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Greek Easter Feast: Where to Find the Best Dishes in London

A guide on experiencing the Greek Easter table in London, by the team at Greeklist

1. Greek Easter 2024 in London

Orthodox Easter, steeped in centuries-old tradition and rich symbolism, is a time of profound spiritual significance for Greek communities around the world. Rooted in the rituals of the Greek Orthodox Church, this holiest of celebrations marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, uniting families and communities in prayer, reflection, and joyous festivities. Central to the Easter observance is the gathering around the table, where generations come together to partake in a lavish feast that symbolises renewal and abundance.

Even in the bustling metropolis of London, the spirit of Greek Easter thrives, offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the warmth, hospitality, and delectable flavours of the Greek Easter table. As this years Greek Orthodox Easter approaches on May 5th, join us as we embark on a delectable adventure through London’s Greek Easter cuisine, uncovering the diverse array of dishes that grace the tables of this cultural celebration!

2. The Greek Easter table

At the Greek Easter table, tradition meets culinary excellence in a celebration of heritage and community. From the iconic roast lamb to vibrant salads and savoury kontosouvli, each dish tells a story of cultural richness and shared joy!

The main dishes of Greek Easter table:

Arni (Roast Lamb): The star of the Easter table, tender roast lamb is infused with flavours of garlic, oregano, and lemon, then slow-cooked until it reaches a golden-brown perfection. Symbolising the sacrificial lamb, it’s a cherished tradition.
Brizola (Grilled Steak): This dish showcases prime cuts like ribeye or sirloin, expertly grilled over charcoal. Marinated with a blend of olive oil, zesty lemon juice, aromatic oregano, and pungent garlic, it’s a carnivore’s delight.
Kontosouvli: A feast for the senses, kontosouvli features a hefty portion of meat, such as pork or lamb, slowly roasted over an open flame. resembling an oversized souvlaki, it’s often adorned with vibrant peppers.
Kokoretsi: For the adventurous palate, kokoretsi offers a unique culinary experience. Seasoned offal, typically from lamb, is intricately wrapped around intestines and grilled whole, resulting in a dish that’s as bold as it is traditional.
Loukaniko (Grilled Sausage): Whether made with beef, pork, or chicken, loukaniko is a beloved grilled sausage bursting with robust flavours. Seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, it’s grilled to perfection, offering a tantalizing smoky taste in every bite.
Paidakia (Lamb Chops): These succulent grilled chops, cut perpendicular to the spine, are a carnivore’s delight. Whether sourced from lamb, goat, pork, or beef, they offer a delectable medley of flavours and textures that’s sure to satisfy.
Paidakia
Biftekia (Greek Burgers): Handcrafted beef or pork patties are grilled over charcoal, imparting a rich, smoky flavour to these beloved Greek burgers. Bursting with juiciness and seasoned to perfection, they’re a crowd-pleasing favourite at any gathering.
Magiritsa Soup: A traditional Easter soup made from lamb offal (such as liver, heart, and lungs), cooked with onions, dill, and lettuce, thickened with avgolemono (egg-lemon) sauce, and served hot as a comforting starter to the Easter feast.

The side dishes of Greek Easter table:

Horiatiki Salata (Greek Village Salad): A staple in Greek cuisine, the Greek salad is a refreshing combination of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano.
Tzatziki: Tzatziki is a classic Greek dip made with strained yogurt, grated cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs like dill or mint. It’s creamy, tangy, and refreshing, perfect for dipping pita bread or vegetables.
Tzatziki
Patates Tiganites (Greek-style Fried Potatoes): Patates tiganites are crispy, golden-brown fried potatoes seasoned with salt, pepper, and often oregano or other herbs. They’re typically cut into thick wedges or chunks and fried until tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Pantzarosalata (Beetroot Salad): A refreshing salad made with boiled or roasted beetroots, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes vinegar or lemon juice. It’s often garnished with chopped parsley and served cold.
Patatosalata (Potato Salad): Patatosalata is a simple yet flavorful salad made with boiled potatoes, red onions, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice or vinegar. Some variations may include other ingredients like capers, olives, or mustard.
Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves): Dolmadakia are made by wrapping a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, onions, and sometimes pine nuts and raisins in tender grape leaves. The filling is seasoned with a blend of herbs like dill, mint, and parsley, as well as lemon juice and olive oil, giving it a bright and aromatic flavour.

The desserts of Greek Easter table:

Tsoureki: This braided sweet bread, enriched with aromatic spices like mahlab and mastiha, is a hallmark of Greek Easter. Its golden crust and soft, fluffy interior make it a beloved treat enjoyed throughout the holiday.
Koulourakia: These buttery, twisted cookies are often flavoured with orange zest and sprinkled with sesame seeds, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and crunch. They’re perfect for dunking in coffee or enjoying on their own.
Kalitsounia: Small Cretan pastries filled with sweet cheese and herbs, are a delightful addition to any Greek Easter table. With their tender crusts and flavorful fillings, they capture the essence of Cretan hospitality in every bite.
Baklava: Layers of crisp phyllo dough, butter, and nuts, drenched in a fragrant syrup of honey and citrus, create this irresistible pastry. Its rich flavours and delicate textures make it a perennial favourite at Greek Easter tables.
Galaktoboureko: This creamy custard pie, encased in layers of golden, flaky phyllo pastry and drenched in a sweet syrup, is a decadent indulgence that captivates with every bite.

The special custom of the Greek Easter table:

The Easter Eggs. Hard-boiled eggs dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ and the resurrection. These eggs are a ubiquitous symbol of Easter in Greece and are exchanged among family and friends and then the game of Tsougrisma (egg tapping) takes place as a sign of good luck and renewal!

Check out our special guide on Greek Cuisine!

3. Where to taste the Greek Easter dishes in London

From traditional dishes like succulent roast lamb to indulgent desserts infused with honey and spices, the Greek Easter celebration in London is a vibrant tapestry of culture and culinary delights, inviting all to partake in its time-honored traditions and festive atmosphere.

Here are some suggestions for the best greek barbeque places in London:

Nostimo

They serve all kinds of Mediterranean inspired delicacies whilst staying true to our Greek heritage. Using top quality ingredients, they have a passion for Mediterranean cuisine, and they love delicious food.

Book now for their special Easter Dinner!

Contact Information

Tel: 2070524471
e-mail: info@nostimo.london
Address: Brunswick Centre, King’s Cross, London

Tony’s Pita

A Greek traditional Restaurant in Swiss Cottage area, London. They have also opened a new restaurant in Palmers Green. Their original restaurant opened in December 2018 with a purpose to offer something new to the area. Tony’s pita is a family run restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine and atmosphere.

Book now for their special Easter Dinner!

Contact Information

Tel: +44 (0)20 7722 5227
e-mail: bookings@tonyspita.co.uk
Address: 4 New College Parade, Frognal, London

Alexander the Great

At Alexander The Great Greek Restaurant, they bring the taste of the Mediterranean to their plates, using fresh and flavoursome produce. Their chefs prepare everything in-house, making sure your meal is prepared to the highest quality. They produce is freshly sourced by hand, daily, from local markets bringing the highest quality direct to their customers.

Book now for their special Easter Dinner!

Contact Information

Tel: 020 7388 1111
e-mail: alexanderthegreatrestaurant@gmail.com
Address: 8 Plender Street, Camden, London

MEZE

At the Greek Meze, we pride ourselves on serving delicious home-style and traditional Greek-cooked food with the finest ingredients by our outstanding chef bringing a slice of the Mediterranean to the high street. Vibrant traditional Greek decor and colours, with soothing music, guarantee an exceptional experience and a taste of our real Greek culture.

Check their special Easter Dinner:

Contact Information

Tel: 020 7624 8571
e-mail: info@mezenw6.com
Address: 92 Kingsgate Road, Camden, 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
Address: 31 Moscow Road, Westminster, London

Going Greek

Enjoy a delicious souvlaki or sample some sharing plates with an ice-cold Greek beer. Choose a traditional pastry or a delightful dessert with your coffee.

Contact Information

Tel: 020 3030 4543
e-mail: info@goinggreek.co.uk
Address:18 The Green, London, N21 1AY

Halepi Greek & Cypriot Restaurant

Lunch there can include anything from fresh fish dishes to salt marsh lamb and finishing off with sweet-tasting desserts. While you are there, you must try the Pyrenean baby lamb that will only leave you licking your fingers.

Contact Information

Tel: 020 7262 1070
Address: 18 Leinster Terrace, Westminster, London

It’s all Greek to me

Treat yourself to a tasty snack in our laid-back souvlaki bar or enjoy a leisurely evening in our boutique restaurant downstairs. With imported specialities, a deli counter of artisan produce and a selection of unique wines, it really is all Greek and the best Greece has to offer.

Contact Information

Tel: +44 207402 5505
e-mail: hello@itsallgreeektome.london
Address: 101 Praed Street, Hyde Park, London

Ithaki Greek Kitchen

A few years back three friends decided to start a culinary trip in London cooking and trying traditional Greek food. The memories from their homes from the Ionian Islands to Athens and then to Asia Minor got together and created smells and tastes and a love for good traditional Mediterranean food.

Contact Information

Tel: +44 (0) 77765 24051
e-mail: info@ithakirestaurant.co.uk
Address: 5-6 Hanger Green, Ealing, London

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
email: reservations@opso.co.uk
Address: 10 Paddington St, London

Kima Restaurant

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
email: reservations@kimarestaurant.com
Address: 57 Paddington Street, London

If you want more great places to eat, here is our guide on the Best Greek Restaurants in London!

4. Conclusion

In London, the Greek Easter table serves as a vibrant tapestry, weaving together the threads of culture, faith, and culinary excellence. Whether savouring the flavours of tsoureki or indulging in the spices of kontosouvli, experiencing Greek Easter in London is a journey of discovery and celebration!

Kalo Pascha! (Happy Easter!)