There’s something undeniably comforting about Greek food. Whether it’s the smoky aroma of grilled meats, the tangy burst of feta cheese, or the flaky, honey-soaked layers of baklava, Greek cuisine offers a delicious blend of fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and time-honoured traditions. In recent years, Britain has developed a growing appetite for this Mediterranean favourite, with Greek restaurants, delis, and street food stalls popping up across the country. From high-end dining to casual souvlaki wraps, the UK has embraced Greek food like never before.
For years, Greek cuisine in Britain was mostly limited to family-run tavernas tucked away in city neighbourhoods. These cosy spots, often run by Greek immigrants, served up traditional dishes like moussaka, pastitsio, and lamb kleftiko to those in the know. While these restaurants built a loyal following, Greek food remained somewhat overshadowed by other Mediterranean cuisines such as Italian and Spanish. But that has changed dramatically.
Today, Greek food is firmly in the spotlight, thanks in part to the rise of modern Greek restaurants that put a contemporary twist on classic dishes while staying true to the essence of Greek hospitality.
London, always at the forefront of culinary trends, has seen a surge in stylish Greek eateries. Places like Mazi in Notting Hill and Meraki in Fitzrovia have redefined Greek dining, offering sophisticated takes on traditional dishes using high-quality ingredients. At these restaurants, you might find taramasalata made with white fish roe rather than the bright pink supermarket version, or souvlaki skewers served with innovative sides like smoked aubergine and pomegranate molasses. Meanwhile, The Real Greek, a popular chain, has brought accessible, authentic Greek food to high streets across the UK, introducing more people to the joys of meze dining.
One of the biggest drivers of Greek cuisine’s popularity has been the explosion of street food. Greek souvlaki wraps, stuffed with tender grilled meat, fresh salad, and a generous dollop of tzatziki, have become a festival and market staple. Vendors like The Athenian have taken this simple yet satisfying dish and made it a favourite among busy Londoners looking for a quick but delicious meal. Halloumi, once a niche ingredient, is now a mainstream favourite, found in everything from burgers to brunch dishes. Grilled until golden and slightly crispy, it’s often paired with honey or pomegranate for a sweet-savoury contrast that has won over British palates.
Greek food’s appeal goes beyond its incredible flavours; it’s also widely recognised as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. The Mediterranean diet, which heavily features olive oil, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, has long been praised for its health benefits. With an increasing number of Brits looking for nutritious yet satisfying meals, Greek cuisine ticks all the boxes.
Dishes like grilled fish with lemon and herbs, chickpea stews, and Greek salads packed with olives and tomatoes offer both nourishment and indulgence.
Another reason for the rise of Greek cuisine in the UK is the growing demand for authenticity. As more people travel to Greece and experience its vibrant food culture first-hand, they return home eager to recreate those culinary memories.
Supermarkets have responded by stocking Greek essentials like feta, Kalamata olives, and filo pastry, making it easier than ever for home cooks to experiment with Greek recipes. Cooking shows and food bloggers have also played a role, showcasing the versatility of Greek dishes and encouraging more people to try making them at home.
Despite its increasing presence, Greek cuisine in the UK is still evolving. While classics like moussaka and souvlaki are well-loved, lesser-known regional dishes are starting to make their way onto menus. Restaurants and delis are introducing Brits to delicacies such as dakos, a Cretan rusk salad topped with tomatoes and mizithra cheese, or fava, a silky yellow split pea purée from Santorini. Greek desserts, too, are gaining popularity beyond baklava, with treats like galaktoboureko (a custard-filled filo pastry) and loukoumades (Greek-style doughnuts) becoming firm favourites.
The future of Greek cuisine in the UK looks bright. As more chefs and restaurateurs bring their own creative spin to Greek flavours, the variety and accessibility of Greek food will only continue to grow.
Whether it’s a casual lunch of souvlaki and pita, a fine-dining experience with modern Mediterranean flair, or a home-cooked meal inspired by Greek island holidays, Britain’s love affair with Greek food is here to stay.
