FEAST | Greek to Me x Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean x EXchange Hotel

Financial District—(July 18, 2019) Vancouver's newest Greek-inspired restaurant Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean & Bar (pronounced: HEE-dra), located inside the EXchange Hotel Vancouver and named after the culinary island in the Aegean Sea, opened recently to much fanfare in the heart of the downtown core.

whole sea bass (with olive oil and lemon sauce)

Hydra's whole theme revolves around tastes of the ocean as it aims to capture the soul of an island as its name would suggest. The bright, airy dining room upstairs has an elevated, fancy feel to it as you head up from the centred circular staircase and café below.

whole roasted chicken (marinated with herbs, lemon, served with Greek fried potatoes and sautéed greens)

Most of the shared plates have a fun, tasty approach optimized for collective dining. As for the cocktails, Hydra has a nicely balanced selection of tropical feeling cocktails varying from various fruity flavours to more balanced, refreshing tastes without going too sweet or strong either way. My pick was the signature Mediterrini for its infused cucumber and mint flavours.

pita bread spreads + Cyprus sour (with bourbon, citrus syrup, egg white, and bitters) +
holiday cocktail (with tequila, bitter, watermelon purée, ginger, lime, and coconut sugar)

I was impressed with the focused variety of sharing entrées. Similarly, with the pleasing appetizers, every dish felt complementary in keeping with the approachable Greek influence to the overall dining experience. Both the fish and chicken were well-prepared, cooked, served, and most enjoyable.



The obvious highlight and must-have dish was clearly the hearty lobster pasta (with tomato and ouzo sauce, above) and its fine, flavourful composition. As with the other entrées, it was perfectly made for sharing. For dessert, their option changes frequently but order the tiramisu if you can as it's a sweetly delectable treat despite its ubiquity.



Hydra's dining was a mostly appealing culinary affair with a nice Mediterranean twist and alternative to other similar upscale hotel dining options. Its gorgeous two-storey location provides such an inviting space to enjoy your meal and a fine cocktail.


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