Greek cuisine will never go out of style. Get on the bandwagon of meze platters, traditional tzatiziki and syrupy sweet desserts by checking out these top Greek restaurants in Johannesburg, as well as delis.
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Greek Restaurants in Johannesburg
Greek Takeaways in Johannesburg
Greek Delis in Johannesburg
Greek Restaurants in Johannesburg
Kolonaki Greek Kouzina
First up is arguably one of the best restaurants in the city, Kolonaki Greek Kouzina. Situated on the bustling 4th Avenue strip in Parkhurst, it offers fantastic hospitality and service, along with great food that’s sure to have you coming back for more. Owned by Chef Vassilios “Basil” Holiasmenos, Kolonaki features a seasonal menu of traditional recipes with a modern twist. Everything is made in-house, even the cheeses. Kolonaki is all about sharing, so come in a group and taste and sample small plates of dolmathakia, halloumi, falafel, as well as jars, dips, salads and various yiro and grill choices.
Mezepoli
Mezepoli in Melrose Arch is a meze and wine bar that serves up good quality Greek cuisine and delicious sushi. Whether you have a variety of mezes or go straight to the yiros, you can’t go wrong. This restaurant is as Mediterranean as they come (if the Med was known for great sushi as well). Worth trying is the assortment of mushrooms grilled with rock salt and dressed with olive oil, lemon and fresh parsley. Their crispy spanakopita filled with spinach and feta is on par with the street food you’ll find in Athens. With a fantastic selection of wine and dessert menu that will have you slavering for more, Mezepoli is a top Greek restaurant in Johannesburg.
Plaka
Whether its their branch in Eastgate or Menlyn, when it comes to Greek Restaurants in Johannesburg Plaka makes 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.
Mythos
Mythos have been in the business of serving up authentic Greek cuisine since 2006. Never taking the term ‘authentic’ lightly, Mythos’ Head Chef brings a wealth of family recipes to the table. She also insists on importing all her key ingredients directly from Greece. It is this dedication to excellence which has won Mythos Restaurants the Best of Joburg’s Best Greek Restaurant award for five consecutive years.
Mythos has been a long-standing favourite at Bedford Centre. This eclectic, European-style restaurant piazza is the heart of the Bedford Centre Shopping Mall. Catering both to Bedfordview’s large Greek community and to those of us who just love Greek food, Mythos is a home away from home.
Read more:
Plaka Versus Mythos – The Great Greek Cook Off
The Fat Mermaid
Now for something slightly out of the box when it comes to Greek Restaurants in Johannesburg. The Fat Mermaid is one of Bedfordview’s best kept secrets. Tucked away down a narrow street, this Greek restaurant and party venue features something most other restaurants wouldn’t ever consider. A swimming pool! Bring the kids along for a splash in the summer while you relax poolside, sipping on one of the Fat Mermaid’s famous coffee freezes.
Platia
Platia Greek Restaurant at Emperors Palace offers diners a taste of the Mediterranean, paired with traditional South African flavours. Take a seat on the outdoor patio or in the more secluded restaurant interior. Platia’s menu features an array of well known Greek starters, mains and desserts to delight your taste buds, so read our review to find out which dishes we thought were simply divine.
Nikos
Situated on Alice Lane, Nikos offers a selection of meze, together with our souvlaki, either plated (choices of skewered meat), or served as a yiro, (your choice of meat in a home-made pita bread lightly drizzled with olive oil, origanum and coarse salt). Nikos also has deliciously coal-grilled and oven-roasted mains, served with a variety of dips, fresh traditional salads and sides.
Pappas On The Square
Everybody loves a classic. Sinatra singing Fly Me To The Moon, Sean Connery as James Bond and Aston Martin in the 60s. You might not find any Sinatra or Connery or DB5’s at Pappas On The Square in Sandton, but you will find that elusive quality found in the mainstay of what makes a classic.
As a second generation owned authentic Greek restaurant, owner Charles de Olim goes out of his way to make sure that every nook and cranny of Pappas is running as smooth as possible – a feat he pulls off with great skill. In terms of Greek restaurants in Johannesburg, this one is built on family values and hard work and this shows in their food.
Although the family is originally from Cyprus they specialise in real Greek food. Almost every second dish contains feta or olives and we’re not complaining – we practically live on the stuff anyway. Pappas starters are brilliant and beautiful and are created with one thing in mind: to share. With that said, the five piece meze platter is a perfect combination of the top starters on an already impressive menu.
Toula’s
This Greek eatery in Fourways serves up traditional Greek and Greek-fusion mezes. Stop by to experience family style pitas, dips, veggies, chicken, seafood and meat mezedes, kotas and unique desserts. Their Goat’s Cheese Spring Rolls, stuffed with olives, sun-dried tomatoes and goat’s cheese, comes highly recommended. We also can’t resist the Bourekia, deep-fried potato and feta parcels.
Greek Takeways in Johannesburg
Soul Souvlaki
Across Athens, street corners are buzzing with vendors selling souvlaki, the perfect quick bite, impeccable street food. Owner, Dino Vlachos, saw a gap in the Joburg food scene: South Africa’s take-away industry had become synonymous with cheap fast food and he sought to change that. He believed all it would take was quality ingredients and the personal touch.
From a single stall at Maboneng’s Market on Main, Soul Souvlaki has expanded to encompass six flagship stores, each distinctive and unique. Whilst most franchises push for uniformity, Soul Souvlaki celebrates individuality. There’s no centralised kitchen, meaning every dish is freshly-prepared to order and their friendly counter service lends itself to a faster, more efficient dining experience.
Yia Yia’s Kitchen
What’s better than Grandma’s cooking? Yia Yia’s Kitchen celebrates the authenticity of homemade Greek cuisine in all its dishes. Come and enjoy a taste of the Greek islands in the heart of Bedfordview. Yia Yia’s Kitchen also offers catering for private parties and functions, as well as live entertainment. Opa!
Big Fat Greek
A firm local favourite, Big Fat Greek is a flavour bomb waiting to go off! This dine-in or take-away Greek restaurant in Roodepoort specialises in all your favourite takeaway treats. Fancy some giros, meze, dolmades or souvlaki? Then, this is definitely your kind of place. If you’re not feeling especially adventurous, you can always grab a fast food staple, such as a hamburger, fish and chips, or a chicken burger. Top off your meal with some baklava for dessert!
Greek Delis in Johannesburg
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!
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 | info@olive-you.co.za | 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 | stella.cheeseplace@gmail.com | 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 | info@lamarinafoods.co.za | 7 Platinum Drive, Longmeadow, North Business Park, Lethhabong, Gauteng.
Parea
A lot of things can happen in three decades. Technology changes, the city’s landscape changes, and restaurants come and go. But not Parea Taverna. Since 1993 this Greek restaurant has served up a storm from its humble kitchen at the top of Corlette Drive in Illovo. Its success? Well, that can be pinned down to staying true to tradition. Just like the tavernas found in the old country, Parea brags with minimal decor, sticking to the classic white painted walls with blue accents. Here there’s no need to fuss about outlandish, exotic decor – the food does all the talking.
The Gourmet Greek
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 | dimitriades@telkomsa.net
What did you think of our picks of Greek restaurants in Johannesburg? We’re sure you have one of your own that’s not on the list! Let us know in the comments below!
This article is part of our World In Joburg series – a guide to cuisine from all over the world, right here in Jozi. Want to sample a new country’s cuisine right on your doorstep? Here’s our handy guide.
