Plaka Eastgate

Plaka is situated on the piazza at Eastgate Shopping Centre. Standing out starkly against a collection of fast food restaurants, Plaka is the home of Mediterranean eating at Eastgate. Newly refurbished to offer patrons an even more authentic taste of the Greek islands, Plaka Eastgate is spacious and inviting. With shades of crisp white and ocean blue, their decor immediately transports you to another place. This is the ideal spot for a quiet Sunday lunch with the family, date night or a celebratory dinner.

Plaka has been delivering authentic Greek cuisine to Joburg foodies for over 26 years. Their menu is generous, offering a variety of traditional meze, fish dishes and vegetarian dips. Made from the freshest ingredients, their food is simple yet delicious. Having eaten our way through the menu, we recommend the meze platter for two, a hearty feast of pita bread, assorted dips, falafel, handcut chips, tomato salad and grilled halloumi. Paired with a chilled glass of white wine, this is more than satisfying. Sit and talk for hours over this meal with loved ones for a true Greek dining experience.

Plaka's dessert menu is equally enticing, featuring classic Greek pastries, ice cream and rich, creamy yoghurt served with crushed nuts and honey. The Eastgate branch also treats their patrons to a special palate cleanser in between mains and dessert - slices of chilled watermelon sprinkled with cinnamon. Overall, their service is welcoming and attentive. It is definitely worth a visit!

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Deli Delights

Once you have devoured your meal and thoroughly soaked up the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere at Plaka Eastgate, pop into their on-site deli. Here, you will find the best imported products to make your own Greek feast at home, along with a selection of home-made meals, biscuits and other sweet delights. It's this little touch of homeliness that sets Plaka apart from the rest.

For More Information

There are two other Plaka venues in Gauteng to visit on your great Greek eating adventures. Click here for more information.

Mythos At Bedford Centre

Just a few blocks away from Plaka at Eastgate you will find its rival, Mythos. Located on the square at Bedford Centre, this authentic Greek restaurant recently reopened its doors to welcome in patrons, old and new. Their newly refurbished decor is evocative of a Mediterranean palace, with opulent drapery, generous seating and romantic lighting. 

Mythos first opened in 2006 and has since expanded across Joburg at various venues. However, their branch at Bedford Centre has always maintained an air of fine dining without sacrificing a family-friendly atmosphere. There is almost always a celebration to be had at Mythos, such as an anniversary dinner or their 'Big Fat Greek Evenings' which take place on the last Saturday of every month. Complete with a fantastic feast, live music and dancing, performances from trained belly dancers and breaking of the plates, Mythos offers their guests far more than just a dining experience. The warmth of family and friends exudes in everything they do.

But, speaking of the food, Mythos has both a set menu and main menu. Featuring an array of traditional salads, dips, sides and main meals, there is no shortage of Greek flavour here. Mythos prides itself on using only the best imported ingredients, evident in the flavours and quality of their food. And, like any good Greek restaurant, sharing is the name of the game here. The meze platter for two includes keftethes, fillet souvlaki, chicken souvlaki, prawns, calamari, yiro, peri-peri chicken livers, tzatziki, taramosalata and pita bread. While quite protein heavy, this platter can easily be paired with a village Greek salad to find its perfect balance.

Gelato Me

After a filling Greek feast, what could you possibly have room leftover for? Gelato, of course! Mythos at Bedford Centre boasts an enticing gelato counter, stocked with a variety of flavours. We say give them all a try to find your favourite. From chocolate hazelnut to pistachio, funfetti and even tiramisu flavours, they have something to soothe any sweet tooth.

For More Information

Find your nearest Mythos branch here.

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So, there you have it! All that our two favourite Greek giants have to offer. We'll let you make the final verdict on who the ultimate winner of this challenge is. Opa!