Bringing Greece to Glasgow: A spotlight on Yiamas Greek Taverna

Yiamas Greek Taverna is a traditional family-owned restaurant in the heart of Glasgow city. Cretian Yiannis Bantouvakis opened Yiamas back in 2012, before sadly passing away in 2016. Since then, his wife, Linda, and daughter, Stascia, have been running the show in his honour.

Over the many years they’ve been open, Yiamas has really made a name for themselves as some of the best Greek food in Glasgow. Part of their magic is maintaining tradition and personable hospitality as key features of the restaurant, serving up all your favourite Greek dishes with friendly service to match.

The menu at Yiamas is as good as Greek food gets! Think gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, keftedes, pitas, and plenty of small plates. We’ll always suggest ordering a gyros (a toasted pita bread filled with your choice of protein and veggies, as well as potato fries AKA the ultimate drinking snack), but additionally our favourites are the chickpea and garlic hoummos, dolmades (Greek stuffed grape vine leaves), the saganaki feta (fried feta), and spanakopitas (spinach, feta, and onion filo parcels).

Of course, you’ll also find classic Greek delights such as green and kalamata olives, Greek salad, rusk bread, kefalograviera cheese, tzatsiki, and tyrokaftere. And no Greek feast is complete without a sweet ending. Baklava is the obvious choice (and Yiamas is vegan!), but don’t skip the portokalopita (orange sponge cake soaked in syrup), kataifi (angel-hair pastry with mixed nuts and syrup), or the galactoboureko (semolina custard with filo pastry). It’s a guarantee you won’t leave Yiamas hungry.

If it’s drinks you’re looking for, Yiamas has you covered with their bespoke cocktail bar, just upstairs from the main restaurant. Yianni’s Bar (named after Yiamas owner, Yianni) radiates all the fun all of a Greek island bar, complete with Greek wines, cocktails, and soft drinks. The full food menu is also available if you’re looking for a bite with your drinks.

The neon lights and tucked away space offers a more intimate, casual environment – perfect for a date night or small get-together. Order a few of your favourite small plates and some summertime cocktails and you’ll be in for a night in the Mediterranean. Stocking your favourite Greek beers, you can also get your hands on an icy cold Mythos, Alfa, Keo, or Fix Hellas by the bottle. Otherwise, opt for a pink gin, passionfruit, or espresso martini, and then sit back and let your imagination take you to the sunny islands of Greece.

You’ll find Yiamas Greek Taverna at 16-20 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 1HB, open Thursdays to Sundays midday to 9pm. Book your table at Yiamas right here!