "foodie foreva" had to say about the Temple of Poseidon Taverna in Haidari Greece (only to discover it is a dive by an oil refinery). Sometimes highly rated places simply were not for me, and sometimes places that were not rated great were ok for what I was looking for.
I think everyone is able to voice their opinion. But a suggestion for you in further reviews be it good or bad, Restauranteurs that are working extremely hard, coming out of very dark times do not appreciate the tone of a review that is starting with strikes 1 to 5 & your petty insults.
We have 4 very good Italian restaurants in our city. They offer some traditional Italian meals and their menus differ as well. But I go to each of them on occasion, and enjoy the differences each of these places have. I do NOT look to make problems if they have variations, different recipes, style etc. I am just thankful to be out with my wife, family, friends. every place is different
You mention that you that you wonder about our positive reviews? Well each guest is different. At our restaurant the majority of our guests really love what we do. The fact that you are among the very few that not only did not like it that is not in our control. I must say that unwarranted insults reflect poorly on you. (Mall courts? get over yourself)
Listen any restaurant will experience issues, and we look to do what we can to correct issues. But had you all these issues, said nothing to your server during a quality check, asked to speak with a manager, or even call the restaurant if you felt more comfortable.
Look, the reality is there is nothing wrong with complaining or questioning something at any business. But a review can be a valuable tool to reach out to a business and describe your experience. However, as you're in front of the glow of your screen, & what was intended to be some constructive feedback to other trip advisor followers...turns into you lock and loading your keyboard and firing off random shrapnel of insults start flying. you lost the plot, and it shows no class. You in essence cross the line.
Speaking of line, I would be delighted for you to enlighten me on Greek food and tell me how you what changes Ithaka should make to be like every Greek restaurant you have ever been to.
On behalf of my family & team ithaka
recipients of:
Best Greek in the city from 2013-2023 Victoria News, Best Greek in the city from 2013-2023 Times Colonist
Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2013-2023, Trip Advisors Travellers Choice 2018-2023
Trip Advisor #1 family restaurant in Victoria Bc Canada
You can reach me at 250-384-6474 and ask for Dimitri the owner
Written 17 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GKTravellers
Harrogate1307 contributions
Sept 2022 • none
As a last minute same day reservation we had to eat early and even arriving at 5.45 found the restaurant already busy and buzzing. The bright and airy dining room was attractively decorated with reminders of its Greek origin.
We skipped apertisers and ordered a Lamb Souvlaki ($37) and Prawns Souvlaki ($33) with Backlava to finish ($11) . The food didn't quite match our expecations but the accompanying service was both friendly and attentive.
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina S
London45 contributions
June 2024 • couples
The resturant had a great atmosphere and the staff were lovely and accommodating.
The starters I loved but I would say our mains were satisfactory, I had the sea bass and I think it could have had a better taste, didn’t dislike it but wasn’t wowed by it and felt the meal was expensive for the quality of food.
Some reviews have mentioned portion size but I think they were really generous especially the calamari!
Ryan was great and really helpful.
Written 3 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather Patt
Victoria9 contributions
May 2024 • business
Did this place change management/owners? Food was so bland and dry, not seasoned properly and such small portions. You could see the older lady cooking in the back with all her frizzy hair and no hair net, really gross. Server smelt like he needed a shower and you could smell that he just had a smoke. This place is quickly declining. Agree with other reviews to not waste your time and money here, go someplace else. What a dismal, crappy buisness dinner, not recommended and will advise others to take their clients, and anyone else for that matter to dinner or lunch.
Written 11 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveldiner
Port Townsend20 contributions
June 2024 • couples
What a fine dinner experience! There were two couples in our party and from the time we entered and were seated by a friendly young woman until we left and the owner thanked us for coming it was just a delight. A special thanks and shout-out to our marvelous server, Pat, who made it seem as though she was waiting for us to come dine in her section and she was a thorough and warm professional throughout our meal. I'd hope to have her serve in any future visits. We had salads, souvlakis, soup appectizer and a shared dessert and we agreed that it was all delcious.
Thank you Pat and the chefs and staff at Ithaka.
Written 13 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A from Surrey
Surrey63 contributions
June 2023 • couples
The outside of the restaurant is not very inviting but once you’re inside you’ve stepped in a completely different and very inviting atmosphere. The food was very authentic and delicious. I had the moussaka and my husband had rib and chicken combo. They have a very nice selection of Greek wines. All that being said unfortunately the service was not great. Our server seemed scattered. He left the menus and serving tray at our table the whole time we were there, never refilled our wine glasses and at the end of the meal said he was bringing the bill but had to ask for it when realized he had forgotten.
Written 22 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitri Adamopoulos
Hello zarasali,
Thank you for taking the time to review Ithaka. I see by your review you enjoyed the inviting atmosphere, the delicious & authentic food, & our nice selection of Greek wine (the largest selection in western Canada) . I am surprised with your comments about the service. We do have a reputation for our excellent service & hospitality. So this is puzzling, I am not doubting you. However, I am going to note this review & share with our service team. We do thank you for visiting Ithaka.
On behalf of my family and our entire Ithaka team we hope to have another opportunity to improve upon this visit.
Sincerely,
Dimitri Adamopoulos
Written 16 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EatsOnTheRoad
19 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
We have always enjoyed our meals at this restaurant and try to visit every couple of months. It is quite expensive, and lately they've stopped offering bread automatically. They do make very good (and expensive) coffees and, unlike many Victoria restaurants even offer decaffeinated versions.
It would be good if Ithaka added a few non-alcoholic beers to its drink menu, as they are becoming more popular (a weakness in most Victoria restaurants).
Written 7 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
F K
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • none
The waiter we have was very pompous and not at all friendly and that was not enjoyable. We gave a reasonable tip because we think the rest of the staff was okay. We been at this restaurant at least three times in recent years (first time at this new location) & have decided we will not go back. All three times the food was okay but this time the price was extremely expensive for the type & quality of the food. There are so many other restaurants that are so much better service and value.
Written 12 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ithakagreekrestaurant
Hello 738fk,
I do appreciate your feedback. But your review seems a little odd. I am not doubting your view, however it would be of more help to understand your review better.
I am puzzled by this pompous server who was not friendly. All 3 times the food was okay? So you were returning multiple times for "ok" food? Since we have moved locations (almost 4 years ago) prices have unfortunately gone up. We sadly, do not control the pricing of ingredients we use.I am note certain if you noticed how far your grocery purchasing power has been. I do assure you that the ingredients we use are of the highest quality.
https://www.cp24.com/news/food-prices-in-canada-to-continue-to-rise-in-2023-report-1.6180871?cache=teudlvfqprzhifle
You may certainly find that there are a variety of restaurants in our Victoria community that offer a variety of offerings that suit you better.
But know that our family restaurant has been serving Victoria since 2013 Ithaka has been well received by Victoria. We have been essentially in the top 3 restaurants on trip advisor, we have been awarded
trip advisor certificate of excellence every year, as well as the traveller's choice award from trip advisor (Travelers' Choice recognizes businesses that earn consistently great reviews. Travelers' Choice award-winners are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice honors select accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. We have also been award best of the city "best Greek food" every year since 2013. As well as the times colonist readers choice awards "best Greek" among many others.
You can call Ithaka at 250-384-6474 and help me fill in the blanks of your review. You can ask for Dimitri the owner.
On behalf of my family and team Ithaka have a great day.
Sincerely,
Dimitri
Written 6 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kenton M
Santa Ana45 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
We really enjoyed our time at the Ithaka Greek Restaurant. Having never really tried authentic Greek food, we thought it was great. The staff were very cordial and helpful and friendly. We would definitely recommend this place! One word of warning...we paid in US cash thinking they would recognize the exchange rate. They don't and although the menu was in Canadian currency, they charged us the 20% more as they said they didn't have the staff to figure out the exchange. First place here in Victoria that has done that.
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ithakagreekrestaurant
Hello Kenton,
Thank you for taking the time to review Ithaka on trip advisor. I am glad that you had an enjoyable experience at my family's Greek restaurant.
In regards to your ordeal with the US cash dollar exchange. It is clear that something is not correct here. Could you please contact the restaurant and explain this in further detail. I would be happy to correct this, I am not curtains to what occurred, but I will look into. That part of your feedback did not seem right, nor is it the policy we have on US dollar exchange rates.
Please ask for Dimitri the owner and call 250-384-6474. Lets correct this.
On behalf of my family and team Ithaka we appreciate your feedback.
Sincerely,
Dimitri adamopoulos
Written 6 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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