By Beth Schnitzer–
Welcome to my temporary culinary column! I’m one of the friends of David Landis who is filling in for him while he recovers from a recent surgery.
My love of food and the restaurant industry runs deep—and also in my family! Both my brothers own restaurants in Provincetown, Cape Cod, and Miami Beach, Florida, respectively, and I am a proud sister. I am also the Co-Founder of Spritz, a lifestyle marketing agency that is a partner to many restaurants in the Bay Area. I’m always eager to taste it all, explore new flavors, and share my discoveries.
With that in mind, I’m eager to highlight some incredible dining experiences: Barbayani in Los Altos, and all that Oakland has to offer during Oakland Restaurant Week, March 20–30, 2025.
Barbayani Greek Taverna: Authentic Grecian Cuisine in Los Altos
With a menu, atmosphere, and vibe evocative of a Greek holiday, Barbayani Taverna delivers an authentic Grecian experience without a passport. It is tucked away in the heart of Los Altos at 388 Main Street near the beautiful Redwood Grove Nature Preserve.
This Mediterranean gem welcomes diners with vibrant flavors, warm hospitality, and a lively atmosphere, and features a design reminiscent of the sun-drenched Greek isles. It is open daily until 9 pm, extending to 9:30 pm on weekends, and is the perfect spot for a culinary getaway.
In true Greek tradition, Barba is the friendly “uncle,” a kindly person
who prepares and serves your fun-loving group of friends or family all the delicious flavors, appetizers, Greek liquors, cocktails, and more. At Barbayani, your Barba is Owner Dino Tekdemir, who does it all with great style and flair.
Tekdemir told me for the San Francisco Bay Times: “My team and I look forward to bringing an authentic Greek restaurant experience to one of my favorite communities. From the moment you arrive, we’ll transport you to Greece, with the smell of homemade baked bread from the open kitchen, blue and white decor reminiscent of a Greek island, and servers well versed in classic dishes and wine pairings. When dining at one of my restaurants, expect a warm and memorable experience.”
The menu at Barbayani Taverna celebrates the beauty of the Mediterranean and its simplicity, and features all-time favorites and classics from this region of the world, like moussaka, souvlaki, and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves)—and seaside staples such as branzino, seabass, lobster spaghetti, a seafood platter, tuna tartare, and scallops.
Lunchtime at Barbayani
There’s never a wrong time to visit Barbayani, and as one of the few spots in the area open daily for lunch, a taste of Greece might just be what you’re craving come lunchtime.
Start with a delicious soup or salad, like the charcoal-broiled octopus salad served over baby arugula with roasted bell peppers, or the beet salad with goat cheese and caramelized walnuts in an orange balsamic dressing. Traditional appetizers like spanakopita, dolmades, and zucchini cakes with spicy yogurt salad and roasted red pepper sauce are also not to be missed.
For heartier fare, try the lamb meatballs, lamb riblets, or wild-caught salmon marinated in mint and pesto sauce. Don’t forget to sample the house-made pita bread with a selection of dips, including roasted eggplant purée (my favorite), smoked taramosalata, tzatziki, and tirokafteri (red pepper feta garlic). Each one is a culinary masterpiece in its own right.
Main courses like Eggs Royale (poached eggs and salmon on Greek muffins), Greek Toast, Santorini Toast, and the Athens Burger (lamb patty) offer a taste of Greece with a modern twist. Seafood lovers will enjoy the seafood linguine, while vegetarians can savor the vegetarian risotto or traditional moussaka.
An Evening in the Mediterranean
Dinner at Barbayani offers an enticing menu and atmosphere, with a focus on fresh seafood, grilled meats, and classic Greek dishes served in a warm ambiance.
As the sun sets, Barbayani transforms into an enchanting evening oasis, where live music fills the air and the atmosphere becomes even more magical. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delightful dining experience, dinner at Barbayani is sure to leave you with lasting Mediterranean memories. I love dining in the parklet outside with heat lamps, live music, and the fun vibe.
Inside, the Mediterranean-inspired decor and warm hospitality create a setting that captivates your senses. With every visit, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a Greek island, where worries melt away and the only thing that matters is savoring the moment. To accompany the wide and tempting selection of salads, appetizers, and entrées, Barbayani has many great Greek wines along with European and Californian selections.
Barbayani Greek Taverna is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that will transport you to the heart of Greece. Escape to Los Altos and discover the true meaning of Mediterranean hospitality. Yassou!
Beth Schnitzer is the Co-Founder and President of Spritz, https://spritzsf.com/
Bay Times Dines
Published on March 13, 2025
Recent Comments