Galini Greek Kouzina Grill - Surrey

This is one of the best places for lamb roast in town! The portions are quite generous, and the staff is wonderful. Although it's one of the pricier restaurants we frequent, the quality of the food justifies the cost. We typically spend around $100 for a meal for two, which I think is reasonable considering we get a salad, bread, cocktails, and a hearty main course, including a tip. Some of the servers have been here for years and possess extensive knowledge of the menu. I highly recommend it for a nice outing, especially for a first date or an anniversary celebration.

When I received the bill, I noticed the correct order at the top, but when the waitress handed me the Interac machine, the total came to nearly $40. Upon checking the bottom of the bill, I saw a $9 charge added. When I asked the waitress about it, she mentioned it as a routine matter, stating it was for large groups to "speed things up." At no point did she inform me that this was an 18% tip pre-added to our bill. This lack of transparency really bothered me, as I would have typically added a 20% tip to the original amount, not realizing it had already been included. I found this practice quite frustrating and felt it was a rather lucrative operation for them. Then, I spoke to a blonde manager who tried to undermine my concerns, repeatedly insisting that it’s an "industry standard" they've been following since COVID started. It felt like a clear attempt to dismiss my complaint rather than address the issue of the waitress’s misleading actions. The following night, I spoke to another manager at a different restaurant about the charge. She confirmed that the waitress is supposed to inform customers about such charges beforehand and remind them when presenting the bill that the tip is already included. She also mentioned that the menu should clearly state this information. While it may have been noted somewhere on the menu, I can't say for sure since I took it to another table to read due to poor lighting. Additionally, she said that this practice is usually applied to larger groups, not just seven people. Because of my experience, I won't be returning to Galini's. If anyone is looking for a high-paying waitress job, I would recommend Galini's in Langley, as it appears their tips start at a minimum of 38%, and management is clearly comfortable with that style of service.

The food was tasty and the portions were generous. The salad was served promptly right after we placed our order, which was a nice touch before the souvlaki platter. However, the seating could use an upgrade as it felt quite dated.

I had never dined at this restaurant before, but after seeing the enthusiastic person advertising it at the corner of Fraser Hwy and 196 St, I felt compelled to check it out! This guy radiates incredible energy—he's waving, flashing peace signs, dancing, and grinning from ear to ear. He’s even turning to face the busiest part of the street to guide people to the restaurant! If he's a reflection of the service you offer, then wow! His infectious positivity truly brightened my day. You should definitely consider giving him a raise!

This Greek restaurant is extremely popular and is almost always bustling, even though it’s a large multi-level establishment. Be prepared for a wait, but it's a pleasant spot to enjoy a meal on the Surrey-Langley border. The food is quite good, and each entree includes a starter salad and soup (note that the soup is not vegetarian).