13 Sep 2024
Bristol's best places for Greek food
Greek food is diverse and eclectic, and that’s what we love about it! Visit a Greek restaurant and we guarantee that there will be something to tickle the taste buds of almost every guest. Craving light, veg-filled bites? Mezze is the answer! Fancy a comforting meat-feast? Gyros filled with chicken and potato makes for the perfect hearty meal. Have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying? Hello honey-soaked baklava! Bristol is home to tonnes of knock-out Greek restaurants. We’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed it down to the city’s top five.
Soukitchen offers a menu inspired by the Eastern Med and Middle East, and, happily, there’s plenty in the way of delicious Greek food. With a focus on fresh, locally produced ingredients, Soukitchen is a buzzing hub of activity and colour. Treat yourself to chargrilled marinated halloumi (served with roasted peach and black seed honey), or the pleasingly comforting keftedes – Greek meatballs topped with slow braised white beans and tomato. Yum! There’s even a section of fine Greek wines. From Thymiopoulous Atma (an aromatic white wine with distinctively floral notes) to Semeli Feast (a wonderfully pure and fresh red), there’s plenty to choose from.
We couldn’t write a Greek food guide without reference to The Real Greek! There’s plenty on offer here for veggies, vegans, and meat eaters alike, and the atmosphere is always relaxed. We recommend starting off your meal with a selection of cold and hot mezze: from halloumi popcorn, taramasalata and spicy feta dip, to grilled aubergine, falafel and chickpea filo triangles, you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you would like a bigger plate, the lamb or pork-belly skewers are rich and indulgent, as is the homemade moussaka. If you’re with a group, the set menus are fantastic value for money, and if you have room, we strongly advise that you indulge in a dessert! Our favourite is the Portokalopita, a traditional orange cake made with layers of filo pastry and Greek yoghurt.
Situated in the beautifully restored Green Dragon Pub, Mezze offers a relaxed dining experience and a menu that showcases high quality, fresh ingredients. Three mezze dishes will set you back £15.95, and you can choose from several tasty options. Real highlights include the Greek lamb chops (chargrilled and served with a delightfully fresh tzatziki), the chargrilled halloumi-stuffed vine leaves, and the spinach and feta baklava. Polish off your meal with a slice of the homemade stem ginger and pistachio baklava and thank us later!
In the mood for Greek food, but following a plant-based diet? Look no further! Koocha was founded in 2018 as Bristol’s first totally vegan restaurant. Drawing influence from Persian, Greek and Lebanese cooking, the food is as fresh as it comes. Sourced locally and sustainably, everything is made in-house by the talented team. There’s Greek classics like dolmades and tzatziki, but also more unique Greek-inspired eats like saffron and tahini kebabs, and vegan koftas made with split yellow peas and dates. Even the most carnivorous amongst us will be satisfied after a meal here. Portion sizes are generous and the food is packed with flavour.
Hat Bistro is a small, independent restaurant specialising in homemade and authentic Greek food. The atmosphere is cosy and the staff are always happy to chat. All the wines on offer are Greek (sourced from independent wineries directly from Greece) and the food menu changes regularly, according to what’s in season. Expect light bites like Cretan Ntakos Salad (served with feta, olives and roasted red peppers), alongside heartier fare like Papoutsaki (aubergine stuffed with mincemeat and creamy béchamel sauce). Great attention and care are paid to each dish, and the chefs are happy to accommodate any dietary requests.