Selene Aegean Bistro – A Whimsical Aegean Feast in East Van

We followed our snouts to Selene Aegean Bistro, tucked away on a quiet side street in Hastings-Sunrise — and boy, did it moon us in the best way possible. Named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene isn't just another taverna; it’s an upscale-casual escape that merges traditional Aegean flavours with thoughtful culinary creativity.

From the whimsical silverware rings to the coastal-meets-modern vibes, Selene offers an elevated yet warm dining experience that’s perfect for a special occasion, a date night, or a refined hangout with your fanciest piggy friends.

THE BOAR-OMETER

FOUR PIGGIES | Sow Good, I'd Come Back!

Great food, good service, and a little taste of the Aegean — just save it for a special night out.

Scoresheet

The Pig Pen: FOUR PIGGIES – Chic, a bit loud, and great for a classy night out.

Oink-credible Bites:  FOUR PIGGIES – The mussels and lamb ribs stole the show — and yes, the chocolate torte lived up to the hype.

Piggy Bank Savings: THREE PIGGIES –  $80 for the tasting menu — a splurge, but one we’d make again.

Wondering how we score and what the categories are? Read here for more information!

THE PIG PEN

Inside Selene, the aesthetic is clean, calming, and carefully curated. With moon-inspired accents, peaceful lighting, and custom branded touches like silverware rings, it feels like you’ve stepped into an Aegean dream — minimalist but magical.

With warm lighting and a chic interior, Selene strikes a balance between upscale and casual — a place equally suited for a first date or a long-overdue friends’ night out. The tables are a little close together, and the music leaned loud during our visit, but nothing that ruined the mood. Service was excellent — polished but friendly, and they really know their menu.

Bonus snort: They also offer brunch on weekends, and yes, we’re already plotting a return visit.

OINK-CREDIBLE BITES

We went all in with the Selene Tasting Menu (recommended for groups of 4–5), which lets you explore the best of what the kitchen offers, family-style. Every dish was crafted with intention, and while the portions were shareable, they never felt skimpy.

Here’s what we tried:

• Koulouri (with kalamata butter – buttery heaven on a plate)

• Salmon Crudo

• Feta Olives

• Babaganoush, Tabbouleh, and Tirokafteri (we loved the dips so much we ordered an extra pita 🫓)

• Mussels – the undeniable star of the show

• Branzino – cooked beautifully, and surprisingly complemented by grapes

• Lamb Ribs – tender and flavorful, even for non-lamb lovers

• Patatas & Zucchini – hearty sides that rounded out the meal

• Brisket Stifado – rich, slow-cooked, and melt-in-your-mouth good

• Orange Almond Cake & Chocolate Hazelnut Torte – a delightful end to a beautiful meal

From seafood to slow-braised meats and vibrant vegetable dishes, the menu was a delicious reminder that Greek cuisine is much more than souvlaki and tzatziki.

One thing to note: the menu is seasonal, so dishes may rotate — giving you a tasty reason to come back.

PIGGY BANK SAVINGS

The tasting menu is around $80 per person, which isn’t cheap — but when split between five, it felt more justifiable. Although we did the math and realized ordering à la carte would’ve saved us a few coins. That said, we still left full and happy. The quality, pacing, and presentation made it feel like a proper dining experience, not just a meal.

Keep in mind that some items (like dips and pita) are priced separately — $16 for dips, $5 for pita — so à la carte dining can add up fast. That said, if you’re celebrating or want to treat yourself to something elevated, Selene delivers.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Selene Aegean Bistro shines with its culinary creativity, welcoming ambiance, and gorgeously presented dishes. It’s not your everyday pig-out spot, but for a full-on Aegean journey without leaving East Van, it’s absolutely worth a visit.

Would we go back? Absolutely — especially for brunch, or to see what’s new on the seasonal menu.