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Elia
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Elia
8.5
Modern Greek restaurant delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors in an upscale setting with live music on select nights. The grilled octopus and moussaka draw consistent praise, while the lively atmosphere makes it popular for celebrations and late-night weekend dining until midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Spanish Octopus, Moussaka, Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Upscale Greek with live music creating island atmosphere
Who should go: Celebration seekers, Mediterranean cuisine lovers
When to visit: Weekend evenings for DJ and party atmosphere
What to order: Octopus appetizer, lamb chops, flaming cheese
Insider tip: Ask about the DJ nights for a livelier late-night experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking on Locust St, public garages nearby - Locust St garage offers first hour free then $0.50/hour, fills up on weekend evenings
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - this is an upscale spot, nice jeans work but many guests dress up for the occasion, especially on DJ nights
Noise level: Loud on weekends - DJ and live music make conversation challenging, weeknight dining is more intimate and conversational
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, highly recommend booking ahead especially for DJ nights
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min typically, reservations less critical
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including spanakopita, Greek salad, roasted vegetable mezze, and eggplant dishes
Vegan options: Moderate - hummus, baba ganoush, dolmas, salads, and vegetable sides work well, staff accommodating with modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - many naturally gluten-free Greek dishes, grilled proteins and mezze plates work well, staff knowledgeable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for dates - the upscale Mediterranean ambiance is inherently romantic, and sharing mezze plates creates natural conversation flow. Book a weeknight for intimate conversation or weekend for energy if you both like lively scenes. The flaming saganaki cheese makes a memorable tableside moment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually seats walk-ins quickly. Weekend evenings are another story - the DJ nights pack the house, expect 45-60 minute waits or longer. Book at least a week ahead for Friday/Saturday dinner, especially if you want a specific time.
Is it kid-friendly? Mixed - weekday lunch works fine for families, staff is attentive and Greek food offers approachable options. Weekend evenings transform into a louder party atmosphere with DJ that's better suited for adults. High chairs available but this isn't a dedicated family spot.
What are the DJ nights like? Wednesday evenings feature live music, weekend nights bring DJ spinning Mediterranean and contemporary hits. The vibe shifts from restaurant to lounge-club hybrid - dancing happens, energy is high, and it feels like a Greek island party. Not for quiet dinner seekers.
Is this good for a birthday celebration? One of the best in downtown - the festive atmosphere, shareable family-style dishes, and celebratory Greek traditions (think flaming cheese tableside) make birthdays memorable. Staff goes above and beyond for special occasions. Book the larger tables in advance for groups.
Best For
Better for: Best upscale Greek in the East Bay with unmatched late-night energy - nowhere else combines this quality of Mediterranean food with DJ-driven party atmosphere until midnight. The grilled octopus rivals SF spots at lower prices.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation or a low-key dinner - weekend nights are genuinely loud and energetic. For intimate Mediterranean try Va de Vi's small plates, for casual Greek mezze go to Babalou's, for romantic ambiance without the volume choose Rooftop.
Elia
8.6
Polished modern Greek with a seafood-forward menu, attentive service, and a lively bar right on Locust Street. Locals use it for date nights and celebrations, with mezze-to-grill dishes done with care.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus, Lavraki (branzino), Lamb Chops (Arnisia Paidakia)
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Refined Greek cooking with strong seafood and a serious bar.
Who should go: Couples, celebrations, seafood lovers
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7 for easier reservations and bar seats
What to order: Grilled octopus, lavraki, lamb chops
Insider tip: Bar seating moves fastest for walk-ins on busy weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Locust can be tight after 6pm; nearby public garages on Locust and Cypress typically have spots. Valet offered Friday–Saturday evenings ($10).
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—think polished jeans, button-downs, or chic dresses. Most guests elevate slightly for date night or celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—expect a buzzy atmosphere with music and conversation, but still possible to talk across the table.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation after 6:30pm; bar seating fills quickly but turns over regularly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is relaxed and efficient for midweek meals.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample mezze options (spreads, salads, spanakopita, grilled vegetables) and a few mains.
Vegan options: Limited—roughly 2–3 dishes can be modified on request; staff is knowledgeable about adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many items are naturally gluten-free (grilled proteins, salads, seafood); gluten-free pita available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Elia’s intimate lighting, polished service, and lively bar set an ideal tone for a romantic but not stiff evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed—try early evening walk-ins at the bar or patio. Reservations are strongly advised on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—best suited for adults or older teens. No children’s menu or play area, and the ambience leans toward date-night and social gatherings.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Greek dining, attentive service, and seafood execution surpass most local Mediterranean spots in both polish and presentation.
Skip if: You’re after quick takeout or a casual gyro lunch—this is a sit-down, full-service experience built for evenings out.
Elia
8.6
Upscale Greek with polished service, a lively bar, and seafood-forward specials; Executive Chef Mehmet Duygu oversees a broad mezze-to-grill menu. Locals use it for date nights and celebrations in the heart of downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus with Lemon-Oregano, Lamb Chops, Saganaki
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Refined Greek cooking with a strong seafood program and bar.
Who should go: Couples, celebrations, seafood lovers
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7 for easier reservations and bar seats
What to order: Octopus, lamb chops, saganaki
Insider tip: Bar seating is fastest on busy weekends and still gets the full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and nearby garage parking (Broadway or Locust) with moderate availability after 6pm; valet sometimes offered on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; most guests wear elevated evening attire—collared shirts, dresses, or upscale denim.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; energetic dining room but you can still hold a conversation at smaller tables or the bar early evening.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats fill by 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quieter midday crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample mezze, salads, and pasta options clearly marked on menu.
Vegan options: Limited—grilled vegetables and a few mezze can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff accommodate and can adjust many dishes including seafood and meats.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic lighting, stylish setting, and polished service make it one of Walnut Creek’s best date-night picks. The bar is ideal for a more casual first meeting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible early on weeknights or at the bar, but weekend tables typically require advance booking due to popularity.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—more of an adult atmosphere focused on cocktails and social dining; older teens are fine for family celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Seafood and upscale Greek fare with lively ambiance—ideal for dates and celebrations compared to quieter Mediterranean spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a casual gyro or takeout-style meal; this is more of a refined, dine-in experience.