It may feel as though everyone we know is on holiday in some distant land recently. You don’t even need to book a flight anywhere because every second post on social media boasts breathtaking photos from Greece, Paris and Rome as people capitalise on the open sky routes and a world relaxed from pandemic restrictions.
In truth, it’s hard to feel too disgruntled if you’re at home during the travel period when you live in Cape Town – a city boasting culture, beauty and all the things locals hold close to our hearts, and tourists hold fondly in their memories. In fact, if you needed a pick-me-up, take a nod from the fact that Cape Town was recently ranked one of the best cities in the world for 2022:
Also read: Cape Town named one of the world’s best cities in 2022
Nonetheless, sometimes we still find ourselves craving a slice of experiences yonder, and if there’s one hotspot that’s eaten up our social media feeds, it’s Greece.
We can’t book you a flight, but we can give you a taste. Here are 5 Greek feasts you can enjoy in Cape Town:
1. Maria’s Greek Cafe
Maria’s Greek Cafe, a taverna-style spot perched in Gardens, has long been renowned for serving up dishes as if they were freshly prepared in Greece. It’s exactly the care Maria’s takes in preparing an array of beloved Greek and Mediterranean specialities that has had people raving about the spot for decades.
After mouthwatering seafood servings? Try the Kalamari Patagonica or steamed mussels. Lamb? Get ready for your life to change with the Lamb Maria’s or Yiouvetsi Lamb served with Greek orzo noodles. Maria’s offers Pitas to boast, as well as one fine Baklava that will, unapologetically, have you coming back for another dining experience.
Maria’s is a popular slice of Greece for good reason, so if you’re ready to travel, make sure to book in advance.
- Where: 31 Barnet St, Gardens
- Website: MariaGreekCafe
2. Yiayia’s Table
Instead of the bustling streets of Athens, insert the eclectic roads of Mowbray and the delicious Greek bakery, Yiayia’s Table. Champions of both sweet and savoury options, Yiayia’s spoils guests with an array of treats, from Kourabiedes (Greek shortbread) to Bougatsa (custard pies) and of course Spanakopita. If you want to start your day the Greek way, have a seat at Yiayia’s Table. Grab a coffee, smoothie or fresh granita to pair and get ready to be whisked away to the Islands of Greece by taste.
- Where: 41 Durban Rd, Mowbray
- Website: yiayiastable.co.za
3. The Greek Fisherman
If seafood is your love language, the Greek Fisherman is ready to tantalise your tastebuds in a gorgeous garden courtyard. It won’t be a trip to the Greek Fisherman without trying the Aegean Seafood Platter Feast (think grilled crayfish, prawns, calamari and mussels) or the stuffed Calamri. Even the Meze (starters) boast delicious seafood options like the Prawn Saganaki. The Greek Fisherman however isn’t limited to catches of the day only, offering many other tempting options from Souvlaki to slow oven-roasted lamb. Don’t worry vegans – there’s an entire menu dedicated to vegan choices too!
- Where: 78 Regent Rd, Sea Point
- Website: greekfisherman.co.za
4.Ouzeri Restaurant
The new kid on the block, Ouzeri Restaurant has recently made waves in the CBD’s foodie community. Specialising in Greek and Cyrpus dishes, the Mediterranean haven has been filled with the hungry and curious since its opening just over a month ago. Taking cues from tavern styling, the restaurant offers an atmosphere that will be familiar to anyone who has travelled to Greece or Cyrus. The dishes are odes to the Cypriotic heritage of owner Nic Charalambous, serving up favourites like “cream of the crop Halloumi”,Lamb ribs, and Tourkakia.
- Where: 58 Wale St, Cape Town City Centre
- Website: ouzeri.co.za
5. Sovlaking Delicious
MOJO Market is known for its diversity when it comes to foodie feasts, but one gem that always shines with hungry customers is Sovlaking Delicious. And, unironically, they’re known for some of the best Souvlaki assortments around. You can’t go wrong with keeping it simple, and with a minimalist menu and bursting flavours, Sovlaking Delicious understands the assignment. Lamb, chicken or halloumi? Pick your fill and enjoy a bite (or several) of Greece while perusing one of Cape Town’s most iconic hotspots – the MOJO Market.
- Where: MOJO Market, 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
- Website: sovlakingdelicious.co.za
Also read:
Breakfast spots served from the City Bowl to try this (and every) weekend
Picture: @mariasgreekcafe