It's a landmark building that's hard to miss when riding the SkyTrain between Joyce and Patterson stations.

Minoas Taverna, at 3823 Kingsway, has been delighting diners for almost 26 years, and the Chronakis family has owned the property since 1966, where it was the family home for some time.

Now, it's one of Burnaby's finest Greek restaurants, with an upperlevel seating capacity of 90 and some of the highest quality food in the city.

Louis and Georgia Chronakis opened the eatery on May 1, 1986, and they still run it today, along with son Alex and

Favourite: The kleftico roast lamb shoulder.

daughter Anna.

On a recent weekday, I sat down with Alex and Georgia to taste test the dish Alex said he can still eat every day: the kleftico roast lamb shoulder.

The tender meat falls off the bone and melts in my mouth. Sure, the dish comes with rice, roasted potatoes and carrots, but the star of the dish is clearly the lamb.

I also try the pita bread, with the homemade tzatziki and even the Greek salad, which comes generously adorned with feta cheese.

On previous visits to Minoas, I have loved the calamari, available either fried or grilled, and the baked red snapper. You also can't go wrong with the souvlaki choices, which include chicken, lamb, beef, prawns or a combo featuring chicken and lamb.

A dish you won't see at many places is the ortikia, or delicious baby quail, and that's something that's on my future order list.

For dessert, Georgia is quick to bring out her special homemade Greek cookies, which look like biscotti but taste even better.

Last year, Minoas held a party to celebrate its 25th anniversary, and Alex said it was great to see so many regulars.

"It always feels like home here. - There have been so many celebrations and good times."

Minoas Taverna is open Tuesday to Sunday. To make a reservation or group booking, call 604-435-2275. See www.minoastaverna.com.