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PoCo’s favourite Mediterranean grill shares recipe for success

When Samira Sadat and her family came to Port Coquitlam from Afghanistan in 2014, they never imagined that they’d run one of the Tri-City’s favourite restaurants.

When Samira Sadat and her family came to Port Coquitlam from Afghanistan in 2014, they never imagined that they’d run one of the Tri-City’s favourite restaurants. Yet, only three years - and several accolades - later, Dinakis Mediterranean Grill is living up to its acclaim.

What’s the family’s recipe for success? Samira says its simple: “it all comes down to the service and food.”

She said that if it is quality Mediterranean food, like zingy, crispy Calamari or slow-roasted, falling off the bone lamb that customers want, that is what they will get.

Though, it was not as easy as it sounds. Hailing from Afghanistan as new immigrants to Canada, Samira says that it all would not be possible without her brother, Sadat, and her father, Zaman.

“I’m really proud that of the fact that we just landed here and almost right away we got our own business,” Samira said. “We all work together, standing beside each other and helping each other.”

The sentiment is shared with Samira’s father, Zaman. He said that it is “really interesting” having involved his family in the business. “We are all sharing ideas, working together on initiatives and ultimately,” Zaman continued, “we are always looking for ways to make the restaurant better than before.” 

With that in mind, the Noori family recently replaced its old manager - who came under fire last October for an incident with a guide dog - with a new manager this January. With the turnover in management, Zaman said that Dinakis Mediterranean Grill can get back on track to retain its title of “best restaurant in Tri-City,” an award the grill has held for several consecutive years and one that is voted in by Urban Spoon, Yelp, Trip Advisor and Dine Here users.

To find out more about Dinakis Mediterranean Grill, visit www.dinakis.com, call 604-472-3333. You can also visit in person at #101 – 2020 Oxford Connector in Port Coquitlam or email noori@dinakis.com. Dinakis Mediterranean Grill is also on Facebook.