Greek in Mowbray

The interesting, slightly shabby, but full of atmosphere little Greek eatery on Durban Road in Mowbray (Cape Town) not only gives you great value for money, but the food is also excellent. Set amidst a collection of similarly enjoyable restaurants (Fat Cactus is just across the road), just beyond St George’s Grammar School, it’s a great place for a relaxing, flavourful nosh.

The restaurant is known simply as ‘Greek’, and delicious, simple, anything-but-fast Greek fare is what you can look forward to. And, despite its reputation as a student hangout, the dinners I’ve eaten there thus far have had fewer students than families with young children, and the usual slightly bourgeois and arty crowd you would expect to find in Mowbray …

It helps that I have more than a slight penchant for Greek food, and cheap and cheerful with flair is my thing, but there have been mumblings from more longtime clients about the atmostphere having deteriorated from chic shabby to shabby chic, and grumbings about the decline in pretty waitresses. Can’t say any of this bothered me particularly.

I’ve not been disappointed in the tasty and Mediterranean style food. Virtually unpronouncable items that have become so familiar such as souvlaki, hummus, shwarma, lamb kofte and excellent versions of fish, all appear on the understated menu. And desserts are usually on offer on a subtly placed chalk board; tempting baklava a standard special.

The waitrons are always efficient, friendly and refrain from hovering when you’re deep in conversation, and the kitchen is clearly viewable by all, always an indication that food is honest-to-goodness what it says on the menu and not a microwaved version of last night’s left overs.

One doesn’t pretend to go to Greek for the latest in haute cuisine. Rather it’s about good food, generous portions and unpretentious, relaxed time with friends. And nothing beats that for time out.

Contact Details:
78 Durban Road, Mowbray, Cape Town. Telephone: +27 (0)21 686-4314

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For more information about Mowbray in Cape Town see:
Mowbray Attractions
Mowbray Golf Course
Cape Town Accommodation