Jennifer Gault
The warm radiance of candlelight. A gentle amber glow of silent blinking flames. Rich caramel coffee ceilings. Clean ivory tablecloths.
In the heart of the Danforth, there is a precious jewel. A great treasure that has just reopened and invites you in. Succulent aromas of grilled calamari, roast lamb and olive oil baked vegetables calls to you like a siren’s song. Their savoury perfumes sing to your nose and swim in your head, bringing your feet closer and closer. Until, you reach the threshold. Take a step, come inside.
The bar is a party; the top shelf is lined with an electric rainbow of luminous bottles. Vivid fuchsias, glowing greens, scarlet reds and magical blues. Burnt Autumn oranges and warm chestnut browns hug the room in a cozy embrace. Wooden boards stretch along the main wall, with elfin nooks holding golden candles. Sunset flames flicker from a mounted fireplace, peaking out from a wall of toasted bricks climbing from floor to ceiling. Gorgeous panels of embellished bronze run along the borders of the ceiling. In the center, a bouquet of shimmering chandeliers with copper leaves and crystal blossoms shines.
But wait… the glowing bottles… floral chandeliers… wood covered walls… this all sounds rather familiar. Indeed, it is. Before Soula’s opened its doors on 500 Danforth Avenue, it existed on the same street just a few doors down, under the name Pan. When a larger venue became available so close to home, it was the opportune moment to expand this busy restaurant. Now it is back again, bigger and better than ever, with the same delicious food and friendly service you fell in love with at Pan.
Truly, the service here is in a class of its own. When you come into Soula’s, you are welcomed in not only as a special guest, but also a cherished friend. Like Odysseus returning from a ten-year voyage, your arrival is celebrated with open arms and feasts of food. The owner Soula, is the relative we would all love to have. A joyous being with an immortal smile stretched over her face. Soula is like the sun itself. When she checks on your table, she brings an infectious warmth and radiant light that lingers all through the night, making your experience that much brighter.
When dinner is served, it is time to eat!
The trilogy of spreads is the perfect start to your meal. Fresh, warm pita served with any three spreads of your choosing (I recommend the hummus, patzaria skordalia, and tirokafteri). A delicious appetizer you may not want to share! If you’re craving something fresh and light, then try the marinated beet salad. Sweet baby greens, toasted walnuts and rich red beets will leave you feeling like a goddess. But if you’re like Poseidon and favour the Sea… then dive right into the grilled calamari. My family and friends all agree, of the many restaurants, bars and eateries that prepare and plate calamari, there is none that can match the quality and taste of Soula’s.
After this tasty treat from the Sea, you may want more of the ocean before you leave. In that case, Neptunes Seafood Platter is your oasis. A massive platter overflowing with generous pieces of grilled calamari, jumbo shrimp, mussels, salmon, and tilapia fillet. Jewels of the Sea, cooked to perfection. Served with basmati rice, mini potatoes and pan seared vegetables, this dish will satisfy your entire table.
Fish may not be for all, if you don’t care for the Sea, then savour the land instead. The mixed grill platter is a meat lovers dream. Ontario pork chop, lemon roasted chicken breast, Greek sausage, Ontario lamb chops and grilled quail. Cooked with exceptional spices, the fragrance alone will fill you with ecstasy. It is the ideal dish for a large party, or hungry family gathering.
Dinner for a slightly smaller crowd? A party of two? Come and enjoy, there are options for all.
My personal favourite is the vegetable moussaka. A traditional dish, served in an exceptional way. Presented as a casserole of zucchini, eggplant, spinach, sweet peppers and potato, topped with béchamel and tomato sauce. This is a dish that brings me back to the Danforth year after year. Finishing the meal and sitting by an empty plate is a true Greek tragedy (and a sign I must begin preparations for my next visit).
Pastas, seafood, steak and more. Options from land, sea and sky. Pages of traditional and modern Greek cuisine. Char-grilled loin of lamb, and Santorini chicken. Pan pork souvlaki, Alaskan black cod, vodka salmon fettuccine… the list goes on. With so many delicious dishes to choose from, each visit is a new adventure for your palette.
The very best traditional Greek cuisine served with modern flare. Soula’s is a restaurant with alluring style, warm staff and superb food that will make you say OPA!
Keep reading, follow the links below
Something Fresh… on Front Street
The Joy of Steak
FRILU: A Taste of Autumn
