The Greek by Anatoli, a renowned Greek restaurant in Vancouver, offers a rich blend of Mediterranean flavours with a modern twist. Known for its dedication to quality and authenticity, the restaurant caters to both traditional and plant-based diners. In this post, we will dive into the history of Greek by Anatoli, explore its locations, and focus on the plant-based offerings that make it a must-visit for vegan food enthusiasts.
The Origins of Greek by Anatoli
The Greek by Anatoli traces its roots to Anatoli Souvlaki, a family-owned restaurant that opened its doors in 1984 in North Vancouver. Inspired by the family’s Greek heritage, Anatoli Souvlaki quickly became a local favourite, renowned for its authentic recipes, warm hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere.
Building on the success of their original restaurant, the founders launched The Greek by Anatoli in 2015 to offer a contemporary dining experience. This evolution of the brand retained its strong ties to traditional Greek cuisine while introducing modern culinary innovations. Today, The Greek by Anatoli stands as a testament to the family’s passion for sharing the rich culinary traditions of Greece with Vancouver.
Multiple Locations for Culinary Excellence
Greek by Anatoli boasts four locations in the Vancouver area, each offering a unique ambiance and impeccable service:
Yaletown
Located in the heart of Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown district, this location exudes modern sophistication with warm Mediterranean touches. Sleek design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a welcoming patio make it ideal for casual bites or special celebrations. Surrounded by Yaletown’s lively energy, the restaurant offers a stylish yet relaxed dining experience, perfectly reflecting the neighbourhood’s dynamic charm.
North Vancouver
Situated in the scenic Lonsdale Quay Market, the North Vancouver location offers stunning waterfront views and a tranquil coastal-inspired setting. Its airy design, blending rustic and modern elements, complements casual lunches or evening dinners. Overlooking the bustling harbour, this spot provides a unique dining experience in one of North Vancouver’s most vibrant locales.
Gastown
Nestled in historic Gastown, this location combines old-world charm with contemporary dining. Exposed brick walls, modern Mediterranean décor, and a cozy atmosphere make it perfect for romantic evenings or lively gatherings. Set amid Gastown’s cobblestone streets and iconic landmarks, it pairs beautifully with a day exploring this timeless neighbourhood.
West Broadway
The West Broadway location balances laid-back charm with a touch of sophistication. Located in the bustling Fairview area, its spacious interiors are perfect for casual meals or celebratory dinners. Conveniently accessible and reflecting the energy of its dynamic surroundings, this spot offers a fresh taste of Greece in a central Vancouver setting.
Each location carries the same commitment to quality, ensuring a consistent and memorable dining experience across the board.
The Cocktail Experience
Greek by Anatoli is not just about the food—it is also a destination for cocktail lovers. Their bar menu features an array of handcrafted cocktails that pay homage to Mediterranean flavours. Think herbaceous infusions, citrusy notes, and a touch of Aegean inspiration. For a vegan-friendly pairing, you can request cocktails made without animal-based ingredients, such as aquafaba replacing egg whites in frothy drinks.
Signature cocktails include the refreshing “Santorini Sunset” and the zesty “Ouzo Lemonade,” both of which complement the vibrant flavours of their plant-based menu.
A Plant-Based Culinary Adventure
Greek by Anatoli excels in offering a variety of vegan options that showcase the versatility and richness of Greek cuisine. Their plant-based menu items are thoughtfully crafted to deliver bold flavours without compromising on tradition. Here are some highlights of their vegan offerings:
- Vegan Spanakopita: A delightful plant-based version of the classic Greek pastry, featuring flaky phyllo dough filled with spinach, herbs, and a creamy vegan cheese substitute.
- Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with a savoury mix of rice, herbs, and spices, served with a tangy vegan tzatziki sauce. These are a perfect appetizer or snack.
- Vegan Moussaka: This reimagined classic layers roasted eggplant, zucchini, and a hearty lentil-based sauce, topped with a rich and creamy vegan béchamel.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing medley of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and Kalamata olives, served with vegan coconut oil feta (Violife) and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Souvlaki Skewers: Marinated plant-based protein (Beyond Meat) skewers grilled to perfection and served with lemon potatoes and vegan tzatziki.
- Mushroom Calimari: Battered and deep-fried mushrooms with all the herbs and lemon needed for this ‘seafood’ feast
- Roasted Cauliflower: A whole head of fresh cauliflower roasted to perfection with a Tahini sauce drizzle.
Why The Greek by Anatoli Stands Out
the Greek by Anatoli sets itself apart by embracing inclusivity in its menu. Their commitment to offering plant-based options ensures that everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, can enjoy a taste of Greece. The attention to detail in crafting vegan versions of classic dishes highlights their dedication to both tradition and innovation.
The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, paired with its extensive vegan-friendly menu, makes it a standout choice for plant-based diners looking for something special. Whether you are indulging in a crisp Greek salad on the patio or savouring a hearty vegan moussaka indoors, every dish is a celebration of Greek culinary artistry.
A Must-Visit for Vegan Food Lovers
The Greek by Anatoli offers more than just a meal—it provides an experience that transports diners to the Mediterranean. With its rich history, stylish locations, and thoughtfully curated vegan menu, it is a destination that cannot be missed. Whether you are a long-time vegan or simply exploring plant-based options, Greek by Anatoli delivers flavours that are both satisfying and memorable.
Next time you are in Vancouver, head to Greek by Anatoli for a modern take on traditional Greek cuisine. With its delicious plant-based offerings and vibrant atmosphere, it is the perfect spot for a culinary adventure.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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