The Real Greek

My night at The Real Greek was a bit of a mixed lot. I love Greek food and had really been looking forward to trying this place out but when our food arrived we were all a bit disappointed.

We ordered Tzatziki, Hummus, Dolmades and Flatbreads to begin with and although they were all very tasty, the portions were measly. When I was at Uni my flatmates and I lived off pulses and tins, so I know exactly how much it costs to make Hummus and it's pennies. Everyone I'd spoken to had told me how great value this place was but personally if I'm paying £3.25 for hummus I expect more than a tablespoon of the stuff. I also thought that The Real Greek lacked a bit in continuity. We ordered two portions of the hot marinated feta. One pot arrived with four or five handsome chunks of the stuff, while the other only had the two.

Having said this, the Hoxton venue is a really lovely building and the lights above the bar make a great centre point. I'll probably try The Real Greek again, but this time with lower expectations. Although it's good, it's just not what the hype makes out.

Further out more towards the east-going towards the City the pin=striped power-lunching business types are spoilt rotten by the enormous variety of low priced high- quality cafes and eatries bang on their doorstep.
The Real Greek Place has really good startes and maincourse of kebabs rice and salads. The wine list is comprehensive and if in a rush this is a good place to eat.

With all these 2 for 1 offers springing up all over the place, you may be inclined to wonder whether the quality of food is up to the price incentive.


However, for this particular chain the food is truly excellent for the cash supplied, sign up to the moneysavingexpert.com newsletter to bag all the great discounts while they're hot off the press! My friends and I dined for under 20 quid a head, feasting on plates stacked with souvlaki, pitta, houmous, taramasalata, grilled meat, fried meat, lobster, octopus, chicken skewers. God I sound like a bit of pig here, well for that price I certainly was. Lovely ambience to boot and not ridiculously crowded, a Real Pleaser.

Don't decide to have a Souvlaki here, go to Mc D's or KFC for a wrap as they would care more about the wraps they serve.


Stick to the Meze, that was really good. They seem to have given up on doing Greek Food unless it's a Meze or Sharer. The 'Souvlaki for Two' was dry and boring and wrapped in flatbread and tacky logo'd paper.


The Retsina also was sadly bland, I like mine a bit more resiney.


Other drinks, Mint in Hot Water was a hit with me lady, so thanks for that, I'll be growing mint in me window box and saving £1.75.


As for the Head Waiter bloke, yes you may be stressed but it's not my problem, it would have been nice to have been asked is everything OK. And me being British well I just put up with it and didn't complain.

Ok, this is LITERALLY THE closest eatig establishment to my flat, and for this reason, I will go back. It was overall better than expected. It is a really beautiful space, great date-like atmosphere. I went on a Tuesday night with a friend rather early, around 6, and the place was completely deserted. Like, 'how the hell does this stay open for business' deserted.

We got a set menu, which came on tiered small plates like at an afternoon tea. The food was nothing standout (though the flat bred was tasty), but it was overall decently affordable, a huge amount of food, and totally did the trick. If I wanted REALLY good Greek food, I'd trek up to Primrose Hill and eat at Lemonia http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/lemonia-london

But for being basically on my block, this will do for convenience if you're around the area already and just need a bite.

This is not your usual Greek restaurant or greek food. The food is greek fusion..... and as such an interesting concept. The food is very flavourful and I must say I unexpectedly enjoyed it.

The restaurant was pretty nice too. Quite stylish and pretty relaxed atmosphere. The staff was very friendly too.

Nice atmosphere in this quiet square, that I could help but think how they could afford it. The outdoor tables look nice and would have sun much of the day which for me is a huge added bonus.

The food is not great, I might go so far as to say not good, but then again I just tried two dishes and didn't even catch a glimpse of their hummus, taramasalata etc, which I love so much about Greek food.

The Chicken Soulvaka was very boring, no flavour. Their haloumi skewers were advertised that it came on a bed of lettuce with onions, peppers etc. When I asked the waitress to clarify, she said, no just one skewer with a side garnish....well could you make it a salad?..... no, but we have a Greek salad....thanks, but not thanks!

bad service, decent atmosphere and boring food .... but take away gets your 25% off!

Table for one please...quiet american traveler---corner table.

I made my way to the Real Greek from the liverpool station on a chilly January evening. Upon entering I was instantly charmed by the lighting and atmosphere. I was lead to a table by a handsome waiter---who asked if I would be meeting someone---and when I said no...he said--Ill give you the best seat in the house so you can have an eye on all the action. I was propped up in the corner while two servers worked the rooms of families, celebrations, and what looked like a successful first date.

The portions were great--had tons left over actually. The kebab was great and I had a greek red to pair with everything. My waiter ordered for me---and I was happy with all of his choices. The real greek is the real deal---and as I sat nestled in my corner with my espresso and thoughts for dessert, I couldn't help but feel happy to be in London.

The Hoxton out post of the Real Greek is a great place to go after work with friends or for take away. I tend to stick to the small plates; hommus, tazeki, etc. They also have a wonderful chicken kabob. The prices are the real reason on continue to frequent this spot. Inexpensive prices for quality food is such a rarity in London and it makes this place more than worth the trip.

The last time I patronised The Real Greek is, in all honesty, a total blur. I was totally, unceremoniously, embarrassingly drunk. And drunk at a Christmas party for an illustration agency I once worked for to boot. Oh, the shame.

That aside - and I plead no responsibility given that we were served Sambucca shots in between never-ending courses - The Real Greek is a fabulous restaurant in the heart of Hoxton that serves high quality food for reasonable prices. A very rare find in this neck of the woods.

There is an emphasis on sharing at The Real Greek so order a number of dishes amongst friends for an authentic experience. Oh, and for afters try the Chocolate Mouse Cake - hands down the best cake I have ever eaten - with a glass of Greek Metaxa Brandy. Totally and utterly gorgeous.