On the go | Kouzina Niata: Getaway to Greece

Lovers of Greek flavors, you absolutely must visit the new Kouzina Niata counter, located in the heart of Mile End, rue Saint-Viateur Ouest.

Iris Gagnon Paradise
The Press

The owners and friends Angelis Sarbanis and Lambros Tsalamangas wanted to offer here the authentic taste of dishes from their country of origin, prepared according to the rules of the art, with great meticulousness. A convincing example: the phyllo dough for puff pastry spanakopita (spinach and Greek feta), tiropita (Greek feta, ricotta and graviera) or kotopita (chicken, smoked bacon, peppers, mushrooms and graviera cheese) is homemade, from local flour biological, a rarity. And believe us, it seems: these are without a doubt the best spanakopitas we have tasted in our lives!

For the two restaurateurs, it was obvious that their project – which bears the name of the village where Mr. Sarbanis’ family is from, in the Peloponnese region – would settle in Mile End: the grandparents of Mr. Sarbanis settled on avenue de l’Esplanade when they arrived in Canada, while Mr. Tsalamangos’ father owned a garage on rue Clark. The design of the small, bright room was also thought up by Zébulon Perron, a resident of the district. The dishes offered on site are all inspired by authentic family recipes. In addition to puff pastries, which can be ordered hot or cold at the counter, as well as a few other dishes of the day (Greek salad, moussaka), a refrigerated counter welcomes many delicacies: briam (vegetables roasted in olive oil) , baklava, taramosalata (airy spread made from carp roe), gigantes plaki (legume salad in tomato sauce), stuffed vine leaves and, of course, Greek olives and feta cheese. A small grocery corner is full of fine products imported from the country: honey from Crete, olive oil imported by the company, fresh fig spread. Oh yes, and you can also grab a good espresso or latte on the go. What more ?

221 Saint-Viateur Street West, Montreal