Hellenic Heaven – London’s Best Greek Restaurants

Revered around the world, Greek cuisine and hospitality is a joy to behold. Most people know and love the key ingredients and dishes, from olive oil soaked feta cheese, Greek yoghurt and kalamata olives to moussaka, Greek salads and souvlaki. The cuisine is the perfect reflection of its homeland, bringing to mind memories of long summer nights spent with friends under the stars.

A Greek diet is both delicious and generally very healthy. There are plenty of vegetarian options, while the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet of oily fish, extra virgin olive oils and lots of vegetables are long established.

The Greek mainland and islands, with their beautiful beaches and restaurants serving traditional Hellenic dishes made from high-quality ingredients, are among our favourite holiday destinations. Unfortunately, we can’t always be on holiday. But luckily, there are loads of great Greek restaurants in London so that we can eat like we are.

Armed with our list of London’s best Greek restaurants, you’ll find Mediterranean flair and food right here in the UK. From traditional tavernas and romantic Valentine's Day restaurants (after all, February is just around the corner) to modern restaurants and even a food truck, our guide has it all.

The Best Greek Restaurants in London

Kalamaras Greek Taverna London

Established way back in 1966, Kalamaras is an old classic that will never go out of style. The food has remained the same quality over the years, thanks to the authentic ingredients used and the charcoal barbeque that cooks them. Kalamaras is fully licensed and serves halal meat.

The entrance is pure Mediterranean charm, with flower-adorned whitewashed walls welcoming you into the simply decorated restaurant. It’s super cosy, and you’ll feel like you’re eating in a relative’s living room. Alongside the gyros, souvlakis and moussaka, you’ll find grilled sardines, stifado and the classic kleftiko, a lamb dish served with roast potatoes. Go for the mezze set menu, which you can order with meat, fish or as a vegan special, to get a taste of as many Mediterranean treats as possible.

Address: 66 Inverness Mews, Bayswater, London W2 3JQ, United KingdomOpening hours: Mon – Fri: 5PM – 12AM / Sat – Sun: 12.30PM – 12AMContact: 020 7727 9122 / info@kalamarastaverna.com

Book a table at Kalamaras for a slice of Greece in Notting Hill

Retsina

Retsina is another old-timer, having been on London’s dining scene for more than 30 years. It has been the recipient of many awards in that time, thanks to its friendly Greek hospitality and delicious Mediterranean dishes. More of an upmarket selection than many of the other taverna-style restaurants on our list, Retsina is one for a special occasion. If you’re heading as a group, you can even request a special meat or fish dish beforehand, like a whole suckling pig.

The menu is classic Greek, with grilled fish and meats accompanied by endless dips and side dishes. Desserts are pretty special here, with the paklava and kadeifi championed across the city. Located in North London, why not have a stroll around nearby Hampstead Heath before or after your meal?

Address: 48-50 Belsize Ln, London NW3 5AR, United KingdomOpening hours: Mon – Wed: 5pM – 11PM / Wed: 2PM – 11PM / Fri – Sun: 12PM – 11PMContact: 020 7431 5855 / retsinalondon@gmail.com

Book a table here

Sappho Mezze Bar

Sappho Mezze Bar is a newcomer to London’s Greek restaurant scene. Located near Clapham North station in South London, the concept is a bit different too.

Once seated, the owner will talk you through what’s available for the night. There’s no menu – instead, you can choose whether you want a meat, fish or vegan meal, and the owner and chef will then deliver loads of different dishes over many courses. The restaurant is small and intimate, which is the perfect partnership to the traditional food.

Prices are very affordable – so cheap, in fact, that we featured Sappho on our list of London’s best cheap eats – and the value for money is high. Unassuming from the outside, walk past Sappho’s Mezze Bar at your peril!

Address: 9 Clapham High St, Clapham, London SW4 7TS, United KingdomOpening hours: Mon – Sat: 12.30PM – 11.30PM / Sun: ClosedContact: 020 7498 9009

Get your table at Sappho here!

Andy’s Taverna

If you’re looking for a restaurant that has all the colour and personality of Greece, then Andy’s Taverna is for you! The rustic feel, beamed ceilings and classic Greek food all create an ambience that’s hard to beat.

Andy’s Taverna is another family business that has been around for some time (since 1967). The set lunch is a big hit with Camden Town locals thanks to its price. A two-course meal of home-cooked Greek food for £6.95 (three courses is still under a tenner) served with rice and salad is fantastic value and very affordable. The prices at Andy’s Taverna are cheap in general and we suggest ordering as many dishes as possible from the almost endless sides and starters list.

Address: 23 Pratt St, Camden Town, London NW1 0BG, United KingdomOpening hours: Mon – Sun: 12PM – 10.30PMContact: 020 7485 9718 / reservations@andystaverna.com

Check out the menu and reserve a table at Andy’s Taverna

Kalimera

Something a bit different for our list is Kalimera – a Greek street food truck operator that is active in numerous locations across London. There’s also now 2 permanent locations; one in Camden Town market and one in Mercato Metropolitano. Ingredients are sourced from Southern Greece, while owner and chef Télémaque Argyriou hails from Athens.

Cooking everything with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, Kalimera has made a name for itself for serving up some of London’s tastiest street food. The menu is obviously smaller than other restaurants. Choose between a souvlaki pita wrap filled with either chicken, lamb or halloumi, or go sans bread with a box meal.

Locations for the food truck include London Bridge, City Point in East London, West India Quay in Canary Wharf and many more. Check the website at the link below to find out where the Kalimera food truck will be next.

Address: 311 Paddock Lane, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AHOpening hours: Mon – Sun: 10 – 6PMContact: 07446 981139 / info@kalimera.london

Find out where the Kalimera food truck is next

Opso

Just like Kalimera, Opso champions modern Greek food from its central Marylebone location. The result is a perfect marriage between traditional Hellenic food and a contemporary approach to cooking. The restaurant doubles as a cafe, wine bar and a bakery, and champions small dishes and communal dining.

The brunch menu is the winner for us. The handmade spanakopita – a spinach pie with mint and feta – is to die for, but you’ll also find classic brunch dishes with a Hellenic twist, like the egg and chips served with smoked cheese sauce. There are traditional dishes too, so if you fancy moussaka, you’ll still find it here. Grab a pastry and some feta to take home from the cafe after your meal.

Address: 10 Paddington St, Marylebone, London W1U 5QL, United KingdomOpening hours: Mon – Fri: 12PM – 11.30PM / Sat: 10 – 11.30PM / Sun: 10 – 11PMContact: 020 7487 5088 / reservations@opso.co.uk

Read the menu and reserve a table at Opso