Inside the restaurant, all sense of being in Fallowfield is lost. Opposite the entrance, a photo of the Greek President greets visitors, and on the walls also hang pleasing Mediterranean pictures. Faux-marble pillars and rustic table settings also contribute to the Greek aura. Indeed, the first words of my accompanying Cypriot diner were “this feels like home”. So, with the need for perceived authenticity satisfied, onto the food.
By recommendation, I had Melintzanes for starters, which are aubergine slices in batter, served with a tzatziki dip. I love the rich, buttery flavour of aubergines anyway; with a light batter and proper homemade, garlicky tzatziki, they were perfect. Another fellow diner had Dolmathes, vine leaves stuffed with minced lamb, which were really delicious. For my main I had Afelia - pork casseroled in red wine and coriander seeds. I had it served with salad, which of course will never complement casserole, I ate it all anyway but I swear that combination shouldn’t be an option. Aside from that, the pork was beautifully tender, the kind of texture that comes from hours of slow-cooking. The salad was fresh and simple. A friend had Kolokithi Kieftethes, courgette, feta cheese and herb fritters. I didn’t try these, but they do sound very interesting! Our table was full of satisfied students, and we even converted the Greek food novice.
My sole complaint is that the portions were pretty small. For £8.50 it’s hard to know whether or not this is fair – my questionable solution would be to bulk the meal out with mandatory rice portions. Or perhaps a better idea would be to take my parents and order à la carte. Aside from that, the service was quick and friendly, our Cypriot even spoke Greek with the owners.
The restaurant also has a list of things to boast about, printed on the inside cover of the menus and on their website - Richard and Judy “have stated that this is one of their favourite restaurants”, and apparently, “AA Gill recently declared it the best Greek restaurant in the country!” Perhaps I can believe the first one, but as for the latter statement, I’ll just have to take their word for it.
