The 10 best dishes and where to find them in London

Greek cuisine is a celebration of fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and the natural bounty of the Mediterranean Sea. Nowhere is this more evident than in the array of seafood dishes that grace Greek tables. From tender octopus grilled to perfection to tangy marinated anchovies that pair beautifully with a glass of wine, these dishes capture the essence of the sea and the heart of Greek culture. Each recipe tells a story of tradition, community, and a deep respect for nature’s gifts. Below, we explore some of the most beloved Greek fish & seafood dishes, each one a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Greece!

Kalamarakia Tiganita (Fried Squid)

Kalamarakia tiganita is a dish that invites you to relive the golden, carefree afternoons of a Greek summer. Fresh squid, lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection, is served with a wedge of lemon that releases a burst of zest when squeezed over the golden rings. The crisp coating gives way to tender, succulent squid inside, embodying the simplicity of Greek cooking at its best. It’s a dish that pairs wonderfully with a cool breeze, a chilled glass of ouzo, and the distant sound of waves lapping against the shore.

Psarosoupa (Fish Soup)

Psarosoupa is a traditional Greek fish soup that offers both nourishment and comfort. Made with chunks of fresh white fish, potatoes, carrots, and celery, it is a symphony of gentle flavors. The broth, infused with lemon and olive oil, is both tangy and silky, perfectly complementing the tender vegetables and flaky fish. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug, evoking the essence of a coastal village where life revolves around the sea. It’s a dish that warms both the body and the soul, perfect for a cool evening when comfort is what you crave.

Psari Plaki (Baked Fish with Tomatoes and Herbs)

Psari plaki is a dish perfected by generations of Greek fishermen. A whole fish, often white and flaky, is baked in a bed of ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced onions, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs like parsley and dill. As it bakes, the flavors meld together into a rich, aromatic sauce that envelopes the fish in a burst of Mediterranean essence. The result is a meal that celebrates the delicate nature of seafood, allowing each bite to be enhanced by the sweetness of slow-cooked tomatoes and the depth of the herbs—a testament to the simple yet profound flavors of Greek cuisine.

Htapodi (Octopus)

Htapodi is a true gem of Greek meze culture. The octopus is often tenderized in the most traditional way—sun-dried on lines, waving gently in the breeze of a seaside village. Once tender, it is grilled to perfection or marinated, resulting in a smoky, slightly charred exterior with a tender and succulent interior. Served alongside a glass of ouzo and a splash of lemon, htapodi represents the Greek spirit of gathering, sharing, and transforming simple ingredients into something truly unforgettable. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together over a plate of something exceptional.

Garides Saganaki (Shrimp Saganaki)

Garides saganaki is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the best of Greek coastal ingredients. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a rich tomato sauce, filled with the aromatic notes of garlic and a hint of ouzo, which adds depth to the sauce. Crumbled feta cheese is added, melting slightly into the warm sauce and creating a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the shrimp. This dish is vibrant and satisfying, perfect for mopping up with a piece of crusty bread, letting you savor every bit of its rich, briny flavors.

Gavros Marinatos (Marinated Anchovies)

Gavros marinatos is a popular Greek meze that features fresh anchovies marinated to perfection. The small fish are immersed in a mix of vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, transforming them into a delicate, tangy, and aromatic appetizer. Each bite is bursting with flavor, the acidity of the vinegar perfectly balanced by the richness of olive oil and the gentle heat of garlic. Gavros marinatos pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine, making it a refreshing start to any meal and a perfect representation of the Greek love for bold, simple flavors.

Soupies Gemistes (Stuffed Kalamari)

A classic Greek dish that highlights the delicate flavors of the sea. Fresh calamari is carefully cleaned and then filled with a savory mixture of rice, aromatic herbs like parsley and dill, and sometimes enhanced with finely chopped tomatoes and onions. The stuffed calamari is gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors of the herbs, sauce, and seafood. The result is a delightful blend of textures and tastes—soft, savory, and slightly tangy—capturing the essence of Greek cuisine, where seafood is paired with simple, fresh ingredients to create comforting and flavorful dishes.

Barbounia Tiganita (Fried Red Mullet)

Barbouni, or red mullet, is cherished in Greek cuisine for its sweet and delicate flavor. Often lightly fried or grilled, this bright red fish needs little more than a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon to bring out its best qualities. The tender, flaky flesh and the crisp skin are a delightful contrast, and the simplicity of the preparation lets the quality of the fish shine through. Barbouni is a favorite on taverna menus along the Greek coast, where its freshness and flavor are celebrated in every bite.

Taramosalata (Fish Roe Salad)

Taramosalata is a creamy, flavorful spread made from fish roe, olive oil, lemon juice, and either bread or potatoes to create a smooth texture. The result is a dip that is both rich and tangy, with a slight saltiness from the roe that keeps you coming back for more. It’s often enjoyed as part of a seafood meze platter, accompanied by crusty bread or crisp raw vegetables for dipping. Taramosalata brings the essence of the sea to the table in a form that is comforting and addictively delicious—a staple at any Greek gathering where food is meant to be shared and savored.

Sardeles (Sardines)

Sardines are a quintessential Greek dish, often caught fresh in the early morning when the sea is calm, ensuring their flavor is at its peak. They are simply grilled, allowing their natural oils to sizzle and infuse each bite with flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a squeeze of sun-ripened lemon, and a touch of fragrant oregano are all they need. This preparation captures the heart of Greek seafood cuisine—uncomplicated, honest, and bursting with character. It evokes the feeling of a seaside taverna, where the salty breeze enhances the experience of every bite.

Wine Pairings for Fish and Seafood

Pairing wine with seafood is all about enhancing the natural flavors of the dish. When it comes to lighter, flaky fish such as sardines or sea bream, crisp white wines are the best choice. Varieties like Assyrtiko, which has bright acidity and citrus notes, or Sauvignon Blanc, with its herbal undertones, work wonderfully to lift the delicate flavors of the fish without overwhelming them. For richer fish dishes, such as psari plaki, a more aromatic white like Moschofilero or even a dry Riesling can complement the depth of the tomatoes and herbs, creating a harmonious balance.

For dishes such as shrimp saganaki or fried squid, wines with a hint of minerality are excellent companions. Assyrtiko, with its crisp, saline character, pairs beautifully with shrimp, while a light-bodied Chardonnay, unoaked to keep the freshness, can highlight the tender squid without masking its subtle flavor. For richer seafood dishes, like stuffed squid or octopus, a chilled rosé can be a perfect match, adding a touch of fruitiness that balances the savory, complex flavors.

Where to taste Greek Fish & Seafood in London

Byzantium Restaurant

An impressive, unique and well-established Greek restaurant that is conveniently located between Bayswater and Queensway, that emphasises family-style food, traditional pastries (tsourekia, baklava etc.) and real Greek coffee.

Contact Information

• Tel: +44 20 7229 9367
• 31 Moscow Road

Kima Restaurant | Modern Greek Seafood

Drawing inspiration from the abundance of the Greek seas, this restaurant brings the Mediterranean culture of the Greek peninsula to London’s dining scene.

Contact Information

• Tel: +44 (0) 77 4520 5136
• reservations@kimarestaurant.com
• 57 Paddington Street

Halepi | Greek & Cypriot Restaurant

This restaurant is hailed by the Automobile Association of America Guide as the best Greek restaurant in the world. Lunch can include anything from fresh fish dishes to salt marsh lamb and finishing off with sweet-tasting desserts.

Contact Information

• Tel: 020 7262 1070
• 18 Leinster Terrace

​Meraki | Restaurant – Bar

Nestled in the heart of Fitzrovia, the team have scoured the length and breadth of Greece’s regions to find the most tantalising ingredients such as Bottarga from Mesologgi, tomatoes from Santorini and butter from Crete.

Contact Information

• Tel: +44 (0)207 305 7686
• reservations@meraki-restaurant.com
• 80-82 Great Titchfield Street

Nostimo

In this restaurant they servel kinds of Mediterranean inspired delicacies whilst staying true to Greek heritage, using  top quality ingredients while having a passion for Mediterranean cuisine.

Contact Information

• Tel: 2070524471
• info@nostimo.london
• 9 Brunswick Centre

Opso Modern Greek Food

Inspired by traditional and contemporary Greek tastes, they create modern Greek tapas based on high quality ingredients, most of which are supplied directly from Greece, focusing on social style dining.

Contact Information

• Tel: +44 (0)207 487 5088
• reservations@opso.co.uk
• 10 Paddington St

Ithaki Greek Kitchen

A place where three friends decided to start a culinary trip in London cooking and offer Greek food from the Ionian Islands, Athens and Asia Minor. 

Contact Information

• +44 (0) 77765 24051
• info@ithakirestaurant.co.uk
• 5-6 Hanger Green

Ammos Greek Restaurant

This restaurant brings the love for Mediterranean flavours and gave it a home in a friendly and cosy place, five minutes from Hyde Park, in the heart of London.

Contact Information

• Tel: 020 7262 0169
• info@ammoshydepark.com
• 28 Sussex Place

Bringing It All Together

Greek seafood cuisine is not just about the dishes themselves; it’s about the experience they create. It’s the warmth of sharing a meal with loved ones, the sound of the sea in the background, and the taste of simple, honest ingredients transformed by tradition and passion. Each dish reflects the deep connection between the Greek people and the sea—a bond forged over centuries of fishing, cooking, and enjoying the gifts of the ocean. As you savor these flavors, may you feel transported to a sun-drenched Greek taverna, where every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the beautiful Mediterranean.