Maria’s Taverna Vancouver
⭐ Maria's Taverna is known for Lamb Kleftiko and Maria's Platter.
💡 Good to Know
- Serving Kitsilano Since 1987
- Founded by Maria using recipes brought from Greece.
- Traditional Greek Atmosphere
- Family-run with Greek-inspired décor and welcoming hospitality.
- Private Celebrations
- Hosts birthdays and group gatherings of 30 or more guests.
❤️ Top Favourites
🍽️ Maria's Taverna Menu
🥙 Appetizers
Start your meal with traditional Greek dips, fresh cheeses, grilled seafood and savoury Mediterranean specialties.
Homous
A creamy chickpea and garlic dip, prepared in the traditional Mediterranean style.
Tzatziki
A refreshing Greek yogurt dip blended with cucumber and fresh dill.
Taramasalata
A traditional Greek fish roe dip with a delicate touch of lemon oil.
Melizano
A savoury eggplant dip blended with garlic and finely chopped tomatoes.
Feta & Olives
Cow's milk feta cheese served with traditional Kalamata olives.
Cold Appetizer Platter
A generous assortment of homous, taramasalata, tzatziki, melizano, feta cheese and Kalamata olives, served with warm pita bread.
Kalamari
Tender marinated squid, deep-fried until golden and served with tzatziki for dipping.
Garlic Prawns
Six prawns pan-fried with mushrooms and red peppers in Maria's signature garlic sauce.
Kalamari Skaras
Seasoned squid charbroiled until tender and served with a savoury garlic sauce.
Keftedes
Five traditional Greek-style meatballs, seasoned with aromatic spices, grilled and served with tzatziki.
Sikotakia
Seasoned chicken livers, lightly breaded and deep-fried, then sautéed with assorted vegetables in a white wine reduction.
Spanakopita
A traditional Greek spinach and feta cheese pie wrapped in delicate layers of phyllo pastry.
Saganaki
A generous portion of goat cheese, pan-fried until golden and served sizzling hot.
Hot Appetizer Platter
A generous combination of deep-fried kalamari, spanakopita, keftedes, dolmathes, feta cheese, homous and tzatziki.
🥗 Salads
Fresh Mediterranean salads prepared with crisp vegetables, traditional Greek ingredients and house dressings.
Greek Salad
Traditional Greek horiatiki salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, feta cheese and olives, finished with olive oil. Available in small or large portions.
House Salad
Freshly chopped romaine lettuce with tomatoes and olives, tossed in the house vinaigrette. Available in small or large portions.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce and traditional Caesar dressing.
🍽️ Platters for Two
Generous Greek sharing platters featuring a variety of grilled meats, seafood and traditional specialties. All platters are served with Greek salad, rice, roasted potatoes, tzatziki and pita bread.
Maria's Platter
A delicious assortment of Greek favourites featuring kalamari, keftedes, dolmathes, chicken souvlaki, prawns and scallops.
Greek Platter
A traditional Greek feast featuring tender kleftiko lamb, chicken souvlaki, dolmathes, broiled kalamari and seasoned keftedes.
Seafood Platter
A generous seafood selection featuring both broiled and deep-fried kalamari, prawns, scallops, salmon and halibut.
Combination Platter
A hearty introduction to traditional Greek cuisine featuring moussaka, dolmathes, keftedes, beef souvlaki and two lamb chops.
🇬🇷 Maria's Entrées
Traditional Greek comfort food featuring slow-roasted meats, savoury casseroles and Mediterranean flavours.
Kleftiko
A generous portion of tender lamb shoulder, slowly baked with traditional Greek spices and Maria's special house sauce. Served with Greek salad, rice and roasted potatoes.
Paithakia Skaras
Four seasoned lamb chops, charbroiled to perfection and served with Greek salad, rice, roasted potatoes and tzatziki.
Moussaka
A traditional Greek casserole layered with eggplant, zucchini and seasoned ground beef, finished with a thick, creamy béchamel topping. Served with Greek salad and roasted potatoes.
Dolmathes
Tender grape leaves stuffed with gently seasoned ground beef and rice, topped with béchamel sauce. Served with Greek salad and roasted potatoes.
Keftedes Dinner
Five traditional Greek meatballs, seasoned with aromatic spices and pan-fried until golden. Served with Greek salad, rice, roasted potatoes and tzatziki.
Vegetarian Casserole
A comforting baked casserole of zucchini, potatoes, onions and eggplant in a light tomato sauce, topped with feta cheese. Served with Greek salad.
Sikotakia Dinner
Seasoned chicken livers pan-fried and sautéed with assorted vegetables. Served with Greek salad, rice and roasted potatoes.
Spanakopita Dinner
Traditional spinach and feta cheese pie wrapped in delicate phyllo pastry, served with Greek salad, rice and roasted potatoes.
🍢 Souvlakia
Traditional Greek souvlaki featuring marinated meats and seafood, grilled for a delicious Mediterranean flavour.
Lamb Souvlaki
Tender cubes of marinated leg of lamb, grilled to perfection.
Chicken Souvlaki
Marinated chicken breast cubes, grilled until tender and flavourful.
Beef Souvlaki
Tender cubes of beef tenderloin, marinated and broiled to perfection.
Prawn Souvlaki
Seasoned tiger prawns grilled until tender.
Prawn & Scallop Souvlaki
A delicious combination of seasoned tiger prawns and scallops, grilled to perfection.
🐟 Seafood
Fresh seafood prepared with traditional Greek seasonings, garlic sauces and Mediterranean-inspired cooking methods.
Prawn Dinner
Tiger prawns pan-fried in a savoury garlic and white wine sauce. Served with Greek salad, rice and roasted potatoes.
Kalamari Dinner
Tender marinated squid, deep-fried until golden and served with a generous portion of Greek salad and roasted potatoes.
Solomos
A generous salmon steak, seasoned and broiled on the grill. Served with Greek salad, rice and roasted potatoes.
Halibut Steak
A seasoned halibut steak, charbroiled until tender and served with Greek salad, rice and roasted potatoes.
Grilled Trout
Fresh trout seasoned with aromatic spices, charbroiled and finished with a light garlic sauce. Served with Greek salad, rice and roasted potatoes.
Kalamari Skaras Dinner
Tender charbroiled squid finished in a garlic and white wine reduction. Served with Greek salad, rice and roasted potatoes.
🍝 Pasta
Classic Italian-inspired pasta dishes featuring savoury sauces and melted cheeses. All pasta dishes are served with garlic toast and are also available with tomato sauce.
Baked Tortellini
Spinach and cheese-stuffed tortellini baked in a savoury meat sauce with melted mozzarella and Edam cheese.
Baked Lasagna
Traditional lasagna baked in a rich meat sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Edam cheese.
Spaghetti
Classic spaghetti topped with Maria's signature meat sauce.
Side of Meatballs
A serving of savoury meatballs available as an addition to any pasta dish.
🍕 Gourmet Deep-Dish Pizza
Maria's signature deep-dish pizzas are prepared with tomato sauce and real mozzarella cheese. Available in small, medium and large sizes.
Maria's Combo Pizza
A generously topped pizza featuring ham, pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and olives.
The Greek Pizza
A Mediterranean-inspired combination of seasoned ground beef, onions, fresh tomatoes, garlic, olives and feta cheese.
Hawaiian Pizza
A classic combination of ham, sweet pineapple and mushrooms.
Hot Spot Pizza
A flavourful pizza topped with pepperoni, onions, mushrooms and chili peppers.
Better Cheddar Pizza
A hearty combination of ground beef, onions, fresh tomatoes and cheddar cheese.
Italian Village Pizza
A savoury combination of pepperoni, ground beef, onions, fresh tomatoes and anchovies.
Everyone's Favourite Pizza
A classic combination of pepperoni, mushrooms and green peppers.
Veggie Blend Pizza
A colourful vegetarian pizza featuring artichokes, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, fresh tomatoes and feta cheese.
Popeye Pizza
A Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian pizza topped with spinach, onions, fresh tomatoes and feta cheese.
🍕 Create Your Own Pizza
Build your own deep-dish pizza with Maria's traditional tomato sauce, real mozzarella cheese and your favourite toppings. Available in small, medium and large sizes with one, two, three or more toppings.
Meat & Seafood Toppings
Choose from ham, pepperoni, ground beef and anchovies.
Vegetable Toppings
Choose from green peppers, red peppers, spinach, garlic, artichokes, olives, mushrooms, onions, fresh tomatoes and chili peppers.
Cheese Toppings
Add feta cheese or cheddar cheese for extra flavour.
⭐ Maria's Taverna Favourites
These selections are based on dishes commonly praised in Google reviews.
Lamb Kleftiko
Maria's signature roasted lamb shoulder is repeatedly praised for its tender meat, traditional seasoning and exceptionally generous portions.
Maria's Platter
A substantial sharing platter featuring a variety of Greek specialties, frequently recommended by couples and groups.
Combination Platter
A popular assortment of moussaka, dolmathes, keftedes, beef souvlaki and lamb chops, offering several traditional dishes in one meal.
Greek Platter
A generously portioned selection of Greek favourites that customers often share between two or more people.
Fried Calamari
One of the restaurant's most frequently recommended appetizers, praised for its tender interior and crispy coating.
Grilled Calamari
An alternative to fried calamari that receives enthusiastic reviews for its preparation and flavour.
Lamb Chops
Grilled lamb chops are a recurring favourite among customers who enjoy Maria's traditional meat dishes.
Keftedes
Greek-style meatballs that earn particularly strong recommendations for their seasoning and flavour.
Chicken Souvlaki
A popular grilled chicken dish that customers praise for its tenderness and satisfying accompaniments.
Beef Souvlaki
Grilled beef skewers frequently mentioned for their seasoning and tender meat.
Moussaka
A traditional Greek baked dish that has developed a loyal following among longtime customers.
Spanakopita
A savoury spinach pastry that customers regularly order as an appetizer or meal.
Dolmathes
Stuffed grape leaves enjoyed as part of the restaurant's popular Greek and combination platters.
Hot Appetizer Platter
A selection of Greek appetizers, including calamari, spanakopita, keftedes, dolmathes and dips.
Hummus & Warm Pita
A popular starter featuring hummus served with warm pita bread.
Tzatziki
A traditional yogurt-based dip frequently praised for its rich consistency and flavour.
Greek Salad
A refreshing accompaniment to the restaurant's lamb, souvlaki and seafood dishes.
Charcoal-Grilled Trout
A seafood favourite served with Greek salad, rice and roasted potatoes.
Avgolemono Soup
A traditional Greek chicken soup that customers praise for its comforting flavour.
Baklava
A classic Greek dessert frequently enjoyed after the restaurant's generous main courses.
Ekmek
A popular dessert recommended by customers looking for something sweet after dinner.
Bougatsa
A traditional Greek pastry dessert that has earned enthusiastic reviews.
🍽️ Dining Experience
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Traditional Greek Taverna
Maria's offers a classic Greek dining experience centred on hearty meals, traditional recipes and welcoming hospitality.
A Longtime Vancouver Restaurant
The restaurant has served generations of diners, with customers recalling visits dating back to the 1990s.
Family-Run Hospitality
Reviewers describe a personal, family-style approach to service, with owners and longtime employees helping create a welcoming atmosphere.
Cosy Mediterranean Interior
The dining room features traditional Greek-inspired décor and an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a neighbourhood taverna.
A Surprisingly Spacious Interior
Although the restaurant appears relatively small from the street, customers note that the dining area extends farther inside than expected.
Casual & Comfortable Dining
The relaxed setting suits everything from an informal weekday lunch to a leisurely dinner with friends.
Generous Greek Portions
Maria's is particularly well known for its substantial servings of lamb, souvlaki and combination platters.
Sharing-Style Dining
Large platters make it easy for couples, families and groups to sample several Greek specialties together.
Fresh Bread & Traditional Dips
Warm pita and Greek dips are popular starters that complement the restaurant's meat and seafood dishes.
Lunch & Dinner Service
Customers regularly visit for both lunch and dinner, with traditional Greek entrées available throughout the day.
Family Dinners
The restaurant is a popular choice for family meals, offering a relaxed atmosphere and dishes suitable for sharing.
Birthday Celebrations
Customers have hosted milestone birthdays and other celebrations at Maria's, including gatherings of approximately 30 to 34 guests.
Anniversary Dining
The cosy atmosphere and attentive table service make Maria's a recurring choice for anniversary dinners.
Small Group Gatherings
Friends and families frequently gather around shared platters, with reviewers describing successful meals for groups of five to fourteen.
Larger Celebrations
Reviews describe well-organized birthday dinners for groups exceeding 30 people, with accommodating staff and coordinated food service.
Greek Wine & Beverages
Guests have enjoyed Greek wine, sangria and other drinks alongside their meals.
Traditional Desserts
Baklava, ekmek and bougatsa provide a selection of Greek-inspired desserts to finish the meal.
Friendly, Personal Service
Numerous customers mention attentive servers who offer recommendations, accommodate requests and make returning diners feel welcome.
Reservations Recommended
Although walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, booking ahead is advisable for busy evenings and larger groups.
🅿️ Parking & Accessibility
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
West 4th Avenue Street Parking
Street parking is available along West 4th Avenue, subject to posted restrictions and space availability.
Nearby Side-Street Parking
Additional street parking may be found along surrounding Kitsilano streets, including near Vine Street.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The restaurant is listed as wheelchair accessible, although specific washroom and entrance features should be confirmed directly.
West 4th Avenue Bus Connections
Bus service along West 4th Avenue provides convenient access from other parts of Vancouver.
Walkable Shopping District
Maria's is located within a pedestrian-friendly commercial area with shops, cafés and other neighbourhood businesses.
Cycling Access
The surrounding Kitsilano neighbourhood offers connections to Vancouver's cycling network.
Parking During Busy Evenings
Allow extra time to find street parking during peak dining hours and busy periods along West 4th Avenue.
📍 Landmarks & Location
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
West 4th Avenue & Vine Street
Maria's Taverna is located at 2324 West 4th Avenue, near the intersection with Vine Street.
Kitsilano Neighbourhood
The restaurant is a longstanding part of Vancouver's Kitsilano dining community.
West 4th Avenue Shopping
The surrounding commercial district features independent boutiques, specialty stores, cafés and restaurants.
Kitsilano Beach
The popular waterfront beach and park are a short trip north of the restaurant.
West Broadway
The busy West Broadway corridor lies south of Maria's, providing additional shopping and transit connections.
Cornwall Avenue
Cornwall Avenue runs along the northern side of Kitsilano, connecting the neighbourhood with nearby waterfront destinations.
Kitsilano Community Centre
The community centre and surrounding recreation facilities are located within the wider Kitsilano neighbourhood.
Kitsilano Pool
Vancouver's well-known outdoor waterfront swimming pool is located near Kitsilano Beach.
Vanier Park
The waterfront park, home to several cultural attractions, is a short trip northeast of the restaurant.
Museum of Vancouver
Located in Vanier Park, the museum is one of the cultural destinations accessible from the surrounding Kitsilano area.
📱 Ordering Options
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Dine-In
Enjoy traditional Greek meals in the restaurant's cosy dining room, with full table service.
Takeout
Order Greek specialties, appetizers, pizzas and sharing platters for pickup.
Delivery
Maria's offers delivery through third-party ordering services, including SkipTheDishes.
Online Reservations
Tables can be reserved through OpenTable, which is linked from the restaurant's official website.
Telephone Reservations
Guests can contact the restaurant directly to arrange dining reservations or discuss special requests.
Walk-In Dining
Walk-in guests are accommodated when tables are available, although reservations are recommended during busy periods.
Sharing Platters
Large Greek and combination platters are available for couples, families and groups who want to sample several dishes.
Private Events
Maria's accepts inquiries for private celebrations and larger gatherings in its dining room.
Group Reservations
The restaurant accommodates birthday dinners, family gatherings and other group occasions with advance arrangements.
Event Catering
Maria's advertises catering and event services, with arrangements available by contacting the restaurant.
Birthday Celebrations
Customers have successfully arranged milestone birthday dinners for groups of approximately 30 guests.
Family Gatherings
The restaurant's substantial platters and traditional Greek menu make it a popular option for family meals.
Gluten-Free Options
Selected gluten-free dishes are available, although guests with strict dietary requirements should confirm ingredients and preparation procedures.
Special Dietary Requests
Staff have accommodated customers seeking dairy-free, soy-free and gluten-free choices, depending on the dishes ordered.
💬 Customer Feedback
This section summarizes recurring themes in customer reviews.
A Beloved Kitsilano Institution
Longtime customers describe Maria's as a neighbourhood favourite, with some returning regularly for more than three decades.
Exceptional Lamb Kleftiko
The roasted lamb shoulder receives overwhelming praise for its tenderness, seasoning and substantial portions.
Generous Sharing Platters
Greek and combination platters are frequently recommended for their variety, generous servings and suitability for groups.
Authentic Greek Flavours
Customers appreciate the traditional cooking, familiar Greek specialties and homemade character of many dishes.
Warm and Welcoming Service
One of the strongest recurring themes is the friendliness of the staff, with numerous reviewers praising attentive and personal hospitality.
Memorable Individual Servers
Several customers specifically recognize longtime servers for their recommendations, kindness and efforts to make guests feel comfortable.
Cosy Neighbourhood Atmosphere
Visitors often describe the restaurant as intimate, welcoming and reminiscent of a traditional Greek taverna.
Popular for Family Celebrations
Positive reviews describe successful birthday dinners, anniversary meals and gatherings with friends and extended family.
Calamari Earns Strong Reviews
Both fried and grilled calamari receive enthusiastic recommendations, particularly for their tenderness and flavour.
Keftedes Are a Standout
The Greek meatballs attract praise from customers who appreciate their seasoning and preparation.
Well-Liked Greek Classics
Moussaka, spanakopita, souvlaki and traditional dips are frequently mentioned among customers' favourite dishes.
Generous Portions and Leftovers
Many diners report receiving enough food to take home, especially when ordering lamb shoulder or sharing platters.
Mixed Opinions on Value
Although numerous customers consider the generous portions good value, others feel certain dishes have become expensive for their size.
Occasional Portion Inconsistency
Some returning customers report smaller servings of souvlaki, moussaka or other dishes compared with previous visits.
Food Quality Can Vary
A minority of reviews describe overcooked meat, excessively salty sides or disappointing preparation on particular visits.
Mixed Takeout Experiences
While many customers enjoy takeout meals, others report delays, inconsistent food quality or problems with pickup timing.
Service Is Usually Excellent
Most reviewers praise the staff, although occasional complaints mention inattentive service or uncomfortable interactions.
A Restaurant Worth Returning To
Despite occasional criticisms, many customers describe Maria's as their preferred Greek restaurant and return regularly for the food and hospitality.
