by A and D
Yanni's Grill and Restaurant
NEW ADDRESS: 1500 22nd Street, West Des Moines (in the Gordman's shopping plaza)
A and D were intrigued by the 4-star review in the Des Moines Register DateBook for Yanni's at its new location. First a bit of history.
Yanni's has two locations, one in West Des Moines and one in Ankeny. After the former owner sold to the present owner, he opened La Dolce Vita in West Des Moines with a similar theme and menu (half Greek and half Italian). Under the previous owner, Yanni's was less than rewarding for diners, so the 4-star review was surprising and promised improvement by the new owner.
The new location on 22nd Street in West Des Moines is a small restaurant with the same faux Greek Island decor. It is cozy and comfortable.
The menu offers a variety of dishes in the $8 to $20 range and features about half Greek and half Italian choices. The wine selection is limited and the standard down-market wines; wines by the glass are available and are the usual small glasses found in Greek restaurants and having small pours.
The wait staff is adequate if inexperienced, but eager to please. The owner stopped by the table for a very brief greeting, but did not inquire as to the food or meal experience; a true missed opportunity to get to know what the customers think.
The salads were pedestrian; the lettuce was not crisp or chilled and there was little in them except lettuce. The dressing was 'okay' but unremarkable.
A and D ordered an Italian and Greek main course respectively. These were also 'okay' but unremarkable. The food is flat, turned out as a plate rather than a passion for creativity and flavors. The owner 'cooks' but doesn't excite; dishes are 'acceptable' but not remarkable. Prices are okay.
Yanni's is an 'okay' restaurant. You will have eaten, but you will not have had an interesting experience or an adventure in either Greek or Italian foods. There is no 'flavor.'
The previous owner's new restaurant, La Dolce Vita, has gone in the same direction. At first it was trying hard, but after a year it had descended into mediocrity. Unfortunately, the new Yanni's owner is producing the same symptoms -- average food, average service; an unremarkable experience that one quickly forgets because there is nothing memorable.
A and D have to conclude that the Des Moines Register either was being very generous or views 4 stars much differently. This is, at best, a 2.5 star experience and Yanni's is just another so-so restaurant with unexciting food and service.
Recommended: No
Rating: 2.5 stars
Food: Okay
Service: Okay
Ambiance: Okay
Value: Disappointing