I was looking forward to visiting Mediterraneo Family Restaurant as it had been several years since we last dined there. Stepping out of the snow and into the restaurant’s foyer on a chilly Saturday in February immediately felt familiar and welcoming.

Their Mediterranean-inspired decor, combining warm yellows and deep blue, conjures up images of sitting in a seaside café with wrought-iron chairs and wooden tables. Without appearing cluttered, shelves of wine displayed on the walls, along with various plants and vases, add to the cosy ambience.

They make the most of the space available for dining. To the left of the front door is an elevated room that can be used for large groups, or divided into smaller tables. To the right is a row of tables that stretches into the back of the restaurant with another elevated area at end of the room.

My husband and I arrived quite early for dinner and were invited to choose our table. Our server delivered our menus and glasses of water as soon as we sat down. In the spirit of the setting I ordered a glass of a Greek white wine ($6.50), and my husband chose a bottle of Greek beer ($7).

As we were in no rush we decided to order our appetizers first while we considered our main courses. There are numerous Greek and Mediterranean starters so we ordered three to share.