The Real Greek is a restaurant that aims to provide an authentic Greek dining experience, offering a range of traditional Greek dishes and flavours. 

With its emphasis on fresh ingredients and Greek culinary traditions, The Real Greek promises to transport diners to the Mediterranean. With such a strong promise, we decided to check them out—and we we weren’t disappointed!

The first thing we love about them is their commitment to the authenticity of their dishes. This can be seen from their menu which features a variety of classic Greek dishes, including meze platters, souvlaki, moussaka, and baklava.

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From our surveys, some of their crowd favourites are their gyros and mezze paired with refreshing Greek wine and cold beers.

For large groups, you’ll be happy to find that they also offer sharing plates. The meze platters, consisting of various small dishes, allow diners to experience a range of flavours and textures.

For us, sharing meals adds a social aspect to the dining experience, making it ideal for groups or those who enjoy trying multiple dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options too!

We also love that their overall ambiance has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with its Mediterranean-inspired decor. It contributes to a pleasant dining experience, creating a relaxed environment reminiscent of a Greek taverna.

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That said, we must mention some drawbacks that stuck out in our surveys.

For one, customers we’ve talked to claim that their staff provides inconsistent levels of service. While some guests receive attentive and friendly service, others may experience delays or lack of attention from the staff.

This inconsistency in service quality can impact the overall dining experience and leave some patrons dissatisfied.

Furthermore, the menu variety may be limited for some diners. The options primarily revolve around Greek classics, and there may be fewer choices for those seeking a broader range of dishes.

The next one on our list is ThatZiki. They’re one of the places that just gets the food and ingredients right. 

ThatZiki started out as a food truck on Boothstown marina and has now become a permanent spot in Chorlton, quickly making them a local sensation around the area.

One of the highlights of ThatZiki is its commitment to using fresh and high-quality ingredients. For us, the attention to ingredient quality enhances the overall taste and authenticity of Mediterranean dishes.

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That said, The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by countries such as Greece, Lebanon, and Turkey. From falafel wraps and lamb kebabs to hummus and tabbouleh, the flavours are vibrant and well-balanced, transporting diners to the Mediterranean with each bite.

Furthermore, ThatZiki caters to different dietary preferences with its range of vegetarian and vegan options. Vegetarian diners can enjoy dishes like falafel platters and vegetable moussaka, while vegans have choices such as stuffed grape leaves and lentil soup.

We love that the inclusion of plant-based options makes ThatZiki a versatile and inclusive dining destination.

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On the other hand, what we’re a bit iffy about is their limited seating space. We think that this can lead to overcrowding, especially during peak hours.

Securing a table may require a wait or opt for takeaway orders. The cramped seating arrangements can also make having private conversations or enjoying a relaxed dining experience challenging.

In addition, most of patrons we spoke with claimed that their portion sizes could be better. Some even mentioned that they feel like the servings are relatively small compared to the cost of the dishes.

The way we see it, this can be disappointing, especially for those expecting more generous portions or better value for money.

Dimitri’s is a vibrant taverna near Beetham Tower in Deansgate that provides a warm, authentic Greek cuisine experience. Right off the bat, it offers a cosy and inviting ambiance that reflects the charm of Greek tavernas.

For us, its ambiance provides a pleasant setting for a leisurely meal or an evening out with friends and family.

Another one of the highlights of dining at Dimitri’s is the warm and welcoming hospitality. The staff greets guests with genuine warmth and provides attentive service throughout the meal.

From our surveys, we found that they’re knowledgeable about the menu, making recommendations, and catering to specific dietary needs or preferences.

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That said, there are some claims of inconsistency with their service levels. We think that once they improve on this, it will enhance the overall dining experience.

What keeps us positive about them, though, is how they excel at delivering authentic Greek flavours. The menu features classic Greek dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, spanakopita, and baklava.

Furthermore, the flavours are robust, showcasing the traditional Greek ingredients and spices that make Greek cuisine so distinctive. Most of their customers actually praise Dimitri’s since they stay true to the essence of Greek flavours!

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Although, we noted that their price range could be better. Some guests claimed that their pricing is on the higher side compared to other establishments, and we think this may deter some diners who are seeking more affordable dining options.

But for the overall experience, Dimitri’s can still be enjoyable. With its commitment to authenticity and quality ingredients, it provides a glimpse into the vibrant world of Greek cuisine.

Rozafa is one of the city’s most underrated gems. With a menu featuring traditional dishes and a cultural ambiance, it’s geared to give an authentic Albanian dining experience to its customers.

One of the highlights of dining at Rozafa is the cultural ambiance. The restaurant’s decor reflects Albanian culture, with traditional patterns, artwork, and music.

The atmosphere creates an immersive experience, transporting diners to the heart of Albania. Plus, its cultural elements contribute to a memorable and authentic dining atmosphere.

From what we’ve seen, its menu features a variety of traditional dishes such as Byrek (savoury pastry), Tavë Kosi (lamb and yoghourt casserole), and Baklava.

The flavours are rich and unique, showcasing the traditional spices, herbs, and ingredients that define Albanian cuisine.

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Rozafa is also known for its generous portion sizes, and many regulars we spoke with are satisfied! The hearty portions allow guests to fully indulge in the flavours of Albanian cuisine without feeling short-changed.

For us, this commitment to serving substantial portions adds value to the dining experience.

That said, Rozafa’s menu may have limited options for vegetarian and vegan diners. While some vegetarian dishes are available, the selection may not be as varied or extensive as desired.

Furthermore, depending on the time and day of the visit, Rozafa can become noisy, especially during peak hours or when the restaurant is crowded. 

It can be difficult to have conversations or enjoy a quiet and relaxed dining experience. Plus, those seeking a quieter atmosphere may find the noise distracting.

Nonetheless, while they have areas for improvement, we still think Rozafa is a solid choice for those seeking traditional Albanian flavours and a cultural dining atmosphere. 

Greek restaurant and entertainment spot Bouzouki by Night seeks to offer a fully authentic Greek dining experience. In our books, their live entertainment is the first thing that sets them apart from the other entries on this list.

Bouzouki by Night boasts a lively and festive atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a vibrant night out. The talented musicians and energetic performers transport diners to the lively tavernas of Greece.

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We found it notable that the menu at here features a wide variety of Greek culinary delights. From moussaka and souvlaki to tzatziki and baklava, you’ll find dishes with flavours that are rich and reminiscent of Greek home-cooked meals.

We also love that they use fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, which contributes to the authenticity of Greek cuisine.

That said, we did notice that they have limited options for vegetarian diners. While some vegetarian dishes are available, the selection may not be as varied or extensive as desired.

Furthermore, we noticed another downside to them which was their lack of seating availability. Due to its popularity, securing a reservation at Bouzouki by Night can be challenging, especially during weekends or peak hours.

For us, this limited availability may result in longer waiting times or the need to adjust plans accordingly. It is advisable to make reservations well in advance to ensure a smooth dining and entertainment experience.