Panos Greek Taverna Kleftiko
(206) 301-0393
815 5th Ave N
Seattle,
WA
98109
47.6265
-122.3478
Neighborhoods: Magnolia / Queen Anne, Lower Queen Anne
What People Are Saying About Panos Greek Taverna Kleftiko
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Braids of garlic and onions dangle from low beams and cushioned benches line earth-toned walls, inviting lovers to cuddle and neighbors to chat. Chef-owner and Greek native Panos Marinos has created a cozy neighborhood nook where time seems to slow to a meandering Mediterranean pace.
The Food
Make a meal from the four pages of appetizers, including terrific spanakopita with fresh spinach layered in crispy filo dough. A huge Kretan salad of kalamata olives, caper leaves, onions and more, topped with an incredibly thick square of feta, makes a good light meal. The pan-fried saganaki (flour-dusted keflotiri cheese flame-melted at your table)--is delicious, although the cheese can be a bit on the salty side. Among the entrees, most chicken dishes are passable, but the tender roast lamb, swimming in rich, garlicky aioli, fares much better.
User Reviews
yannisd
April 17, 2009
If you are looking for an authentic Greek taverna experience in Seattle, Panos Kleftiko is the closest thing. The atmosphere is warm and cosy with tables very close to each other, pictures and decorations on the walls, good Greek music, and a relaxed and friendly staff. Panos, the owner, is there every night and frequently sits down to chat with the guests and make sure they know what's good that day. But what makes the place really great is the food. The gigantes yahni (lima beans) are delicious, as is the Greek salad and the lamb dishes. The taramosalata (egg roe salad) melitzanosalata (eggplant salad) and tirokafteri (spicy cheese spread), spread on authentic Greek pitta bread are fantastic. The one thing to know before you go is that many of the dishes have a lot of garlic. I personally like that a lot, but you will have to watch it after you leave or the morning after - one trick that works well for me is eat some fresh parsley after dinner, it does wonders.
read full review
tpq22
March 12, 2009
I have never left a restaurant in such disbelief! I read so many reviews online about how good this place was and I certainly did not experience that! I ordered an appetizer for about $7-$8...and out comes four meatballs. Four tiny meatballs that were not even that good. Then comes my boyfriend's main course with lamb. We joked that it would be the size of a small bowl after how small my meatballs were. Well out comes his lamb in very small dish, similar to the size of a rice bowl and a small spoon of rice on the side. I have never been so disappointed in not just Greek food but any restaurant. I've had delicious Greek food in Fremont and University district and I will never return to this place again. Also, our waitress was very slow with our service, she seemed to be enjoying helping a larger table next to us much more and even made time to go find one of them a bag of corks for an art project while we sat and waited for our check.
read full review
Anonymous
February 03, 2009
I was visiting from California and my friend showed me this place and it was very enjoyable. The food was god quality and the location is nice. It is very well kept and I recommend going here.
read full reviewThe Details on Panos Greek Taverna Kleftiko
When to Go:
The placement is perfect for Seattle Center festival dining: just off the beaten path, but close enough to be walkable.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Hidden Find, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot
