We don’t often eat out in shopping centres but when we were invited to review a new branch of The Real Greek in Bristol’s Cabot Circus, we were interested to check it out.
Me, Nina and the little one were excited for a good night out but the winter flu bug struck so it was a table for one for me!
With a high glass frontage and bright blue wooden frames, The Real Greek, located next to Cabot Circus’ multi-screen cinema, is a classy looking joint.
Walking into the brightly lit restaurant, it was full to the rafters with bloggers and restaurant critics but I didn’t spot any other Billy No Mate reviewers.
I needn’t have worried though as the food was more than enough to keep me company!
The menu is pretty huge and reasonably priced.
It’s split into cold and hot meze, grilled meze plus sides and salads. Three or four mezes per person is recommended so I of course went for four!
First up, I opted for halloumi fries served with minted honey yoghurt. They were absolutely yummy and perfectly cooked. Nina is a massive fan of halloumi so I couldn’t resist Whatsapping her a pic!
Next, more cheese.
The baked feta with pickled peppers and a slice of tomato was stunning.
It was a whole slab of feta, the kind you see in the supermarket, so way more than enough for one person but I managed it all. Feta is another one of Nina’s absolute favourites so she really was missing out!
Another generous portion came in form of grilled kalamari, which The Real Greek describes as “our own unique version”. It certainly was good although it could have done with a bit more marinade.
My fourth choice was Greek flatbread which complemented that huge piece of feta perfectly.
As for my drink, my knowledge of Greek wine is limited so I went for a nice pint of Alpha Omega, a Greek lager.
The restaurant is clearly very keen to showcase Greece’s wine expertise though as the manager invited me to have a few samples.
“Very different but in a good way”, was how he described the Tetramythos Aghiorgitiko.
With the most Greek name on the menu and a description like that, I couldn’t say no! I liked it and would definitely opt for a bottle on a future visit.
With eight options on the menu, dessert was a tricky choice. The waitress helped me out and suggested I try the Bougatsa, a filo custard pie and a traditional dessert from Sérres in North Greece.
She clearly knows her desserts. It was amazing!
I really enjoyed my lone dining experience at The Real Greek.
Service of my main courses was a little slow but the staff were all very friendly and the slow arrival of the dishes was dealt with by strong apologies and the chef personally delivering the baked feta to my table.
We tend to steer clear of big chains and shopping centre eating but The Real Greek has a far less big corporate feel to it than other chain outlets.
The decor is also interesting and not tacky while the menu advice of TV chef Tonia Buxton, who I met on the night, clearly seems to be paying off.
I’ll definitely be back and this time with halloumi and feta loving Nina!
I was invited to The Real Greek in Bristol for complimentary food and drink but all views are my own.
Every Thursday & Friday night from 7.30pm, Andreas from Thessaloniki and Michael from Cyprus play the traditional Greek bouzouki and guitar at The Real Greek Bristol.
