Food: London’s Greek Cuisine is Fantastic

Greece is as famous for its scenic beauty as it is for its cuisine with natural Mediterranean flavours. Greek food involves a simple combination of sour and sweet flavours with a few herbs, while retaining the earthy taste of fresh ingredients. Here are a few restaurants which bring out this brazen simplicity of Greek cuisine for the people of London, some with a contemporary touch while others proudly present their traditional preparations in a homely setting.

Mazi

The dishes they serve here might not look like the quintessential Greek food you expect, but the flavours are so on point that the taste lives up to your every expectation.

Eating here is a similar experience to that of eating at an upscale restaurant in Santorini. A three-course meal here can get a little pricey, but the presentation, service and taste definitely make up for it.

Specials: Fava (split-pea purée) accompanied by tender octopus

Address: 14 Hillgate Street, London W8 7SR
Tel: 0207 229 3794
Website: mazi.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Notting Hill Gate

Carob Tree

A gem of a restaurant at an extremely affordable price, this is one of the most underrated restaurants in London.

Its food is impeccably, made with well-sourced meat and seafood, cooked to succulent perfection on its charcoal grills.

It has friendly staff and a relaxed ambience, and is crowded with customers throughout the day – so you will have to pre-book to get a seat in here!

Specials: Lamb Souvlaki and Calamari

Address: 15 Highgate Road, London NW5 1QX
Website: www.eetapp.com/restaurants/carob-tree-menu-london-uk-4933
Nearest tube station: Kentish Town

Daphne’s

Recommended by everyone who visits here even once, this restaurant has been offering praiseworthy service for more than two years now.

They have an extensive menu which is made by passionate chefs along with staff who help you learn more about their cuisine.

Specials: Tzatziki and Calamari

Address: 83 Bayham Street, London NW1 0AG
Tel: 0207 267 7322
Website: www.zomato.com/london/daphne-camden-town
Nearest tube station: Camden Town

Vrisaki

This massively popular restaurant is known for piling up delightful dishes on your table, but finishing them is never much of a challenge.

The background is always buzzing with families chatting animatedly in Greek, and their well-mannered staff will make you feel at home.

Specials: Greek Mezze Platter

Address: 73 Myddleton Road, London N22 4LZ
Tel: 0208 889 8760
Website: vrisaki.uk.com
Nearest tube station: Bounds Green

 

Konaki

Tucked away quietly in the streets of this tourist-infested location, this gem of a restaurant brings you a piece of magnificent Greek cuisine.

They have kept up a reputable service since 1985 and their unpretentious decor just adds to its allure. During a warm summer’s night, you can enjoy scrumptious dinner in their flowered alfresco courtyard.

Specials: Grilled prawns over charcoal with cheese

Address: 5 Coptic Street, London WC1A 1NH
Tel: 0207 580 9730
Website: konaki.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Holborn

Lemonia

This restaurant has achieved the feat of maintaining a vibrant summer’s appeal in their decor all year long.

It serves an extensive range of homely Greek-Cypriot food, specializing in grilled lamb and seafood. Most importantly, it offers a languid and unperturbed dining experience, which is so rare in restaurants of its class.

Specials: Chicken with okra, Grilled sea bass

Address: 89 Regent’s Park Road, London NW1 8UY
Tel: 0207 586 7454
Website: lemonia.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Chalk Farm

Opso

You are bound to fall in love with this place even before your food arrives. Its interior will transport you to an upscale setting in the middle of one of the resorts on a serene Greek island.

However, its ambience still comes second to its delicious menu. Dishes here are a simple recreation of traditional Greek food, offering a refreshing change that will appeal to old-school loyalists as well.

Specials: Salads and Bakes

Address: 10 Paddington Street, London W1U 5QL
Tel: 0207 487 5088
Website: opso.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Baker Street

Greek Affair

It is the passion and respect for their tradition which drives the makers of this place to introduce the people of London to the best of their homeland.

All the dishes here stem from home-made recipes, using authentic ingredients sourced from Greece. Moreover, their relaxed atmosphere and pleasing service ensures an excellent dining experience.

Specials: Soutzoukákia and hot fried Calamari

Address: 1 Hillgate Street, London W8 7SP
Tel: 0207 792 5226
Website: greekaffair.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Notting Hill Gate

Greek Larder

Another Greek restaurant which deviates from the homely classic vibe and offers high-octane warm green interiors, inspired by the Aegean waters.

Their food is equally feisty with contemporary touches, while retaining the traditional soul. Additionally, you can take home some of those fresh ingredients they use, because it is also a delicatessen.

Specials: Meze dishes and Gigantes

Address: ArtHouse, 1 York Way, London N1C 4AS
Website: thegreeklarder.co.uk
Nearest tube station: King’s Cross St. Pancras

Hungry Donkey

This new hip place has become a hub for the office-going population around the area. It serves excellent gourmet-style food at affordable rates, in an ambience that is breezy with high ceilings and ample amounts of natural lighting.

Their tit-bits and main courses are all inspired by the sour, sweet and salty street food of Greece.

Specials: Pan-fried Saganaki cheese

Address: 56 Wentworth Street, London E1 7AL
Tel: 0207 392 9649
Website: hungrydonkey.co.uk
Nearest tube station: Aldgate East

 

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