Myconos Greek Restaurant, 1431 Polk Street, San Francisco, California
Dinner for two with appetizer and wine: About $48.25 plus tax and tip.
1. Price Medium
2. Quality of Service Average
3. Quality of Food Edible
4. Value Less than average
5. Elegance/Ambiance Rustic
6. Noise Level/Acoustics It's loud, but you can still talk, if your not hard of hearing.
I had spent a summer in Greece when I was a teenager, and I have always
said the best food I have ever enjoyed was the fantastic meals that I had while
I was there. Although I have never found a Greek restaurant here in
the States which has been able to come close to the food I had in Greece, I
never stop trying. I have been especially disappointed in the
bay-area, because I have found few Greek restaurants to begin with, let
alone one where I have really enjoyed the food.
Because of other reviews I had read about it, I was feeling optimistic about eating at Myconos. As we approached the restaurant, the aroma of lamb and olive oil excited my senses. There was a line of people waiting to get in, but someone greeted us quickly and informed us it would be about a ten to fifteen-minute wait. The kitchen is visible from the street and the entryway, so we watched the cooks work during our wait, which turned out to be only about eight minutes. The atmosphere is rustic with wood floors, high ceilings, and Greek posters on the wall. The lighting was low, and I liked the white rope-lights that were strung across the Greek-style arch that separated the dining rooms.
We were promptly seated and given menus, but it took some time for someone to come for our drink and food order. As a gauge of authenticity, I always try the Souvlaki or Gyros at a Greek restaurant, so I already knew what I wanted; Joni decided to try the roast-chicken. My Gyro was a bit dry, and heavily seasoned. I could tell that it was made from quality ingredients, but it was nothing close to an authentic Greek Gyro. For one thing, it was served without Tzatziki sauce, a necessary ingredient for Gyros or Souvlaki. When I asked for Tzatziki, I got some yogurt with dill in it (authentic Greek Tatziki is made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic). The roast-potatoes were good, but not as I remembered them in Greece. The pita-bread we were served was hot and thick, and I think it may have even been freshly made. The salad that came with the meal was pretty good, and probably my favorite part of the meal--the feta cheese in it had the flavor of real sheep's-milk, and the dressing was delicious. Joni thought her roast-chicken was bland and dry, and I agreed with her.
For the price, I thought Myconos was over-rated. Although, even if I wasn't fond of the food, it was a popular place that other people seemed to be enjoying. I guess I will have to keep looking, if I want to find some authentic Greek-style Souvlaki to satisfy my craving.