10/19/08

A++ on Food, D- on Reservation Management

by RomeoRules

We had 8:30 pm reservations for a party of 4 this past Saturday night. With the menu fresh in our heads and the GPS set , we got ourselves to Evvia's on time and plenty hungry.

The place was crowded, and we were parked at the small bar to wait for our table. For what I thought would be a few minutes. But then 10 minutes go by, and 20, 30 and 45 more minutes before the maitre 'd unapologetically announced our table was ready. If our friends weren't so fascinating, I would have been totally annoyed.

The food went a long way to making up for the inexcusable delay. We shared 4 appetizers -- the smelt were crisp and light and the beef tongue perfectly grilled with heavenly spices. But the grilled octopus, while flavorful, was overcooked and tough. I didn't sample the steamed mussels but was told they were just fine.

Our 3 entrees consisted of the daily special filet of sole and grilled pork chop, and the menu's lemon-oregano rotisserie chicken. My companions ooh'd and ahh'd. But what clinched the deal for me were the desserts we shared. Traditional arborio rice pudding with pear, a sweet chocolate sundae and a very yummy baklava. The crown jewel was the homemade yogurt drizzled with honey, walnuts and surrounded with perfectly sweet figs. For that alone the wait was nearly worth it. Nearly.

Service was okay -- our waiter seemed distracted throughout, then mixed up our dessert order. Patrons for the nightclub next door were lined up on the sidewalk, making for a bit extra volume both on the ears and eyes. But we'll go back again, on a weeknight. After all, there are just too many top-drawer restaurants out there that have a better grasp of their reservation system on peak nights than Evvia's. Divine yogurt notwithstanding."

• Pros: Food flavorful and well prepared
• Cons: Crowded, noisy, and even with a reservation we waited 45 minutes to be seated

08/24/06

Not as good as sister restaurant Kokkari in downtown SF

by senatorsmith

After having an excellent dining experience at Evvia's sister restaurant Kokkari in downtown SF, I was quite disappointed with my experience at this restaurant. I could hardly believe the two restaurants were related. Portions were small and prices high. Several items were not fresh, especially fish, which had also not been boned properly. Desserts were great! Staff was professional but cold and also a little slow. Wine list was lacking and highly marked up. The place seemed busy though, mostly with a blue shirt business crowd and a surprisingly large number of Israelis. The valet service employed by the restaurant was very unpolished.

• Pros: Only upscale Greek in Palo Alto; easy street parking
• Cons: Plain food at premium prices; cold staff; unpolished valet service

07/14/05

This is my favorite restaurant!

by kryzak

After being here 4 times with friends, and ordering 22 items on their appetizers, main entrees, and dessert menus, they are 22 for 22 at simply AMAZING food. The fried calamari is to die for. Somehow they magically were able to fry the calamari, yet keep it so soft it melts in your mouth. The Lamb Shank just "falls" off the bone. And finally, the Ravioli is simply one of the best comination of food ever! Try it out, you won't be disappointed!

• Pros: Food
• Cons: Price