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!
When it comes to Greek delis in Joburg, you've come to the right place! We've eaten our way through many an eatery to be able to present to you the most curated list on the internet. Ready? Let's begin!
Meze Emporio
Located in the idyllic St Andrews suburb is a classic Greek delicatessen well worth visiting. Meze Emporio is both a deli and a restaurant, offering patrons a delicious array of Greek dishes to enjoy. Whether you enjoy cooking up a storm, or are more of a restaurant type, Meze Emporio has all you need. This is the perfect place to stock up on creamy Greek cheese, olives, pita bread, dips and frozen snacks. Or, soak up some sunshine out on their patio while enjoying a strong cup of Greek coffee accompanied by friendly conversation from the regulars. You'll feel transported straight to the motherland!
Details: 011 453 8761 | 17 Chaucer Avenue, St Andrews, Bedfordview, Johannesburg.
Olive You
Olive You is one of the many secret hidden gems of Edenvale. Situated right next door to The Chocolate Den, this Greek deli offers a wide variety of local and imported olives. From the standard green, black and kalamata varieties to gourmet stuffed olives, they have it all! You can also stock up on organic olive oils, honey and an assortment of preserves here. It is definitely worth popping by over the weekend.
Details: 011 453 5818 | [email protected] | 99 Linksfield Road, Glendower Shopping Centre, Edenvale, Johannesburg.
The Cheese Place
If it's a deli with a little bit of everything Greek you are in search of, look no further than The Cheese Place in Linden. Supplying Greek expats and foodies with the finest cheese, olive products and other delicacies, The Cheese Place is a haven for Greek food lovers. There is nothing pretentious about this Greek deli - it's all about homemade comforts and quality dairy. Visit them as soon as you can for a slice of homemade baklava or traditional biscuits served with piping hot Greek coffee.
Details: 011 782 0381 | [email protected] | Linden View, 14 - 1st Avenue, Linden/Victory Park, Johannesburg.
La Marina Foods
While not strictly a Greek deli, La Marina Foods is the home of Mediterranean food products in Johannesburg. Stocking an entire factory full of fresh fish, vinegar, cheese, preserves, canned goods and cold cuts, this is the place to get your hands on the best imported brands. The La Marina factory store also boasts an on-site restaurant, which serves up traditional Greek fare with a twist. Think grilled halloumi served with onion marmalade or a delectable meze platter for two. Opa!
Details: 011 608 3277 / 010 010 7220 | [email protected] | 7 Platinum Drive, Longmeadow, North Business Park, Lethhabong, Gauteng.
The Gourmet Greek
Are you looking for lekker Greek delis in Joburg? Then look no further! The Gourmet Greek offers exactly what its name implies - delicious Greek cheese, gourmet double thick yoghurt and other delicacies to delight your taste buds. Based in Midlands, KZN, this Greek deli has stockists located all around Johannesburg, including Cheese Gourmet in Linden, the Fresh Earth Food Store in Emmarentia and Jackson's Real Food Market in Bryanston. You can also order your products directly from their online store to be collected at a stockist of your choice. Super easy and cheesy, what more could you ask for?
Details: 033 234 4338 | [email protected]
Do you know of any other Greek delis worth visiting in Joburg? Let us know about them!
Emperors Palace in Kempton Park is known as the Palace of Dreams. This is quite apt when walking into the building. The doors are lined with statues of Antony and Cleopatra, the concave ceiling is constructed with stained glass and all the doorways are mantled with golden Greek-style arches. What better place to spend an evening dining on the Ambrosia of the Gods? Platia may not actually serve the Gods, but it certainly evokes that feeling.
Located directly across the largest statue in the building, under the cloudy ceiling, the restaurant looks and feels as if it's located on Mt. Olympus rather than Kempton Park. Unlike most Greek restaurants, Platia keeps the shades of sky blue and crisp white to a minimum. Instead, the walls are shades of cobalt blue, lined with sea-sand wooden finishes and completed with darkened, large, low-hanging lights.
Diners have the option of inside and outside seating. The inside seating feels more secluded and opulent while the exterior feels more relaxed and casual, yet stylish. The wooden tables are lined with comfortable white stools, one of the very few white touches in the decor. The only thing missing from this island paradise would be the Mediterranean sea. But the nearby fountain at least gives some tranquil nuances of being seaside.
Starters was a tough choice between the Tiropita and Spanokopita, feta and spinach pies, and the Pikilia, pitas with a choice of three dips. Ultimately, the Tiropita and Spanokopita won. The Tiropita is a triangular phyllo pastry parcel filled with feta and herbs. While the Spanokopita, also a phyllo pastry triangle, is stuffed with a creamy spinach filling. Both pies were served with a sweet chilli sauce.
Vegetarian mains was the Haloumi in Pita, which was a flat bread wrapped around huge golden nuggets of haloumi, fresh tomato cubes and slivers of onion, all topped with a rich and creamy tzatziki. The tzatziki was particularly delicious and just finished the wrap beautifully. This was served with some large, perfectly cooked chips in a tasty house-made seasoning.
Choices for the meaty mains were also difficult to make, so the Open Trio Souvlaki Plate made the most sense as it provides a little bit of everything. This huge plate consisted of three Souvlaki (marinated meat skewers), one chicken, lamb and beef. All of which were very flavourful and perfectly cooked. This was served with a side of Greek salad, lettuce, tomato, onions, olives and feta, dressed simply in olive oil and vinegar. Also, on the side were mini pitas and tzatziki as well as a side of chips. This meal certainly allows for a bit of mixing and matching, combining various flavours with others to find your favourite combinations.
As fulling as all this food was, we definitely couldn't leave without ending things on a sweet note. Again, choosing between the Halva Ice Cream, Rizogalo, Baklava and Loukoumades was an almost impossible. But in the end, we chose the Loukoumades. These are Greek-style doughnuts, drenched in cinnamon syrup and served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. This is a must-try for any doughnut or cinnamon lover.
After gorging to the max on delectable Greek cuisine, there is no better way to relax and ease a full tummy than strolling through the Palace, taking in the sights of the store fronts, visitors taking selfies and the painted ceilings that make one think of Michelangelo's work in the Sistine Chapel. After all, we are in the Palace of Dreams.
Tucked away in Tudors Rose Centre in Beyers Park, is a little gem of a Greek restaurant. Zorbas Taverna is a small family owned eatery serving up delicious and fabulous Greek fare to residents of Boksburg and surrounds.
This charming restaurant exudes the feel of Greece with the blue and white touches, scenic portraits and Greek souvenirs. The sky blue walls are decorated with huge portraits of the Greek sea and the tables are lined with blue and white seating and topped with checkered table clothes that make you feel right at home. This feeling is accentuated by the welcoming attitudes of the staff there.
The food also makes one feel at home, as if we have gone to Grandma's for lunch - if Grandma is a talented chef specialising in Greek cuisine, that is. Expect anything from delectable mezes to the best yiros and everything in between, all with a surprisingly low impact on the wallet.
Their menu is small but provides ample choices. Their Souvlaki, whether chicken, lamb or beef, comes highly recommended. However, our favourite is definitely the Yiros. Available in haloumi, feta, falafel, beef, lamb, chicken, pork, Sheftalia, Kefte, calamari and squid heads. While all of these are wonderful in their own right, we are suckers for the Haloumi Yiro - crispy cheese morsels, with fresh tomato and onion, and rich and creamy tzatziki wrapped up in a chewy flat bread.
A delectable meal like this needs to be paired with something sweet and bitter. How does a yummy dessert and a specialty coffee sound? Zorbas' range of desserts includes the Honey Delight, Baklava and Rizogalo. All three are incredibly decadent but we always opt for the Baklava, layers of phyllo pastry and nuts drenched in honeyed syrup - absolutely scrumptious. The sweetness is matched perfectly with a Greek Coffee. This tar-like substance might not be for everyone but true caffeine lovers should give it a try. It makes for a strong, bitter and rich drink that's sure to keep you up and about for the night's festivities.
The festivities include song, dance and good old plate breaking. On Saturdays, Zorbas hosts Greek Night with live musical performances and traditional Greek dancing. If you're more in the mood for relaxed dining with the family, head on over on any other night of the week when the atmosphere allows one to unwind while enjoying great food and drink, even during load shedding. If you'd rather stay in, you're welcome to get a take-away or have it delivered to your door through Mr D.
This Greek eatery has become one of our favourite go-to restaurants when we are hungry and can't decide where to go. This is because the service is always good and the food, even better. We can't wait to go back.
Find out more about Zorbas Taverna here.
Now Santorini is much closer to to home thanks to Plaka's brand-new look and refreshed menu. For over 25 years, Plaka has remained South Africa’s go-to Greek restaurant and now the family-owned culinary chain has rolled out significant upgrades at its flagship Cresta store.
The name Plaka pays tribute to the old historical neighbourhood of Athens and the heart-beat of Greece’s modern capital on the slopes of the Acropolis. The menu still includes many traditional favourites such as calamari, pastitsio, kleftiko, whole grilled linefish, prawns and lamb chops, but it also includes some new, more contemporary dishes such as honey-mustard pork fillet and a delicious family sized portion of fisherman’s pasta.
An exciting adage to the menu is traditional Greek street food. Yiros, souvlaki (flatbread wraps) and toasted pitas are great to have as meals on the go. The main focus of the new menu was to make sharing dishes an integral part of the Plaka dining experience.
“We’ve designed our menus around the Greek way of life and Plaka’s ethos of “eating together,” says Adel Nofal and Nishall Iswarlall, Plaka Cresta Franchisee Partners. “So, we’ve include a number of family meals – “The Family Table” is a selection of popular, hearty meals generously served with a variety of salads and side orders for family or friends to share, whilst offering unbeatable value.” The Family Table menu includes dishes such as delicious Greek lamb chops served with salad and flatbread. Nishall goes on to say that a meal is not just a meal at Plaka, but rather a ritual for the senses, offering great-tasting, unpretentious dishes with the freshest ingredients that are the essential components of its rich Greek heritage.
Plaka’s Greek heritage also now extends from the plates to the décor – fresh blue mosaic, touches of bright bougainvillea and soft wood finishes are part of the new look for the restaurant. Customers can also take home a small piece of Plaka as there’s an in-store retail section selling a variety of Greek delicacies including olives, olive oil, pastas and many other Greek delicacies.
“We look forward to welcoming all friends, families and work colleagues to come and enjoy our flavourful and vibrant atmosphere to eat together,” concludes Adel.
For more information and bookings call them on 011 478 0392 and find them in Cresta Shopping Centre, Entrance 12.
WIN: R1 500 Meal Vouchers From Plaka
Now Santorini is much closer to to home thanks to Plaka's brand-new look and refreshed menu. For over 25 years, Plaka has remained South Africa’s go-to Greek restaurant and now the family-owned culinary chain has rolled out significant upgrades at its flagship Cresta store.
The name Plaka pays tribute to the old historical neighbourhood of Athens and the heart-beat of Greece’s modern capital on the slopes of the Acropolis. The menu still includes many traditional favourites such as calamari, pastitsio, kleftiko, whole grilled linefish, prawns and lamb chops, but it also includes some new, more contemporary dishes such as honey-mustard pork fillet and a delicious family sized portion of fisherman’s pasta.
An exciting adage to the menu is traditional Greek street food. Yiros, souvlaki (flatbread wraps) and toasted pitas are great to have as meals on the go. The main focus of the new menu was to make sharing dishes an integral part of the Plaka dining experience.
“We’ve designed our menus around the Greek way of life and Plaka’s ethos of “eating together,” says Adel Nofal and Nishall Iswarlall, Plaka Cresta Franchisee Partners. “So, we’ve include a number of family meals – “The Family Table” is a selection of popular, hearty meals generously served with a variety of salads and side orders for family or friends to share, whilst offering unbeatable value.” The Family Table menu includes dishes such as delicious Greek lamb chops served with salad and flatbread. Nishall goes on to say that a meal is not just a meal at Plaka, but rather a ritual for the senses, offering great-tasting, unpretentious dishes with the freshest ingredients that are the essential components of its rich Greek heritage.
Plaka’s Greek heritage also now extends from the plates to the décor – fresh blue mosaic, touches of bright bougainvillea and soft wood finishes are part of the new look for the restaurant. Customers can also take home a small piece of Plaka as there’s an in-store retail section selling a variety of Greek delicacies including olives, olive oil, pastas and many other Greek delicacies.
“We look forward to welcoming all friends, families and work colleagues to come and enjoy our flavourful and vibrant atmosphere to eat together,” concludes Adel.
For more information and bookings call them on 011 478 0392 and find them in Cresta Shopping Centre, Entrance 12.
WIN: R1 500 Meal Vouchers From Plaka
While the franchise has grown over the years, with many beautiful restaurants around the country perfectly located to suit the Plaka style and vibe.
The best thing to do would be to book a table at Plaka in Eastgate Shopping Centre. Situated on the piazza, the restaurant is not only beautiful to look at - clean with modest touches, but the food embraces all the other elements - satisfying to your tummy.
According to very reputable Greek sources, the best way to enjoy Greek food is to order meze – this is an amazing selection of a variety of small dishes of heaven which you, your friends and family can share and enjoy together. From calamari, to halloumi, baby octopus and the traditional village salad, you can’t go wrong. Don’t forget to try the dips with some warm pita bread, you will be hooked.
As much as we are giving you so much to try, we can't resist - the Greek sure do know how to make amazing food. Therefore you have to try the yiro or souvlaki in pita – you have the option between beef or chicken, wrapped in pita with tzatziki sauce (Their tzatziki is quite yummy, the roughly cut cucumber is the best), tomatoes and onion. Nothing beats a good Yiro, trust me...absolutely divine!
Their mains are to-die-for. Whether you choose a traditional meal like mousaka (baked mince meat layered with aubergines and potatoes and topped with a béchamel sauce), or giovetsi (lamb and pasta rice prepared in a tomato sauce), or the simpler T-bone steak, prawns or baby chicken… either way you’ll be left with a smile. Each dish has a unique taste which leaves you wanting to lick your plate. But, for the sake of table manners, maybe don't.
And, of course, what’s a meal without dessert, right? When it comes to Greek desserts, there is always so much to choose from. My favourite is the rizogalo (rice pudding) – it’s a must from Plaka, trust me.
The best part is that you can see right into the kitchen so you know they’re clean, nothing gives you more peace of mind than this. Plus, the service is great, the staff are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxing… in fact, you might even forget that you’re still in Joburg or perhaps want to book that flight to the Greek islands.
No one knows how to enjoy food more than the Greeks so let them feed you! Happy eating, folks!
Say hi to Plaka.
By Angela Bekiaris
Are you looking for lekker Greek Restaurants In Joburg? Then you've come to the right place! Come with us as we take a trip to Crete and surroundings without stepping foot outside of the city of Gold!
Parea
Try rock up at Parea on a Saturday night without a booking. I dare you. It’s not gonna happen – but there’s a reason they’re so popular. This authentic Greek restaurant has been around for as long as I can remember. It’s an Illovo landmark (right by Wolves, if you’re not sure) that makes some of the best Greek food in town. I do not say this lightly. Take a seat in the courtyard section during summer and indulge in an array of tasty tapas, perfectly-fried chips and what could very well be my favourite calamari dish … ever.
Mezepoli
Mezepoli is a meze and wine bar that serves up good quality Greek cuisine and, I know it sounds a bit strange, but you can also have delicious sushi here. Whether you have a variety of mezes or go straight to the yiros, you can’t go wrong.
Plaka
There are two Plakas Restaurants in Joburg – both of which make a mean Greek dish. Whether you go for mezes, mains or a bit of both, whatever you do, just leave room for the baklava (with ice cream, thank you very much).
Top pick: The baby chicken with a serving of roast potatoes on the side.
The Greek Sizzler
If you visit the Greek Sizzler Restaurant in summer, be sure to sit outside – their open-air courtyard is wonderful! If you go in winter, they’ve got a fireplace inside to keep you cozy. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic date or a casual Sunday lunch with friends.
Top pick: The kleftiko – served with roast potatoes and vegetables of the day. Talk about a hearty meal!
By Nikki Samakosky.