In Vancouver, Greek families have been serving up food and gracious hospitality for decades. One restaurant is taking that tradition forward with their food and they're keeping it all in the family.
Nammos Estiatorio opened in March of 2016, and is the project of brothers Yianni and Petro Kerasiotis, whose family is legendary in the local hospitality scene. The Kerasiotis family has been feeding and entertaining Vancouverites for years; they owned Graceland, Luv-A-Fair, and Palladium, and currently own Olympia Pizza.
Appetizers at Nammos including Saganaki, Taramosalata, and Melitzanosalata (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)
But Nammos isn't all about the nightlife, though many a great evening can be had in their bright, modern, airy restaurant--or on their cozy patio. The Fraser Street restaurant is open for brunch daily, serving up breakfast eats with bold Greek twists--things like a Pulled Lamb Benny, or an omelette stuffed with sausage and kefalograviera cheese.
The lunch and dinner menu also showcases the vivacious flavours of Greece. Food here is handled by head chef Manos Grammatikogiannis, who moved with his family to Vancouver from Athens to open Nammos with the Kerasiotis brothers.
Moussaka (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)
Come to feast on Greek classics, like taramosalata, a creamy spread made with lemon and fish roe, or familiar dishes like Saganaki (fried cheese), Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves), Moussaka (a hearty casserole like dish covered in creamy bechamel), and souvlaki.
There are thoughtful touches throughout the menu which make this family-friendly fare even easier to share with the table. Tender, juicy lamb chops are ordered by the piece (two-piece minimum), which means everyone can have exactly as much as they want.
Lamb chops (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)
You can easily mix-and match your perfect Greek feast by pairing the individual items like the chops or some sausage or a half-chicken with sides like lemony potatoes, fresh salads, or french fries topped with kefalograviera cheese and oregano. But if you do feel like sharing, anchor your meal with Nammos' show-stopping Lavraki (whole grilled sea bass).
Nammos also makes sure to make note on the menu of their vegan and gluten-free options, as well as serves up some dishes that will fit the bill when you don't want to go the full Greek--we're talking anything from a burger to a beet or Caesar salad. And, of course, they've got Greek Salad, served with a beautiful slab of salty, rich feta.
Greek Salad (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)
Pair your meal with housemade sangria, or something from their custom and recently revamped cocktail list. You can also give Greek beer a try. If you save room for dessert, they've got baclava and a whole menu of Greek coffees, but the Loukoumades are a must--these traditional Greek doughnuts are like Timbits on crack, drizzled with your choice of honey or Nutella.
Loukoumades with Nutella (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)
Fraser Street is increasingly becoming a draw as a dining out destination, and spots that really give a family vibe are killing it, because when everyone eats well, everyone is happy. At Nammos, you can spot anyone from a solo diner enjoying a meal while getting some work done, to big groups celebrating a birthday, to a family with young kids having a nice night out.
Greek fries (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)
Everyone feels welcome at Nammos, and everyone is family--which makes a lot of sense, since family is definitely fuelling this awesome Greek spot.
Nammos Estiatorio is located at 3980 Fraser Street in Vancouver.
