Papa's Taverna - Greek, Petaluma

5688 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma CA 94954

(707) 769-8545

Hours: Closed Mon and Tues, Wed and Thurs 11:30am-2pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-10pm

http://www.papastaverna.com/

Last Visited: July 9, 2011

Food: 3 stars

Atmosphere: 3 stars

Service: 2 to 3 stars

Price: $ to $$

It's been more than a few years since I've been to Papa's Taverna.  I had a craving for Greek food and met a friend out here for dinner one evening.

Their website says that they're under new ownership.  Maybe that's part of the reason I felt the place had changed.  I had come here many moons ago for a family dinner and had found the place rather charming for our table of many guests, but now it seems like it could use a renovation and remodel.

Enter the restaurant in the evening and you'll be given the option to be seated near the band or in the other dining area.  I chose the area away from the band because the sun was about to set and this room offers views of the water, boats, and other scenery.  The decor seems a bit dated and less than wow.

The service to start the evening right from the start could have used some improvement.  The server was abrupt and trying to be both host and server with plates in her hand.  I wouldn't have minded waiting for her to finish serving first before coming over to seat us.  Once seated, the order process was fine, but her timing for checking on us was a bit off.

- Fried Calamari - Although the frying oil was fresh and the color on the calamari was good, the batter was too soft and it seemed like frozen calamari that had been breaded versus breading done in house.  The cucumber slices and pieces of tomato addded a nice freshness, but I still found it lackluster.  $10

- Mousaka - Greek vegetable, meat lasagna.  Served with a half Papa's horiatiki salad.  The salad is served first and comes with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta chunks.  I really liked how this feta wasn't too salty.  The presentation of the mousaka could be more pleasing - the darkened edges make the pasta look dry.  The flavor was ok.  The vegetables were alright, but nothing to write home about. $18

- Pork Gyro with French Fries - The gyro was tasty with the toasted pita bread and fresh vegetables with the grilled meat.  The pita is grilled until warm and slightly crisp.  The amount of thick cut french fries are good and they were fried to an acceptable crispness. I would have liked them to be even a little crispier.  Of the dishes tried, the gyro was probably one of the better dishes of the evening.  $14

While the server was pleasant, her overall demeanor could use some polishing.  The atmosphere is old and outdated.  Pricing on their menu is a bit high for dinner entrees.  If prices were lowered $2 to $3 per dish, I would find it more palatable for my wallet considering the overall ambiance.

Papa's Taverna might be a good place to go to watch the belly dancing or hear live music, but it's a bit expensive considering the service and atmosphere.  The gyro is a good choice.