Taverna Evia

This visit as well as this review has been a long time coming. A few years back, pre-covid, Doris and I noticed Taverna Evia” while dining nearby. I did our research and liked what I saw in all the reviews. However, while making plans to visit for dinner, the World came to an abrupt and unexpected halt. A few months back, we were elated to see that Evia was reopened. We immediately decided to make plans to check it out. I was so excited to finally be able to taste all the wonderful flavors that I had read so much about. However, upon entering we saw something was different. The menu was not Greek but Greek/Caribbean fusion. That’s the review that we didn’t write.

Back to life and back to reality, fast forward about 4 months we saw a post on social media announcing that Evia was reopening under Original Ownership. Finally, we were going to get the opportunity to try the food and flavors that we had read so much about was really back. After reading so many good reviews about the previous owner we had to go and attend the Grand Re-Opening. I must say that we were not disappointed Dean, John, and Diane almost instantly started to stoke the magic that was Evia.

Upon entering we were greeted at the door by a young man, Matt, who guided us to the dining room and gave us our choice of table. After being seated Diane and Jake our servers introduced themselves and gave us a choice of water and time to review the menu. Shortly thereafter, Jake came over to take our drink and appetizer order. We opted for the Grilled Octopus. It was a fork-tender, delicious, charbroiled Greek delicacy that was served with onions and capers. The Portion size was more than adequate and the octopus was seasoned and grilled to perfection. Needless to say, we cleaned the plate. As for our entrees, Doris ordered the Moussaka, layers of roasted eggplant & potatoes with seasoned ground beef topped with bechamel. This was exactly what I was reading about when I read the old reviews. Absolutely incredible flavor and generous portion size. I ordered the Pastitso, layers of fresh pasta & seasoned ground beef topped with bechamel. This is the dish that I order in all the Mediterranean / Greek restaurants that we visit. I was once told by Manny a Greek friend of mine, that if they can’t make Pastitso right they’re not a Greek place. All that I can tell you is that they make Pastitso so right I felt like I was in the Greek Island of Evia! I could not come up for air, every mouthful was better than the last and I was looking forward to the next. The seasonings in the dish tasted so amazingly delicious that I didn’t want the dish to end. At one point, Doris brought me back to Coral Springs and asked if I was going to come up for air or at least slow down, LOL.

For dessert, we asked for his suggestion, and Dean insisted on surprising us by preparing our dessert. It was a beautiful mix of all the desserts (which included kadaifi, baklava, karidopita (walnut cake), custard, and whipped cream shredded phyllo pastry with syrup and, ekmek). All the desserts are made in-house mainly by Dean, who is the Pastry Chef. Now it was Doris’ turn to slow down and enjoy the flavors, LOL.

After dinner, we spoke with Dean and John about their plans for bringing Taverna Evia back to its former glory. They were well aware that it was an uphill battle, mostly caused by the damaged reputation of the previous ownership. Notwithstanding, I am more than confident that Taverna Evia will come roaring back like Persephone, the Greek goddess! The restaurant is absolutely spotless and the decor is Chic and Modern. They have a huge fully appointed bar as well as a completely redone outdoor seating area which is absolutely Inviting.

I can’t underscore enough the absolute potential of this neighborhood gem of a restaurant! It is perfectly located in the Heart of Coral Springs right on University Drive between Atlantic Boulevard and just south of Royal Palm. Stop in and say Opa! to John and Dean Kontos.