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... More

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
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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... More

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
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The lamb chops at this place are so fantastic that it is a reason to go by itself. However, I go for the great ambiance. It is open till 11pm, which is definitely not the norm in Palo Alto. The... More

The lamb chops at this place are so fantastic that it is a reason to go by itself. However, I go for the great ambiance. It is open till 11pm, which is definitely not the norm in Palo Alto. The service is satisfactory, though often overly obsequious.
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Evvia offers a cozy atmosphere and a friendly staff. The restaurant is not very large, so you get excellent service. The only criticism I have is that I wish the bar were a little bigger. It is a... More

Evvia offers a cozy atmosphere and a friendly staff. The restaurant is not very large, so you get excellent service. The only criticism I have is that I wish the bar were a little bigger. It is a great restaurant to go when you want to celebrate a special occasion.
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And loved it both times. Had a group of 30 people and a romantic dinner for 2 and both times it was an awesome experience. We look forward to going back and when we are planing things with friends... More

And loved it both times. Had a group of 30 people and a romantic dinner for 2 and both times it was an awesome experience. We look forward to going back and when we are planing things with friends up that way - this is our first choice.
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Evvia has a fantastic ambiance and great selection of Greek cuisine. Their roasted lamb sandwich in pita bread is to die for. Service is consistently good. The only thing missing is a view of the... More

Evvia has a fantastic ambiance and great selection of Greek cuisine. Their roasted lamb sandwich in pita bread is to die for. Service is consistently good. The only thing missing is a view of the Mediterranean.
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Old Greek flavors combined with modern ideas sets this place apart from the rest in Palo Alto. An excellent and friendly staff greet you and take care of you from there. Don't worry about the... More

Old Greek flavors combined with modern ideas sets this place apart from the rest in Palo Alto. An excellent and friendly staff greet you and take care of you from there. Don't worry about the price, just enjoy the evening with your spouse or date. They really do have great food.
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I love greek food and this is by far the best greek food ive had ever, including any new york or san francisco restaurants. the lamb chops are done on the grill and are amazing. also, the... More

I love greek food and this is by far the best greek food ive had ever, including any new york or san francisco restaurants. the lamb chops are done on the grill and are amazing. also, the appetizers are fresh and fantastic. never been to greece, but imagine this is what the best greek restaurants taste like.
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I have dined at Evvia Palo Alto three times. The first time I was hosting some business guests from Switzerland. The meal and atmosphere were so enjoyable, that the same guests requested a return... More

I have dined at Evvia Palo Alto three times. The first time I was hosting some business guests from Switzerland. The meal and atmosphere were so enjoyable, that the same guests requested a return to Evvia for dinner on their next visit. I also dined at Evvia for a business lunch. The service was exceptional. The menus are interesting and the food is wonderful. We were also impressed with the wine selections. The lamb chops were extraordinary!
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We love this restaurant! We have gone as a couple, with a few friends and have also had large party celebrations and the food and service were consistently good on every occasion. It can be... More

We love this restaurant! We have gone as a couple, with a few friends and have also had large party celebrations and the food and service were consistently good on every occasion. It can be difficult to get into without a reservation unless you go very early (and during the week). I whole-heartedly recommend this greek/mediterranean restaurant for any occasion! PROS: great food, service CONS: usually need a reservation
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