Taverna Tony Greek Eats & Sweets

04/16/2008 Posted by luckyone77

This evening was birthday celebration for my mother, but turned into a very stressful evening, filled with suspense, as to what else could they possibly do wrong.... The experience started as we were seated for dinner without menus. We sat in our seats for 10 min. ignored until I spoke up and asked for menus for our table. I was told that there were none available and as soon as some became available we would get them. Once we received menus it took another 20 min just for someone to take our order. We ordered appetizers, salad and entrees. We specifically asked to have our salad prior to our entree, however everything arrived at the same time. Although the portions are large (one entree is enough for 2 people), the food was mediocre at best. The chicken kabob was very dry, and almost tasted like it was microwaved. The lamb was untrimmed and very fatty. Once we finished dinner and the table was cleared we waited about 15 min. and never saw our server. At this point I had to excuse myself from the table to find the owner (TONY) to ask for a check. I was told that they were bringing a dessert out for my mother's birthday. How nice I thought, something small to put a candle in and sing Happy Birthday. They brought out a plate with a few different items. Since we were all watching our weight we didn't touch the desserts. Then the check came..... UNBELIEVABLE...they had the nerve to charge us $22.00 for the desserts. I excused myself from the table to talk to the owner to let him know I mentioned it was mothers birthday so we could get a little something sweet, not a plate of desserts for $22. He just turned around and walked away, unwilling to remove or reduce the dessert charge. BOTTOM LINE: Overpriced. Food very mediocre Service was terrible I will never go back or recommend this restaurant.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: service, price, food quality

12/30/2007 Posted by jay2002

On a day trip to Malibu on a winter Sunday we went here based on recommendation by a friend. This is a lovely place at the French market center in Malibu, and very charming. The waiter was a bit slow but made up for it with loads of charm and humor and he was very greek. Tony came by to say hello and everyone was lovely. The food was delicious. The so called greek caviar they serve with bread upfront is to die for, and we had for appetizer the hummus, the grilled eggplant in tomatoes, the meatballs, and they were all stunning. but none compared to the fried calamari probably the best i've ever had anywhere. Then our greek salads arrived and we just had to pack it to go because we were full, but a taste told us we are going to enjoy dinner tonight. If you don't want the fried fish and chips after a day at the beach, this is a healthier albeit more expensive choice.

10/08/2007 Posted by foodielaguy112233

The service was very slow service. We didn't see a waiter approach our table for 10 minutes after we sat down. When one did show up, he didn't acknowledge that we had been left waiting. We still had hope and thought we'd give the place a chance. We waited and while the atmophere is festive, it's much too loud. My party sat in silence and couldn't communicate anything from across the table. But then came the food; the incredibly mediocore food. It tasted as if it had been heated up in a microwave. Dry, bland and unexciting. Overall, it felt like a waste of time.

Pros: Close to the Beach

Cons: Slow service, too loud, mediocore food

10/08/2007 Posted by triki

tony's serves up tasty traditional greek cuisine with a celebratory vibe. the first time my wife and i went (we've been back a few times) we were taken aback by how much fun everybody was having. it was strange at first, like they put mushrooms in the tzatziki, but ultimately infectious. especially when the bellydancer came out. my only complaint about tony's is that if you're a nobody (like me) seated next to a somebody expect to feel like a nobody. (hence, 4 stars and not 5.) the staff will drop everything (while you're in the middle of ordering) to fetch something for whatever movie exec is at the next table, which thoroughly p*sses me off. i'm new to LA, though, so it may just be par for the course. either way, if you're in a room full of other nobodys, expect to have a terrific time! :)

Pros: great food, great atmosphere, good price, lots of fun

Cons: if you're less famous than the person next to you, expect to feel that way

07/30/2007 Posted by foodlova5

I have been coming here for years and it never disappoints. The specials are always the same and I always get the lobster with with pasta. It is the best lobster I've ever had. Anyone who has ever tried it has loved it. I also get the flaming cheese and grape leaves as an appitizer. Tony is great and always friendly.

Pros: lobster

Cons: can be very busy on weekends

07/09/2007 Posted by msabraham

Wow, this place was amazing! Everything was great. flaming cheese, grilled octopus, bougasta, taramosala...I wish I could remember the rest. My friends who took me raved about the octopus. Although it looked strange, it was great. I eat out a lot and love finding new restaurants. My criterion for a restaurant is whether I will bring someone from out of town to eat there. This is now high on the list. Such terrific food and a casual setting. It's not even that expensive, if you on a budget just get a few appetizers.

05/24/2007 Posted by cafoodie

I go there at least twice a month and each time I go its a wonderful surprise. The service is always so warm and the owner Tony (who is always there) is fantastic.

Pros: Food, scenery, wait-staff, parking

Cons: Nothing

05/03/2006 Posted by jtully

This is one of my favorite Malibu restaurants. Its great food, reasonably priced and Tony is the best. They also usually have live music and a belly dancer on the weekends. I recommend the pita bread. Its the best I have ever had.

Pros: Good location, good for parties, romantic

12/30/2005 Posted by beenah

I love this place. The ambience is lively yet romantic. It is a great place for large parties. The patio is a very nice place to sip wine and relax and have some pita bread and dip. The dips and starters are all very good, although I have been luke warm on some of the entrees, I love the salads, etc. Watch out for the drinks however, they are very pricey!

Pros: Beautiful , cozy, fun and lively, great food

Cons: expensive drinks, reserv. on weekends, crowded

12/26/2005 Posted by bonnebouffe

As a single parent with a two year old, it is hard to find nice restaurants that are child friendly. My son and I have eaten here several times in the past 8 months and had a wonderful time each visit. Not only is the atmosphere warm and cozy, but they do not flinch a bit when my little guy exibits his age. By profession, I own and operate a catering company for the past 20 years, so I am pretty familiar with many types of food. Everything I have tried from the fresh pita to the skewered shrimp has been excellent. I highly recommend this eatery. Another plus is they are open late on week nights - in Malibu that is unusual, most places close at 9:00pm. Go and Enjoy!!!

Pros: comfortable seating, kid friendly, warm atmosphere