London has experienced a remarkable renaissance of Greek restaurants in recent years, awakening an avid interest in the country’s rich culinary heritage and diverse flavours. This rise can be attributed to a combination of people’s growing appreciation for Mediterranean foods, the increase in skilled Greek chefs and a gradual trend that favours healthier dining options.
Numerous new dining spots have appeared on the streets of London, each one a unique showcase of tradition in the form of moussaka and souvlaki but also of pioneering new ideas and interpretations that keep menus fresh and exciting. With restaurants like Zephyr leading the charge, emphasising authenticity infused with contemporary innovation in seasonal ingredients and cooking techniques, London’s Greek restaurants resonate with diners all across the city. This new wave of Mediterranean cuisine often centres around lean meats and locally sourced vegetables and provides plentiful vegetarian options for the health-conscious people of London.
The vibrancy of these restaurants, enhanced by Greek music and décor, creates a fun and inviting atmosphere that also caters to people seeking an upscale dining experience. The dynamic menus, enjoyable ambiance and great service combine to make many of these Greek dining spots the best in London.
Kima, Paddington Street
Opened in 2023, Kima was one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of the last year. It is a joint venture by Andreas Labridis, who has co-founded a number of London’s Greek dining spots, and chef Nikos Roussos, who has two Michelin stars. The menu is the perfect blend of the contemporary and the innovative, taking inspiration from the beautiful, azure depths of the Aegean Sea. This beautiful restaurant, located in Marylebone, takes a sustainable, no-waste approach to its fish dishes in what is described as its ‘fin-to-gill’ approach. Each ingredient is of exceptional quality due to a meticulous trial process which enables each dish to be deliciously simple yet striking all the same. Guests are allowed to select fresh fish from a display which chefs will then transform into a mouthwatering main meal. Huge cuts of fish hang in dry-ageing cabinets to be served as a raw fish of the day alongside charcoaled broccoli, Greek yoghurt and smoked mashed potatoes. Dining spots in this popular restaurant are limited so advanced booking is advised.
Meraki, Titchfield Street
Looking right at home amongst the sea of stucco townhouses in the affluent district of Fitzrovia, Meraki is a fine dining hotspot for those looking to spend an evening in the fabled West End. With its rustic bare-brick walls and dim nighttime lighting, it is the perfect place to discover the joys of Greek cuisine. The name Meraki comes from a Greek word for the heart and soul people put into their craft and this is evident in the effort the chefs put into sourcing and crafting their amazing dishes. Meraki’s menu is so full of flavour that choosing a meal is no easy task. Highlights include the tuna ceviche with black truffle filo, a spiced beef fillet kebab and a refreshing Mykonian salad. But for those desiring the very best, the hero plate ‘Rosti Greek Style’ is the obvious choice. Crispy potato, eggs sunny-side-up with Cretan butter and black truffle. A delicious, flavour-packed combination.
Suzi Tros, Hillgate Street
Drawing its inspiration from the food capital of Greece, Thessaloniki, this Notting Hill restaurant specialises in shared dishes that can be enjoyed by the whole party, as is the culinary tradition of the Aegean island. The menu is not only delicious but is also sustainable. Food options are led by the seasonal availability of certain ingredients and are also locally sourced, such as the fish that is provided by small fisheries in Cornwall. With a simple yet striking décor that gives a bright, open feel to the establishment, Suzi Tros is perfect for lunch dates or afternoon business meals. Founder Christina Mouratoglou recommends ‘Grandma’s meatballs’ which have been celebrated by many patrons. Other popular meals include baby gem and pistachio pesto, and Greek coffee profiteroles served with dark chocolate and candy radish.
Zephyr, Portobello Road
Also located in Notting Hill, Zephyr is the latest establishment opened by Greek-South American chef, John Skotidas, who previously worked at Suzi Tros. It gets its name from the Greek god of the West wind, and the restaurant windows are left open to make this façade more immersive for guests and create an indoor-outdoor feel that is reminiscent of many Mediterranean establishments. With a relaxed yet polished feel, this restaurant is perfect for both lunch dates and evening meals, which is further demonstrated by the extensive, versatile menu. There are many notable dishes at Zephyr, including fresh seafood like grilled octopus and delicious oysters as well as handmade pasta dishes like the wild mushroom ragu with tagliatelle.
Lemonia, Regent’s Park Road
Lemonia has been blessing the loyal patrons of Primrose Hill with delicious Greek food since 1979. This casual dining family-run restaurant has the power to make you feel like you are relaxing on an island in the lovely Mediterranean, with its traditional white walls, archways, and beautiful use of natural light. With vines decorating the interior and exterior walls, as well as round tables and Greek writing on the menu boards, this restaurant is like any traditional taverna you’d find in Greece. The menu provides everything you could possibly desire in a Greek restaurant– plentiful dips, hot starters like grilled halloumi and Greek sausage, as well as charcoal-grilled meats and plenty of fresh fish. A champion of great quality Greek produce, Lemonia’s most celebrated dish is the traditional vegetable moussaka which is simple yet delicious.
There’s no shortage of Greek-inspired restaurants in London and with the recent renaissance of these dining spots, there is a Greek restaurant for every occasion. Whether it is for dinner before the theatre, a cosy lunch date or even for a more formal meal, there will no doubt be the perfect Mediterranean restaurant with a deliciously nutritious menu somewhere in the city.
