Glasgow’s best Greek restaurants

This restaurant is a real family affair, having been opened just over a decade ago by the Bantouvakis husband and wife team. Now, daughter Stascia Bantouvakis is also at the helm, along with mum Linda. Recently, the pair added Yianni’s Bar to the Bath Street restaurant’s second floor; a bar and function space named after the venue’s late co-founder, Yianni Bantouvakis. Yiamas has its roots in traditional Greek hospitality, with a fresh modern outlook, which includes an updated menu including lots of plant-based options, so you can still enjoy your pittas, souvlaki and moussaka, but without the meat. There’s a large selection of small plates and sides, including veggie “filthy” fries; Yiamas’ take on dirty fries with lashings of feta and spicy mayo. Wash it all down with a bottle of Fix Hellas lager, a glass of Macedonian Cava Boutari, or a frothy vanilla freddo espresso.

Pay a visit to the latest venture in the city serving Greek cuisine, among other Mediterranean delicacies. Taking the place of La Mediterranea in Shawlands, G41 celebrated its opening night on Saturday 14th August 2022, with DJ Yogi Haughton on the decks. And it’s the place to be on the Southside if you want your food served up with a side of live entertainment. Look out for quiz nights, live jazz, soul and funk, dance music and bands featuring on the mini stage — owner Jamie Aitken was himself a DJ, so has a real passion for good tunes on the turntable. And there’s an array of midweek food and drink deals. G41 does a mean brunch too, with a floor-to-ceiling glass facade on the hip Kilmarnock Road providing great opportunities to people-watch as you tuck in. Add to this fresh ingredients and friendly staff and G41 is a top spot in one of the trendiest parts of the city.

Another new arrival in 2022, Gyros landed on Byres Road back in the spring. But the team behind the eatery are far from inexperienced, having already achieved success multiple times over at Halloumi (more on that one shortly). Gyros offers a modern street food menu, with traditional flavours, served in a casual fast food style. “Grab and go” grub is all prepared freshly to order; do try a signature skepasti (the Greek answer to pizza) if you’re passing. There are 14 covers available in the vibrant blue and white washed venue, but the diner does a roaring trade-in take out, too. Look out for meal deals when you’re out and about in the West End — you’ll be able to feast on a budget, plus there’s a tasty student discount from Sunday to Thursday.

Its name means “olive tree” and you can certainly get your fill of Greece’s national stone fruit, one of Elia’s favourite ingredients. Pop in for a glass of wine or ouzo and some nibbles, or several hearty plates of authentic food. The menu is packed with classics, freshly caught seafood and vegan-friendly dishes. Found on George Square, Elia Greek Restaurant is an ideal meeting point (at a central landmark) if you’re meeting people from out of town. Housed in a grand building, the interior features exposed brick and stone walls, retro prints, metro tiles and wooden furniture. Elia Greek Restaurant was a 2022 Trip Advisor’s Choice.

Whether you’re north or south of the river, there’s a Halloumi near you. The mini-chain has branches in both G2 and G41, as well as a pop-up at Cranside Kitchen beside the Clyde. All are bright and airy, with urban industrial-chic decor and the Southside venue also offers a private dining space. Halloumi specialises in Greek-Cypriot mezze prepared using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Pick two or three small plates each, then share them between you to maximise your flavour experience. If you work close by, pop in for a great value express lunch, or linger into the evening over some vegetable dolmades, swordfish and king prawn souvlaki, and grilled octopus. Of course, the restaurants’ namesake makes many appearances on the a la carte selection, including light and fresh salad pairings with pomegranate and watermelon.