Evvia Estiatorio

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 was well-intentioned but seemed distracted throughout, mixing up our dessert order at the end. 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.

08/18/08
A total gastronomic disappointment. Calamari was tough, tasteless, and served with a boring aioli. The traditional Greek salad was fresh but no zing. As for our entrees, the souvlaki was chewy and a bit charred. Two of us ordered the lamb shanks. Unfortunately, the lamb proved to be stringy and bland. An excessively salty sauce sauce covered the lamb and orzo . Service was friendly and efficient. I will never eat here again or recommend it to anyone else.

Fantastic restaurant. Get the lamb. One of the peninsula's best dining experiences.