Vancouverites may not yet be packing their bags for Mediterranean adventures, but fortunately for us, a slice of Greece right here in the city can transport us across oceans - and it's right on Commercial Drive.
The highly-anticipated Loula's Taverna, a contemporary Greek restaurant and bar, has revealed it will open its doors officially on July 27.
Loula's has been a long time in the works and is the combined efforts of an impressive and seasoned group of local restaurant veterans with deep Greek roots: Yianni, Petro, Bill and Niko Kerasiotis, Marco Mirisklavos, and John Pavlakis – the owners of Nammos Estitatorio, Sopra Sotto, and Minveras, respectively.
The finishing touches are being done, and the countdown is on for Loula's to make its summertime debut.
Taking over the former Libra Room space at 1608 Commercial Drive, Loula's has been lovingly renovated and infused with light and soothing hues, promising a getaway abroad while you're enjoying chef Manos Grammatikogiannis' take on classic Greek fare along with contemporary cocktails.
Inspired by looking through old family photo albums, the Loula's crew set to work creating a concept that would allow them to give diners a sense of being welcomed to the family table and made to feel truly at home.
Grammatikogiannis, who is also behind Nammos Estiatorio's roster of beautiful and comforting Greek eats, has created a menu for Loula's with dishes meant to be enjoyed family style, from the bowls of house-marinated olives to start, to the whole Mediterranean sea bass main, and Greek custard and cream ekmek for dessert.
“Back in the day, the dining culture in Greece was so wild and welcoming. We realized that we wanted to bring that to Vancouver and blend it with something fresh. And it was immediately clear to us that Commercial Drive was just the spot to do that in,” says co-owner Yianni Kerasiotis in a media release.
Loula's Taverna will be open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 3 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Follow @loulastaverna on Instagram for more info and updates.
