Filotimo
A word that only exists in the Greek Language. Filotimo is a complex
array of virtues that encompass: Honour, dignity, generosity, hospitality, compassion & doing more.
"The essence of doing good in Life"
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Ithaka Greek Restaurant
Ithaka Greek restaurant invites you to discover our families’ authentic Greek dishes. Prepared from our family recipes & traditions that have been inspired by both my grandmother & mothers touch. Our menu is a journey inspired by Greece’s rich culinary heritage. Featuring fresh ingredients, bold flavours, & generations of preparing Greek comfort food with love.
Whether you’re enjoying a family gathering, a romantic evening, planning an event or simply craving delicious Greek cuisine, Ithaka invites you to experience the warmth, hospitality, ambiance & vibrant flavours we’re known for
What Hospitality means to the Greeks?
The Greek word Philoxenia, literally translated as a “friend to a stranger,” is widely perceived to be synonymous to hospitality.
Since antiquity Greeks, however, it is much deeper than that. It is an unspoken cultural law that expresses generosity and courtesy to strangers.
Philoxenia today can be as simple as a smile, lending a helping hand, or opening your home to friends and family. We look to invite all of our guests to Ithaka as we would family & friends. While you dine with us experience our genuine hospitality & attentive service.
50 Great Greek Wines
Yiannis Karakasis MW (Master of Wine) is one of the approximately 400 Masters of Wine in the world, a title which is considered to be the top in the wine industry. The 50 Great Greek wines awards the best wines of Greece.
Ithaka is the only Greek restaurant chosen to be a gastronomy sponsor of the 50 Great Greek wines in all of North America. We are also pleased to offer the largest selection of Greek wines in western Canada. Enjoy your favourite Greek dishes of while discovering some of the exceptional next generation of Greek wines. We currently carry 30 of the 50 Great Greek wine award winning selections.
Most credit goes to the winemakers themselves who have steadfastly taken on the challenge before them & got the wines to premium standards. For many years, most people thought of Retsina when they thought of Greek wine. This pine-resin infused wine was ubiquitous & was what was most commonly served to tourists who wanted to try something local. It tarnished the reputation of Greek wines for a long time, but about 30 years ago things took a turn for the better. Since then, great things have happened and are continuing to happen. Greece has more than 300 indigenous varieties, many are used to make its outstanding wines.
“Keep Ithaka always in your mind. Arriving there is what you are destined for. But do not hurry the journey at all.”
Our Story
In 1969 the Adamopoulos family purchased a restaurant in Kenora, Ontario called “The Plaza”. Initially the restaurant sold burgers, hot sandwiches, veal cutlets, steaks, etc., classic Canadian fare. Tommy & Maria, who were both from Greece, asked their parents to come to Canada upon the arrival of their daughters Lena & Tina to help with their new young family.
Soon after, two boys expanded the family with the arrival of Dimitri and Andreas. Customers enjoyed the food at The Plaza, but soon became very interested in the Greek food that was at the family table prepared by Tommy’s mother, (Yiayia) Helen.
Everyday YiaYia would prepare for lunch and dinner traditional Greek favourites for the family to eat. Family friends were offered some unique Greek flavours to try and they were instantly asking that these items be added to the menu. Over the years the menu essentially became 85% Greek food, with some of the original classics.
Tommy and Maria retired from the Plaza in 2004, with Dimitri & Tina taking over the family business in Kenora. In 2013 The family opened Ithaka at cook & Yates in Victoria bc. In 2020 Ithaka relocated to 716 Burdett Avenue which is our current home. We have been blessed with a wonderful clientele, and strong support by our local community. At Ithaka we work as a team to provide warm hospitality, friendly service, authentic Greek recipes, all in a beautiful Greek Island themed decor.
