Panos Kleftiko Greek Taverna - (888) 430-2926

• Characteristic Dishes
• Lovingly Crafted
• Traditional Greek Restaurant

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.

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.

Fantastic authentic greek food. We will definitely be going back. It is small, charming, very friendly and one of those places where when you sit down you feel more like family than a customer. This place fills up fast . Try the saganaki....OPA!

Having just watched a Melina Mercouri movie, Greek food seemed in order. Panos had been recommend to me and I was not disappointed. It's a nice size, with enough kitsch to feel comfortable. Wait staff was efficient if not particularly chatty. The Saganaki was a touch disappointing, but I found the lamb dish covered with aioli to be delicious. Portions were a nice size and the overall experience was pleasant.

I love this restaurant with all my heart. I have never had a bad meal here. I go whenever I have the chance. Seating is limited, but well worth the wait! I am now a fan of Greek wine, as well. Vegetarians who eat cheese will find many options here. I absolutely love the Kopanisti and the Saganaki. Also, if you do eat meat, the specials are amazing. Make sure to save room for dessert!