11/09/09

Good food, good service, good atmosphere

by DenaG

The food was good and portions hearty. There were 2 of us and we started with the calamari and greek salad and were feeling pretty full with the appitizers. The patio is pretty and there are plenty of heaters to enjoy outdoor dining even on these chilly November nights. I'd go back as it was a fun evening and food was good.

• Pros: Tasty food and attentive service
• Cons: bathroom was messy, paper all over the floor

10/25/09

This has to be the absolute BEST restaurant in LA

by susieobrien

I live in Santa Monica and I've been going to Taverna Tony for over 10 years. This restaurant is the absolute best restaurant. I go there all the time not just to eat, but to celebrate special occasions (my anniversaries, birthdays, friends birthdays, etc.). It is incredibly fun and festive, but depending on where you sit, is also really romantic (especially on the patio or by the fireplace). The food is second to none, so if you want to plan an event, you won't regret it. It's constantly written about in the papers and magazines for it's fab food and given very high ratings.

There are a ton of celebrities there all the time. The same weekend I was scheduling my wedding, Antony Hopkins was ALSO having Taverna Tony cater his wedding (I guess I have good taste for food, lol). The owner is Tony and he is just awesome - whether I come with friends, or schedule parties of 20 or more, he takes care of every detail, Greek style. The service is usually very quick, and I think that's because most of the waiters are Greek and are naturally just "speedy" and energetic. I find the last two reviews pretty strange as I've never had a bad experience there, nor have my friends and we eat there all the time.

My favorite dish is the baby lamb and the grilled swordfish - the desserts are to die for, and I have no idea how they can always have the sweetest and crunchiest watermelon all year around. This is by far the best restaurant in Malibu.

• Pros: Incredible food, gorgeous restaurant, friendly waiters
• Cons: I wish there was more than just one!

07/21/09

BIG DISAPPOINTMENT

by DOCTORX

MY WIFE AND I WERE EXCITED TO BE PATRONIZING TAVERNA TONY'S FOR THE FIRST TIME. MUCH TO OUR DISMAY WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT.UPON ENTERING THE RESTARAUNT WE WERE NOT GREETED. AND IN FACT BY THE TONE OF HIS VOICE THE OWNER SEEMED ANNOYED BY THE FACT WE HAD WALKED IN. HE QUESTIONED MY WIFE IF SHE WAS SURE WE HAD A RESERVATION. WHEN SHE ASSURED HIM WE DID HE BEGRUDGINGLY DECIDED TO HELP US.THIS PRETTY MUCH DICTATED OUR NIGHT. MY WIFE AND I DID NOT FEEL WELCOMED WHATSOEVER AND NONE OF THE STAFF HAD A SMILE ON THIER FACE. AS FAR AS THE FOOD GOES IT WAS UNEDIBLE ( OVER SALTED SLOP) IT WAS BAD. SHRIMP, RICE, KABOBs, (@$29.50) AND ALL. IF ANYONE GOES TO TONY'S PLAY IT SAFE AND ORDER THE LAMB. DO NOT EXPECT TO BE TREATED IN ANY SPECIAL WAY. P.S. THE MUSIC WAS JUST LOUD AND REDUNDANT.

• Pros: NONE
• Cons: FOOD, SERVICE