Timing, as any seasoned food writer knows, is everything. And ours could not have been better. We visited The Greek by Anatoli in Gastown on the very afternoon Maple Leaf Square transformed into the epicentre of the Gastown Grand Prix, with cyclists tearing past the intersection of Alexander, Powell, Carrall, and Water Street, led by a gleaming Ferrari pace car. The energy was still buzzing from FIFA enthusiasm sweeping the city, and settling onto the restaurant’s patio felt like claiming a front-row seat to the best of Vancouver in motion.
The Greek by Anatoli offers a wide selection of plant-based dishes alongside its traditional menu, and the team has just introduced two new additions to that lineup, the Spanakorizo and the Melitzano. We arrived hungry, curious, and ready to see how these new dishes would fit alongside the restaurant’s established plant-based favourites.
Cocktails That Set the Tone
I had a Karpouzi, a bright, herbaceous mix of elderflower, watermelon, and basil built into a mojito. Its blush pink hue matched the energy of the patio perfectly, and its cooling, garden-fresh finish made it an ideal companion for a warm race day.
My companion had the Mango Ginger Daiquiri, which delivered a tropical, spice-laced sweetness of its own, and together the two drinks made a fitting toast to the evening ahead.
A Table Built on Tradition, Reimagined
Our server, Greek and incredibly attentive, delivered the roots of Fasolada, often described as the national soup of Greece, as our starter, a hearty bowl of white beans simmered with tomato and vegetables, arrived alongside warm grilled pita. It landed rich and comforting, entirely gluten-free, the kind of soup that felt like it had been simmering all day, patiently building flavour.
As requested, the three mains arrived together, a generous spread that turned the table into a proper feast. The Melitzano brought a whole roasted eggplant finished with tahini, lemon, and garlic spread, plated alongside golden potatoes, a spicy cilantro chimichurri, and crispy chickpeas. The eggplant’s smoky char gave way to a silky, almost custard-like centre, and the chimichurri added just enough heat to keep every bite interesting.
Beside it, the new Spanakorizo offered slow-simmered spinach and rice folded together with caramelized onion, dill, and olive oil, finished with a garnish of fresh basil. It was the kind of dish that took us back to summer patios in Athens so many years ago.
The Vegan Souvlaki rounded out the mains, char-grilled Beyond Meat skewers threaded with red pepper, onions, and zucchini, served over spanakorizo with a side of Greek salad, plant-based feta, hummus, and grilled pita. The skewers carried a deep, smoky sear, and the interplay between the charred vegetables and the tender protein made for a satisfying take on a Greek classic. Alongside it, the Greek Salad layered crisp cucumber, tomato, green pepper, kalamata olives, and red onion with feta that held its structure and tang beautifully.
Rounding Out the Feast
For the hearty eaters, warm olives, extra feta, and a mix of rice and potatoes can all be ordered as sides, keeping the sharing plates full and the conversation flowing. Paired with the classic Hummus, made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon, and parsley, and served with grilled pita, the spread will feel generous without ever feeling excessive.
Why We Would Return
Watching the Gastown Grand Prix cyclists sweep past just beyond the patio railing, plates of vibrant Greek fare in front of us, felt like a perfect snapshot of Vancouver’s summer spirit. The Greek by Anatoli continues to prove that plant-based dining can honour tradition rather than compromise it, and the addition of the Spanakorizo and Melitzano gives longtime fans and new visitors alike even more reason to linger on this patio.
For those seeking Greek comfort food with a modern, plant-based twist, this corner of Gastown, tucked into one of the city’s most electric intersections, is well worth the visit.
The Greek by Anatoli has additional locations on North Vancouver and in Yaletown.
All photography by Helen Siwak.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury and luxury lifestyle niches. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read business magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and is an EIC for Hire. Connect with her here: [email protected].
Latest entries
FoF ☆ Culinary, Wine, SpiritsJuly 11, 2026The Greek by Anatoli: Patio Dining on Gastown’s Liveliest Race Day
Folio.YVR FriendsJuly 8, 2026Meet Me at the Gallery: Pride Edition — Because Cupid Wears a Lanyard Now
FoF ☆ VIP EventsJuly 7, 2026Girls’ Night Out Raises $260,000 for QMUNITY’s Next Generation
FoF ☆ VIP EventsJuly 5, 2026Pick Your Vibe, Pop the Bubbles — ‘Ladies Night In’ Is Back and Better Than Ever
