I genuinely don't understand the 3.9 rating. Hydra Estiatorio deserves so much better, and I'm writing this review to help correct that. From the moment we sat down, the experience was something special. They start you off with warm, grilled bread alongside a gorgeous pool of fresh olive oil, and here's the touch that sets the tone for the whole evening: the oregano garnishing that oil is cut tableside from a live plant. It's a small detail, but it tells you everything about how much this kitchen cares. We went all in on the menu and have zero regrets. The spread platter was outstanding, multiple dips, beautifully presented with soft bread, each one distinct and well-crafted. The warm marinated olives were rich and aromatic, the kind of thing you keep reaching back into. The calamari was perfectly fried, light, crispy, served with a creamy tzatziki dipping sauce. For mains, the whole lobster with fries was a showstopper, generous, fresh, and served with clarified butter and a tangy sauce. The halibut was elegant and delicate, plated with roasted vegetables and large capers in a way that felt genuinely refined. The cocktails and drink program held up beautifully throughout the meal too. This is the kind of restaurant that makes a night feel like an occasion. The food is thoughtful, the ingredients are clearly quality, and the atmosphere delivers. And Yuri, our waiter, was absolutely fantastic. If you're on the fence because of that rating -- ignore it. Go. read more

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Went in because of the name reminded me of James Bond or avengers. Looks small a quaint from the street, has an amazing upstairs with high ceilings Food was amazing. I don't usually eat octopuses for sentient reasons but I can say it gave its life for a worthy cause here Not an eggplant or pita fan either but the couple next to us ordered it and it looked so good I had to have it Lamb was probably the best I've had outside of nyc It was so good we cancelled dinner reservations at our other favorite place read more

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I love this place! I stopped by for happy hour with a friend before heading to the opera, and it was the perfect start to the evening. It's ideal for a girls' night happy hour or a date night. The rosé and bubbles are my go-tos, along with the oysters, meatballs, spanakopita, and sliders. The food and drinks really hit the spot. The service was okay. I'd definitely recommend this place--they have one of the best happy hours in the city! read more

We ordered the roasted chicken with veggies and the portion is quite generous for two people. The texture of chicken is quite soft and mushy - very different from organic free range chicken. Good service. We went for lunch and they are quite busy and noisy to allow conversations across the table. read more

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I was in Vancouver back in August of last year, and I had a few of the locals that I became friends with treat me out to this Greek restaurant. I just recently returned to Vancouver last week because the first experience, I had a hydra was nothing short of an amazing one. From the interior decor, the energy, the ambience the staff everything is amazing. I really love how everything is made to share. There are so many delectable dishes that you will find the time to save her every moment the dining experience at Hydra really gives you an experience as if you're in Greece. The quality of food is amazing and the way the staff is so enthusiastic about explaining the menu makes it worth your while. I am a very picky eater and ask someone who has been to Greece countless times experiencing through authentic Greek food. I must say this is one of the BEST GREEK RESTAURANTS I'VE EVER BEEN TO IN NORTH AMERICA. To top it off, the cocktails are beautifully crafted, and they have some beautiful wines that pair well with the different meats and dishes that you can order. One of the things I think that makes a restaurant really stand out is the quality of food and of course, the service when Service pairs well with the taste of the restaurant your dining experience is complete because you are able to have a culinary venture with people who care from start to finish Hydra is definitely one of the best in Vancouver! Side bar! They have a happy hour from 3 to 6 PM every day. I definitely have to check it out when I'm back in Vancouver. If you come across this review, this is the sign that you need to book this restaurant! read more

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We were not planning to go to Hydra but there was a change of plan and happened to be in the area. We arrived at around 330pm and the restaurant was quite empty. I had been to this restaurant once before but didnt have too much recollection of my last visit. This time we just ordered a couple of happy hour items and wine. Their happy hour menu items are limited and some items are on the pricey side. But overall, the oysters for the day were fresh, just not the type in prefer. We liked the dip with the bread. The seasoning of the eggplant dip we chose was right on and flavorful. Our server lady was very friendly and attentive. read more

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Understated, contemporary elegance, very personable and knowledgable wait staff, and unobtrusive music in the background. Very class act. The food was superb, we had their special, which was spiced fried zucchini, and eggplant with a to die for tzatziki , salt baked fish, delightful potatoes, and roasted vegetables, and pistachio ice cream for dessert. Every single dish was remarkable. This is definitely going to be on my go back again list over and over again.Gotta take visitors there. It'll blow their minds. It did mine. read more

The food came really quick and it's a beautiful restaurant with great atmosphere. Roman provided great service and it was a very enjoyable experience Highly recommend the oysters and calamari ! read more

Hydra Estiatorio - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I visited this restaurant several times, which I could go to from the second floor of the hotel I was staying in Vancouver. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is very nice but a little noisy. I was able to sit at the table even though I didn't make a reservation. The staff's service was good, nice smile, and polite. I had Chicken Souvlaki, and I liked the chicken because it was so tender, and the vegetables were good flavors. And I also tried Organic Heirloom Beets, which was quite large and tasted just right. I never get tired of it. And Melitzana w pita was so good. House made pita with smoked eggplant, paprika & scallions. The price was a bit high, but I was satisfied with the excellent hospitality and delicious food. read more

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We decided to have our New Year's eve dinner at Hydra this year. Their menu and the look of the restaurant seemed quite nice. We got seated by the window in the upstairs area, which was a bit more secluded but still quite loud. Cocktails were good but not amazing. The menu has lots of different options, we decided to have the seafood tower. It had 6 oysters and prawns, half a lobster, tuna tartare, scallops/praws ceviche, marinated octopus and some sauces. It felt like a small amount of food compared to other seafood platters we have had in other restaurants. The food was good but it lacked flavour, would have liked a more spicy or exotic taste. We ordered the seared ahi tuna as well. Also not very much flavour. We used some of the octopus marinade to add some taste. To finish we had desserts, the bougatsa which is a seminola custard filled pastry toped with some hot chocolate, and the baklava with pistachio ice cream. They were both good though the bougatsa would be enough for 2 people. I prefered the baklava with ice cream, it had more flavour. Overall the service was quite good but we were not umpressed by the food. Still a nice option for mediterranean food. read more

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I love coming to Hydra for their Happy Hours! The meatballs here are delicious; made with lamb, and covered in tomato sauce and whipped feta - it's so good. Then, the saganaki - it's entertaining watching the flame. The salty and cheesy crispy pieces were my favourite. We also ordered their oysters - our group couldn't get enough of them and ordered two dozen. The showstopper was the lobster spaghetti: it was cooked so well and paired beautifully with the tomato sauce. The service here is always on point as the staff are incredibly tentative. We had our last birthday here and our engagement party and the staff made it extra special with little surprises (a little postcard and dessert). This location is beautiful as well - take a look at the chandelier: you'll see all the little fish above you. The bathroom is an experience as well - listen to a podcast as you do your business! read more

Hydra Estiatorio - Lobster Spaghetti - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Omg I wish I would've known about this restaurant sooner. The food was so yummy First of all the restaurant is so bright and pretty, we were seated by the window during lunch time. The sun nearly blinded me. I also wish the table was bigger, because we ordered way too much food. The sampler platter with the hummus and tzatziki was delicious. We ate so much of it that it was difficult to eat our main course. The lamb chops, brussel sprouts and meatball were perfect. I have no complaints. If I'm ever back in Vancouver this will be my 1st stop. read more

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While staying at the EXchange hotel we went to Hydra for breakfast and it did not disappoint. The staff were all very welcoming and polite. We got seated immediately and once we placed our order the food arrived swiftly. The food was delicious and just what you would expect from a nice restaurant in both quality and presentation. The potatoes were particularly delicious. If you're downtown and looking for a good breakfast, stop by Hydra Estiatorio. read more

Hydra Estiatorio - Breakfast Sandwich - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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I came here with my girlfriends for happy hour. Happy hour is daily from 3-6pm. The first thing I noticed was how beautiful and elegant the restaurant is. Service was excellent and our wine was brought to us within minutes of being seated. House wine was only $7 per 5oz glass and they have a nice selection of small bites. What really stood out was the lamb meatballs in a roasted red pepper sauce. They were so juicy and flavourful that we ordered another plate. The main reason we came here was for their $1.50 oysters. They could only bring out a dozen at a time but we ended up ordering 3 dozen. read more

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I had a quick overnight in Vancouver and wanted to check out a couple of different places for seafood, while I was there. I had an early flight in the morning and was staying at the attached hotel, so I popped in here for a few oysters and a glass of bubbles. I came in toward the end of their happy hour and sat at the bar. The restaurant is beautiful and the service was fantastic. I wasn't there long but it really made an impression. Next time I am in town I will definitely come back for dinner. I talked oysters with the bartender while he made cucumber flowers for one of their signature drinks. The oysters were clean and delicious. The homemade mignonette was the perfect accompaniment. The bubbles were a little sweeter than I prefer, but very effervescent and refreshing. I will definitely come back to try more from the menu. read more

Hydra Estiatorio - Happy hour oysters - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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We dined at Hydra once for dinner in the restaurant and twice for room service as we stayed in the hotel they provide service for. The food is absolutely delicious and the ambiance is beautiful. The service has some opportunities. read more

Hydra Estiatorio - Breakfast plate, shakshuka (room service) - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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This restaurant is stunning. I wasn't expecting it, either from the website or the hotel's facade. We had a delightful lunch here. We started with the assorted dips, served with crudites, pitas, and the best pita chips I've ever had. We couldn't pick a favorite, although the salmon one was certainly a standout. After all that dip, we just had a couple of other appetizers: tuna tartare and spanikopita. Both were excellent. The service was attentive and pleasant. I'm looking forward to another visit to further explore the menu. Loved the Greek mythology lecture playing in the restrooms! read more

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The atmosphere at Hydra is gorgeous. Everywhere you look, there are more details to admire. Every dish I've tried here has been delicious, especially the lamb keftedes and their daily selection of spreads. They also have a great daily Happy Hour (with hours that make it easy to swing by after work), offering awesome deals on food and drinks read more

Hydra Estiatorio - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

We came here after the Whitecaps game didn't realize it was happy hour. They are happy. Our menu is fantastic with half price grilled sea bream and appies. And also a good selection of red and white wine. As usual, Hydra gives you the best service like tableside carving for the grilled fish. At the end of the night, we had tons to eat and also some leftover to take home. Happy hour starts at 5 - 6PM. It is a great time to enjoy Hydra at a friendlier cost to the pocket. read more

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Greek food, anyone? My favourite from the night was the spreads platter. A great appetizer to share amongst friends, you get to try four different spreads with warm pita breads and other dippables. Street parking is available nearby. Restaurant is quite big so tables are roomy and comfortable. read more

Happy hour! $1.5 oysters from 3 to 6. Meatballs and calamari were really good too. $6 wines incl. bubbly. Had a nice time. The place is really nice, fancy interior. read more

Hydra Estiatorio - $6 happy hour bubbly - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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I was really craving oysters so we tried to find anything around the area that was close by since fanny bay oysters was closed for the month. I'm honestly so disappointed in the size of the oysters, the lamb sliders we got were soggy and cold, the drinks tasted like there was no alcohol in them.. I can't really complain though it was happy hour prices. The ventilation in this restaurant was honestly really bad. I always felt so hot inside the restaurant when it was cold af outside. Service was good though but I can't say the same for the food sadly read more

Hydra Estiatorio - Cocktail of the day - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Hydra is one of the top rank Mediterranean fine dining in Vancouver. Located in Exchange Hotel first and second floor, one of the historical building in Vancouver. We ordered whole seabass in salt and crab stuffed lobster tail with saffron risotto. The seabass is 2lbs with two big bowls of kale, bell pepper and zucchini. More than enough for 2 people. We also tried the lobster tail risotto. It looks good in presentation but the risotto is a bit lack of favor. It would have be a 5 star if the risotto is better. Overall great experience and this restaurant is great for large parties. They have a lot of large platter for 4-6 people to share. A little bit on the expensive side overall. Keep in mind, you get 10% discount if you live in the hotel! read more

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It was Happy Hour and we had reservations. Greeted by the host st the outdoor entrance. The place was already packed. We headed upstairs to a nice round table by the window. Everything on the menu looked good but it was Happy Hour and we opted to order from that menu in order to try different things. We also tried the different spreads. OMG the eggplant is SO good. While I had the lamb sliders, the meatballs is what I would order again. Everything about it was absolutely delish from the goat cheese to the lamb and that houemade sauce was something I could not get enough of. Our server Trevor was absolutely wonderful. He was helpful, professional and kind. Everyone was. While we made our way out we were greeted by 3 other staff members who wished us a good night. Maybe one day I'll order from the mani menu, but that Happy Hour menu was a definite winner. read more

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We were guests of the hotel in which this restaurant is located, so I believe we got the 10% discount or so. But the quality of the food here end of the service I have to say is top-notch and justifies a visit, even without a discount. In fact, on the night that we had supper there, the place was basically full. You can tell that we were not alone in enjoying our meal. It is a large dining room with large windows that look out on the street and lets in light. The bar is a good length and is busy in its own right. I had a great many photos to share, but they seem to have vanished from my phone. Well, :-) go down and have a look at yourself at the beautiful presentation of your food and drink :-) read more

Wasn't my favourite. Had some good cocktails but very expensive. Food was fine but over priced for what it was. Dining room was pretty but major hotel feel. Service was great! Nothing to complain about really, just not my vibe. I felt the bill did not come close to justify the experience. So many other places I would rather drop that kind of cash at for happy hour. read more

The food is fantastic with a great selection of cocktails!!! Expensive but it's worth every loonie!!!

My enthusiasm for Dine Out Vancouver has waned in the last few years, especially with how expensive things have been getting. But my friend wanted to try it once together this year so I let him pick the restaurant. Just like last year, there was a transit issue so I was a little flustered why I arrived at the Exchange Hotel where the restaurant is located. The receptionist helped me get an elevator to level two for the restaurant. The ambiance is quite nice and it was a bustling night. Seared Scallops with smoked white beans/fennel-apple lahanosalata - the scallops were large and juiced, seared quite nicely. The lahamosalata gave the dish a bit of texture and crunch, but flavour wise it didn't do too much for me. Hydra Signature Lamb Chops - grilled lamb chops/rosemary wine jus/grilled vegetables - we got these medium rare and they were very tender, with a nice char. Very satisfying. Pistachio Tiramisu - greek coffee/orange/Metaxa - It was a semi sweet way to end the meal. The roasted pistachios were a nice touch. Overall a nice meal with attentive service at a beautiful location. read more

Stopped by Hydra for happy hour while in Vancouver. We grabbed some Greek wine and asked the server for food recommendations... and ordered all of them. Oysters, calamari, lamb keftedes- everything was very good. Would love to try this place for dinner next time in Vancouver! read more

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We very much enjoyed our dinner at Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean last evening. The staff are very warm and welcoming, and we very much appreciated the attentive service of a professional staff. The menu offers a wonderful selection of cuisine, perfectly prepared, and there is a very extensive selection of wines with sommelier recommendations available. The ambience is very chic and elegant, with large windows and lofting ceilings, We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience with Hydra, and look forward to the opportunity to return again! read more

Hydra is consistently good all around: delicious food, friendly service, great wine list, etc. All told, it's our favourite restaurant.

Hyrda has been on my list for sometime. I finally found time to pop in post tournament. Crocs, dry fit and sweat band. Made it in time for some happy hour. Felt a bit out of place considering there were many tables of large groups gathering, family and folks on dates. They were still very nice considering my attire. It was a mad 40 min dash in and out. Oysters. Wow! Fresh, fresh shucked, cold and still in brine. Didn't care for the accoutrements. Didn't need it. It was that fresh. The spread of eggplant, humous, and ________. I can pass on this. Overall, love the high ceilings and decor. Looking forward to returning. read more

Hydra Estiatorio - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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This restaurant can be as intimate or casual as you like, which is great. Wonderful, varied drink selection even a few mocktails. We started with hummus and the pita bread was hot, pillowy soft and buttery sprinkled with some herbs that complimented the hummus. The hummus was topped with paprika, oil, and some fresh herbs and it was honestly the best hummus and pita I've ever had. The souvlaki portions are giant and come with tzatziki sauce, potatoes, bell pepper and kale. Meat was well seasoned and cooked to perfection. We finished with the bougatsa which was amazing. Flaky pastry with an warm semolina bases custard and cinnamon. The waitress cut it into sections and then poured a dark chocolate sauce on top which really made this dish over the top. The service was also great. The waitress was super friendly and seemed to really care that we had an enjoyable meal and she definitely made it memorable. Would definitely eat here again should I find myself in Vancouver. read more

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We came on a Thursday for happy hour. They have two floors. If you enter from the hotel you will end up on their main floor upstairs. If you enter from the pender entrance you will end up on the bottom floor. Here they have a patio We ordered the oysters, calamari and lamb sliders. The oysters were small but for the price definitely worth it. The calamari was somewhat plain. Without the dipping sauce, it wouldn't be as good. The calamari wasn't chewy or anything but nothing special. The lamb sliders didn't taste like lamb at all. The Brioche could have been more fluffy and buttery. The lamb was made like pulled pork and tasted like it. The fries that came with it were kind of chewy not very crispy. Overall for the price - I felt like their oysters and drinks are worth it. The other food I tried were okay but nothing i would order again. I would come back for just oysters and drinks. The service was really good and fast. read more

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Came here last night for a birthday and the service was very attentive. The restaurant is bright and spacious-- ultra ceilings and abundance of natural light streaming through the glass wall on the street side. We made it just for the tail end of happy hour. We endulged in some sizeable buck a shuck oysters and juicy lamb sliders. For our main, we got the lobster tail. The lobster itself was ok but the risotto with a kick was so yummy! Would definitely go back for the buck a shuck. read more

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Inside out: The restaurant has a lovely at nautical theme, ample seating, and it looks like two bars. The scale backdrop on the bar in the main dining area is just awesome. It never got too loud in there even with a lot of people, everyone has their own space. Everything was clean and well put together, I wasn't sitting right next to someone that I didn't know and I liked that. Service: we went there for breakfast both days and it was stellar. Friendly very human and down to earth people to talk to, absolutely relaxing and no stress. They didn't forget a single thing and we're incredibly attentive. Food/drinks: I had never enjoyed a Cesar before, but I have been craving one since I had theirs! As a fan of the bloody Mary as an American -this was absolutely a superior version. I actually thought about emailing them and begging for the way that they make it because it was so freaking good, our waitress the first day told me to have it with vodka and it was a great recommendation. My husband got the traditional breakfast every morning and it was so much food it fed both of us with leftovers. Overall this is a wonderful place to have any meal of the day read more

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Walked in without reservations for happy hour (primarily for the oysters). Thankfully, seating was almost immediate on the ground floor for a Friday afternoon. The staff were professional and attentive. The Greek lamb meatballs, though served at room temperature, had great texture. read more

Hydra Estiatorio - Lamb keftedes - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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HYDRA ESTIATORIO MEDITERRANEAN | WINE BAR Main Entrance: 825 W. Pender St Vancouver BC, V6C 1K7 https://hydravancouver.com/ We went there for their happy hour- this is a popular place for happy hour. Reservation is must. Their buck a shuck is local BC oysters served on a bed of ice. We tried their cocktail specials for $8, forgot the name but it was good. According to my family, the oysters were good, you can order a dozen at a time. However you can always order them again if you so desire. We ordered a total of 24 oyster, a dozen at a time. Now for the all bites which are $12 each. We ordered the following: Hydra Spread - 3 kinds of spread with pita bread - highly recommend it, hummus, tzatziki & I believe it is baba ganoush. Calamari- apparently it is Humboldt squid, cut into strips & deep fried, this was a mixed reviews from the family, the males found it too soft & not crispy enough. The females found it good & like the generous amount of tzatziki sauce that comes with it Lamb sliders - whole family thought it was meh. It was shredded lamb ( not a lot of it), the sliders cakes with fries & tzatziki sauce. No idea what the tzatziki sauce was for, we used it as fries dip. Lamb Keftedes - Highly recommend this dish, it comes in 3 lamb meatballs... extremely flavourful with a saucy tomato sauce, topped with arugula salad & feta cheese We are coming back here again! That's for sure! Check them out! PS: The decor is beautiful & classy- great ambiance Service was good! read more

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Do you know what a testament to my ratings are...that there is barely any that are low... This bar has it all...style...the deco is second to none...the food...all that was had was delicious...the new bottle of wine found... Mag-na-fucken-fique!!! Well done MacIntyre's Astro...well done. However, what I cannot swallow, pun intended...is service that has no reason but not to match everything within it's walls. You can put people in a suit, others in suspenders, but I guess style and class and manners and service are nurtured. This place could use an Ops Manager that knows how to instil service with flair. Easy task. Suit up! read more

Hydra Estiatorio - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Every time I walked past this place, I thought to try it, especially during weekday lunch. I finally had the chance to come here for happy hour. The place was pretty packed on a weekday, so reservations is definitely recommended. We got a table quickly since we made reservations beforehand. It was the week of the big snow storm, and they actually called and texted me to check and confirm our booking. This must be one of the last places to offer $1 oyster during happy hour. With that price, I had to order some. They were on the small side though. We shared kalamari, the pita with 3 dips and grilled octopus. The grilled octopus was a bit disappointing, only because of my expectation. I had the most delicious grilled octopus at a Greek restaurant years ago overseas and that had remained on my mind. This version was not char-grilled and was sliced up into pieces and came with salad. The kalamari was surprisingly good, and the pita with 3 dips was tasty too. The happy hour featured cocktail was a Tropical Quencher (not on menu). It was pretty refreshing. It had rum, sprite, lime and lemon. I would still like to come here on Monday just to try the lunch time special which is the paella. read more

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