From traditional tavernas to mould-breaking modern restaurants, London's Greek restaurant scene is having its moment in the weak English sun right now. Here's our pick of the places to try, whether you're hankering after all the meze, lamb that falls off the bone or honey-drenched desserts.
Myrtos
South Kensington - 260-262 Brompton Rd, London SW3 2AS
Myrtos comes from Asimakis Chaniotis. The chef was previously at Pied a Terre for 13 years, before coming to Kensington to set up his own restaurant. Here, he's drawing on his Greek heritage for a modern take on classic dishes. Must-haves on the menu here include his excellent take on lamb moussaka (described as "non deconstructed") and the Briam (a Greek take on ratatouille). Moving a little more away from the classics, the Dorset snail pita is also highly recommended, and there's a great selection of Greek wines here.
Oma
Borough Market - 2-4 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL
Arguably the restaurant that properly kicked off London's current obsession with Greek food, David Carter's Oma has been a huge hit from day one. The restaurant takes a relatively upmarket aproach to Green dining, predominantly centred around a changing selection of small plates. Signature dishes include the oxtail giouvetsi with bone marrow that's been on the menu since day one, while takes on spanakopita and saganaki are also well worth ordering. The restaurant deservedly earned a Michelin star in almost record time.
Also see: Downstairs, Oma's siling restaurant Agora is a more casual, no-bookings place and is equally worth a visit, particularly for some exellent skewers.
Pyro
London Bridge - 53b Southwark St, London SE1 1RU
Not too far away from Oma, you'll find another live-fire Greek restaurant. This restaurant is helmed by ex-Hide chef Yiannis Mexis (who also worked at Elystan Street and The Ledbury). As the name suggests, the open fire cooking is a big focus, with options including John Dory cooked on the bone, whole charred aubergine, squab pigeon and "flame-kissed lobster" enhanced by Greek ingredients. More classical Greek dishes can be found in the starters, like mussels saganaki, while the spanakopita pastel de nata shouldn't be missed.
OPSO
Marylebone - 10 Paddington St, London W1U 5QL
Andreas Labridis and chef Nikoss Roussos (who also runs the two Michelin-starred Funky Gourmet in Athens) have been serving up their modern take on Greek food for more than a decade now. Unlike many Greek restaurants in London this is an all day spot too. The brunch is very popular particularly at weekends. Come in the evening and if there's a crowd of you be sure to get that lamb shank with added truffles.
Kima
Marylebone - 57 Paddington Street, London W1U 4HZ
Run by the same team as OPSO Kima sets seafood at the centre of its culinary offering. Start by picking the fish you fancy from their fresh seafood counter, and then if you opt for the full fin-to-tail experience and they'll create a menu that uses every part of that fish in a series of dishes. And if you're a fan of surf and turf, there are a lot of options that'll very much float your boat.
Halepi
Bayswater - 18 Leinster Terrace, London W2 3ET
This unassuming restaurant just north of Hyde Park is a Greek Cypriot taverna (or is it a kebab house)? Either way, it's one of those rare London restaurants that doesn't appear to have changed one bit over the years. Here since the Sixties and family-owned, owner Kosta tends to his custom-built grill at the front of the restaurant with devotion. It's all about the lamb sharing platters at Halepi (as attested by the number of group and party bookings) but don't leave without trying the homemade baklava
Lemonia
Primrose Hill - 89 Regent's Park Rd, London NW1 8UY
Yet another Greek restaurant in London that's stood the test of time, Lemonia has been drawing the crowds in Primrose Hill since 1979. Inside it's all vines and lemon trees, so if you're hankering after your most recent Greek holiday this a great place to come. It's a traditional affair with an extensive menu covering all the basics from hot and cold mezze through to moussakas and more. Vegetarians get a particularly good deal here with plenty to choose from.
Zephyr
Notting Hill - 100 Portobello Road, London W11 2QD
The opening of Zephyr marked the first step of what used to be the Pachamama Group into a more Med-focused business. A vibey spot that's just as much a draw for its subterranean late night bar as its Grecian menu, the food here leans towards fish and vegetables with 'soil' and 'sea' being the two biggest parts of the menu. The crudo offering is particularly strong.
Andy's Taverna
Camden - 23 Pratt St., London NW1 0BE
London was still in the throes of the Swinging Sixties when Andy’s Greek Taverna opened its doors for the first time. Since then it’s done a stellar job of reminding homesick expats what they’re missing back home along with entertaining hordes of Londoners. The dolmades and moussaka are both must-orders but if you’re a seafood lover then the sharing fish mezedes has everything you’d ever want.
Evi's
East Dulwich - 18 N Cross Rd, London SE22 9EU
The team behind Evi's, Evi Peroulaki and Conor Mills, originally started life in street food as Souvlaki Street. However, upon getting their own space in East Dulwich, the menu evolved into this "Greek neighbourhood taverna". The short menu focuses on breads and dips together with dishes from the grill. Thise grill dishes include Paidakia (marinated Yorkshire lamb chops) Hoirina Kalamakia (pork skewers with fennel, oregano, tzatziki) and grilled St James dairy halloumi, while there's an all Greek (and Greek islands) wine list alongside.
Krokodilos
Kensington - Lancer Square, 28A Kensington Church Street, London W8 4EP
Krokodilos comes from the same group behind Wild Tavern and Pinna, so it's more on the high-end of Greek dining, albeit in a warmly laid-back setting. In charge of the menu here is ex-Connaught chef Angelos Togias and he's taken a really inventive approach to the cooking. The varied (and generous) dips should not be missed, the flatbreads are fantastic and you'll see versions of Greek classics from Lahanodolmades (lamb-stuffed cabbage) to prawn giouvetsi. But whatever you do, save room for the phenomenal wild goat, cooked for 14 hours and served in the most spectacular sauce.
Mazi
Notting Hill - 12-14 Hillgate Street, London W8 7SR
Mazi is one of Notting Hill's most popular restaurants (and it looks like they could be bringing it to Mayfair too). A more upmarket take on Greek food, they say they take inspiration from their childhood dishes, reinterpreting them with a modern twist. There's a seasonal menu in play (as well as a fully vegan or gluten-free menu), with their signature dishes including grilled octopus wth fava and burnt onion broth or their braised ossobuco with orzo pasta giouvetsi. The hidden courtyard terrace here is a real boon in decent weather.
See also: The same team also run nearby restaurant Suzi Tros.
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