Bahari The Hellenic Palate Richmond

This is a great Greek styled restaurant...with a twist. Often there are other influences which are brought to Greek/Cretan dishes which takes food to another level. Bookings are suggested as it is usually full when you walk in, but like any good host they will do what they can to get you in or suggest a time to come back. As a regular I have always started with mixed dips and saganaki. The dips are exquisite and for me some of the best that I have had. The saganaki is also of prime quality. Then it becomes interesting. Having known Phil at the early stages of his culinary journey I have often been a guinea pig for his new ideas. I now simply tell him to feed me and he will give me a range of dishes which are great in isolation but meld well into a dinner. Often they will be a dish that he is thinking about using on the menu and wants my opinion. When I am with others he will discuss ideas to see if they are suitable for my guests and it makes a very personal and exciting way to dine. Not knowing exactly what is coming out but savoring every morsel is such a pleasurable way to dine. Sometimes they are dishes that I wouldn't normally order, like vegetarian dishes but he does them so well. The other night he brought out some grilled yellow zucchini with feta and pomegranate which would almost turn me vegetarian...but i emphasis almost. Phil also suggested some grilled garfish fillets. They were on skewers, lightly grilled and other than some lemon were a simply but pure delight. Again fish/seafood is not high on the radar but they were spot on. The other dish was a Cretan sausage made out of chicken but with Middle Eastern influences of pine nuts and spices. Grilled to perfection and served piping hot another great selection. We were too full to enjoy dessert there, but a nice piece of galaktoboureko taken away would finish off the meal perfectly. The staff are friendly and professional, the chefs cook everything to perfection. The first time you go there examine the menu and specials and try what you like, but for a great experience simply let Phil or his staff feed you and have a culinary adventure.

Being Greek I am a very hard critic when it comes to eating Greek food out. Bahari ticked all the boxes for my friends and I. Service was great, atmosphere was warm with Greek music playing in the background, Food was divine we found it hard to choose as all menu items sounded sooooo good. The slow roasted goat was very good, the fasolakia tasted just like my mum makes, the roasted piperyes were perfect, bazanriosalata was a favorite on the table as were the kolokithokeftethes....trying saying that after a few red wines! In summary I will definitely recommend Bahari when I am asked where can I go to eat Good Greek Food! Thanks to the staff and the amazing Chef's at Bahari.

Probably the best dining experience I've had for a long time. As soon as you enter you're greeted by the owner and treated as an individual. Staff are attentive, the menu creative and innovative and the food outstanding. This is how restaurants should be managed and how Greek food should taste. Can't recommend it enough. Anyone who hasn't tried, do yourself a favour.

This restaurant offers the absolute best Greek food and comes highly recommended to anyone who loves this cuisine. You will not be disappointed with the service or the food. Do yourself a favor and give this place a try - just make sure to book ahead as it is very popular!

The meal was delicious and the portion size was generous with the $45 set menu. The desserts were absolutely divine. After recently returning from a few weeks in Greece, we found this food to be even better.