The Real Greek (Restaurant)

The perennial problem with a chain of restaurants looking to expand is that a new branch is unable to match the character and cuisine of the existing ones. Happily, The Real Greek in Spitalfields proves that the received wisdom doesn’t always stand up to scrutiny.

Nestled inside the Old Spitalfields Market with a sleek and modern wooden interior, this branch has succeeded in fusing Greek influences with the stylish décor at which London excels. The menu, meanwhile, contains a range of appetising dishes which have helped to make The Real Greek such a favourite. Tasty nibbles come in the form of succulent Greek olives (from the island of Evia) or a range of Athenian nuts. To follow, all those Hellenic specialities are in evidence: hot or cold mezedes (small savoury creations), a range of tasty mini meat skewers and souvlaki (grilled kebab in flatbread). The nature of the dishes makes them ideal for sharing and only adds to the congenial atmosphere. If you’re stuck on the choices then the mezedes and souvlaki sharers both give the diner an excellent whistlestop tour of typical Greek fayre. The quality and freshness of the food is apparent in all the dishes and it is very hard to get the end of your meal and not feel you have eaten heartily and healthily.

If you can still find room for dessert, the Real Greek Yoghurt virtually picks itself despite the strong line-up of competitors. The yoghurt is perfectly thick and creamy, rounded off with rich honey syrup and preserved whole walnuts which are soft enough to easily bite while retaining all their exquisite nuttiness. There is also a carefully selected wine list, with a smooth and fruity Dinastía Vivanco rioja making a particularly positive impression.

It isn’t quite possible to bottle up the experience of tucking into a plate of mezedes in a warm Mediterranean breeze. That said, The Real Greek in Spitalfields brings you about as close as you can get to it inside the M25.
...read more