TAVERNA, a local dining concept renowned for its authentic Greek cuisine, is set to expand its footprint beyond Palo Alto. The restaurant, located at 800 Emerson Street, has recently opened a new location in Portola Valley, which debuted in March 2023. Owner Thanasis Pashalidis has announced plans to introduce a new site in San Francisco, reflecting the brand’s ambition to grow.
According to a report by Palo Alto Online, Pashalidis views the Portola Valley opening as just the beginning. “My goal is to make people happy and to continue making people happy,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing the dining experience. The new location in Portola Valley occupies a space previously held by Old Port Lobster Shack at 3130 Alpine Road.
Expanding Culinary Horizons
Since its inception in April 2018, TAVERNA has carved a niche for itself in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, attracting a loyal customer base. The restaurant, co-founded by Pashalidis and his longtime friend Hakan Bala, combines rustic Greek traditions with modern culinary techniques. TAVERNA invites diners to explore a menu that showcases farm-to-table Greek cuisine.
The menu features a variety of small plates, including the traditional Greek Village Salad, tzatziki, and crispy zucchini cakes. For mains, diners can enjoy grilled Spanish octopus salad and lamb rib chops sourced from Superior Farms in Sacramento, along with cast-iron cooked Greek meatballs. These dishes highlight the restaurant’s emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and authentic flavors.
To complement its culinary offerings, TAVERNA provides a selection of beverages that ranges from Greek-inspired cocktails to a curated list of California wines, biodynamic Greek wines, and selections from France and Italy. Pashalidis describes the dining experience as one that “transports you to Greece,” underscoring the restaurant’s mission to deliver handcrafted food made with passion.
Looking Ahead
The expansion into San Francisco marks an exciting new chapter for TAVERNA, as Pashalidis aims to share the joys of Greek cuisine with an even broader audience. The growing popularity of the restaurant indicates a strong demand for authentic dining experiences in the region.
As TAVERNA prepares for its new venture, the community can anticipate updates and news through platforms like What Now San Francisco on Facebook. Pashalidis and Bala’s vision continues to resonate, ensuring that their culinary journey not only satisfies appetites but also creates lasting memories for guests.
