The Greeks have always been a seafaring people.  Twenty five hundred years ago Greeks were sending their ships to explore and settle along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.  And through the years Greek manned ships are on every ocean in the world.
So it was a given that when Lynn and Makis Mikelatos decided to open a Greek restaurant twenty one years ago the location would be at the Ventura Harbor Village.  Here with fishing vessels and pleasure boats tied up just a few yards distance diners enjoy the Mediterranean Steak and Seafood  of The Greek.
For this Writer the question was why did it take us so long to discover this restaurant which is a destination in itself with its stunning seaside location.  The menu is an excellent mix of classic Greek dishes as well as traditional steaks and fish entrees.  There are plenty of Greek starters like Hummus, Tabouli, Taramosalate and Tzatziki or Dolmades and Loukaniko.  But there is also fish classics like fish & chips, salmon on a plank or a daily Fisherman's Catch.
My dining partner and I love fish and we were more than just pleased as we examined the Greek menu.  It was a rather brisk spring day so we both opened with a cup of the clam chowder.  At this restaurant the clam chowder is just that and ours was loaded with clams and most flavored in classic Manhattan style.
We immediately saw the Calamari, labeled a 'house favorite' and followed with it.  It was moist, tender and came with two excellent dipping sauces.  I followed with the Fish and Chips and the plate was huge with four perfect fish slices smothered with breaded fries and two sauces.  Simply put it was the best fish and chips I had within memory.  It was such a huge plate that I was able to share some with my partner.
She ordered the Sea Scallops, also listed on the Starter menu.  It came with five large pan seared scallops smoothed with a balsamic glaze, sesame seeds, and asparagus tips.  It was such a generous portion that my partner took some home with her plus some of my fish as well.
To say we were contented diners was an understatement.  We lingered over our hot tea and looked over the vessels adjacent and wondered about those that take to the sea.
The Greek is more than just a restaurant.  There is a full service bar and lounge and a dance floor for the Greek dance shows and Belly Dancing that takes place on weekends.  Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., dinner 4 pm.to 9 p.m. with later closings on Friday and Saturday.  There is a Sunday breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Greek is located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura Harbor Village with free off street parking.  Telephone 805 650-5350, web www.thegreekventura.com.