FOOD + DRINK
ONE THING NOTABLE SINCE LOCKDOWN WAS LIFTED IS A RESURGENCE OF BRAND NEW RESTAURANTS ON THE KENT SCENE , WITH MANY EXISTING UNDERTAKING REFURBISHMENTS . IT ' S CLEAR TO SEE THAT ONE LUXURY MISSED OVER LOCKDOWN WAS THE FREEDOM TO VISIT OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS . ONE THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE WHEN BACK OUT ON THE ROAD WITH insideKENT WAS
THE GREEK MEZE ON ORPINGTON HIGH STREET .
BY ADAM READY
© Gokhan Goksoy / VR Agency
As we pulled up outside the restaurant on a pleasant Saturday evening it was very clear that The Greek Meze is firmly becoming a popular destination for all in the local area . The bifold front windows were open to offer an al fresco dining experience for the tables towards the front of the restaurant . As we entered my guests and I immediately felt relaxed and at home , welcomed by the ever friendly and happy staff .
As we sat down at our table I couldn ' t help but look around the modern interior decor of exposed brick walls and black painted ceiling , lit by hanging chandeliers . At the same time my eyes were caught by the amazing looking cocktails being served by the staff who were all night whizzing past with food and drink , always attentive to guests ' needs .
Shortly after , cocktails arrived at the table for the perfect first photo opportunity of the night . The cocktail list is extensive , and we managed to get through a number over the course of the night guided by recommendations of the fabulous Niko , The Greek Meze ’ s never-sits-still general manager . One of the table favourites was “ Can I Have Your Number ’’ a refreshing cocktail made up of cucumber , gin , apple sour , elderflower cordial , lime , and soda - just perfect !!
One of the best bits about Greek cuisine are the meze ; small plates of cold and hot appetisers to share across the table . More recommendations from GM Niko led to a delicious selection of dishes arriving at
the table in no time ; one mixed meze plate with tzatziki , humus , melitzanosalata and tirokafteri olives ; feta cheese salad ; and a warm traditional savoury spinach and feta cheese pie wrapped in filo pastry . And not to forget the grilled halloumi and Greek sausage combo . You could say by now we were a bit full , but in the name of insideKENT we keep going !
We decided on four different main menu choices for the table ; I opted for my go to dish of mixed souvlaki ; three grilled skewers one pork , chicken and a minced kofte , pitta bread , homemade sauce , lettuce , cucumber , tomatoes , dusted with oregano and served with chips , and was not left disappointed by the authentic flavours and plentiful portions !
From the grill , my first guest opted for the 10oz fillet steak cooked to perfection over open charcoal flames in the kitchen . From the traditional Greek dishes on the menu , another ordered the Kleftiko ; a large lamb shank on the bone , cooked slowly in a lemon and herb sauce , served with Greek potatoes . The meat came away from the bone with ease and melted in the mouth , a sign that this dish was truly authentic .
The last order was the popular mixed gyros skepasti ; chicken and pork meat , tomatoes , lettuce , graviera cheese , homemade sauce , and paprika , served between two grilled pitta breads and chips . This dish could have easily fed the table on its own . If you love big portions of mediterranean food then Greek Meze is the place to visit .
Physically not able to eat another bite , the ever attentive Niko finally persuaded us to try something from the dessert menu . The homemade baklava was a hit and you guessed it , it was a big portion . This didn ’ t stop us from testing out an espresso martini before the end of the night as we watched the entertainment from the belly dancer .
The Greek Meze is an all round dining experience with top cocktails , quality authentic food in a friendly upbeat atmosphere , with all credit to Niko and his fantastic front of house and kitchen teams for the 5 star experience of Greek hospitality .
165-167 High Street Orpington BR6 0LW 01689 873444 info @ thegreekmeze . co . uk www . thegreekmeze . co . uk
thegreekmeze
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