Can a London restaurant truly capture the sun-drenched essence of a Greek holiday? Abigail Rabbett, Editor of London World, put that question to the test with a visit to The Real Greek in Covent Garden, published on 15th January 2026. In search of authentic flavours to rival memories of a summer in Greece, the experience proved to be a mixed bag of friendly service, good value, and culinary disappointments.
A Promising Start with a Wellness Shot
The meal began with an ambitious gesture towards Greek "wellness": a huge shot of olive oil. While a fun and conversational opener, the portion was criticised as being overly large, with the suggestion that half the size would have been more charming and less likely to cause indigestion. The setting itself, an intimate part of the London mini-chain, was praised for being easy to book, hassle-free, and wallet-friendly for the WC2 postcode.
The Filoxenia Menu: Concept vs. Execution
The chosen Filoxenia menu is priced at £24 per person, offering a mix-and-match selection of mezze and souvlaki. While the sharing concept of dips, grilled meats, and crispy bites held appeal, the execution was found lacking. The reviewer noted that the expected bright, punchy flavours characteristic of Greek cooking felt dialled down and muted.
There were notable highlights amidst the spread. The taramasalata was creamy, salty, and moreish, especially when paired with soft pita bread. The dessert course delivered a clear triumph with a light, syrupy, and sweet orange cake, which was emphatically recommended as a must-order.
Where the Dishes Fell Short
However, several key dishes failed to impress. The spanakopita was described as oily and bland, while the grilled meat was tough and dry. The halloumi arrived in an unexpected crinkle-cut form, drenched in honey. A particular letdown was the courgette fritters, a personal favourite of the reviewer, which were mushy, under-seasoned, and compared to baby food. Even the baklava was deemed dry and tough.
The beverage selection followed a similar pattern. The Greek sangria was wince-worthy, strong, and sharp. In contrast, the alcoholic Greek Iced Tea was delicious, refreshing, and dangerously drinkable.
The Verdict: Accessible but Not Authentic
The reviewer acknowledged it could have been an off night or an unlucky order, with the friendly manager pointing out missed opportunities like the prawns and octopus tentacle. Ultimately, the conclusion was that The Real Greek offers an accessible, breezy dining experience that provides a surface-level scratch of holiday nostalgia. For those chasing the authentic buzz of Athens—complete with sunshine, chaos, and perfect courgette fritters—the search in London must continue.
The visit took place at the Covent Garden branch of the chain, a location firmly in the heart of the capital's bustling theatre and tourism district.
