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Lovely, Authentic Greek Café in Gardens!
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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Lovely, Authentic Greek Café in Gardens!
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
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Lovely, Authentic Greek Café in Gardens!
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
-
Lovely, Authentic Greek Café in Gardens!
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
-
Lovely, Authentic Greek Café in Gardens!
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
-
Lovely, Authentic Greek Café in Gardens!
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
-
Lovely, Authentic Greek Café in Gardens!
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
-
Lovely, Authentic Greek Café in Gardens!
Submitted by Bianca Fernandes
1 Barnett St, Dunkley Square, Gardens, 8001, South Africa
Cuisine:
Cafe, Greek, Healthy, Turkish
Good for:
Breakfast/Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
Rating Summary
Food4.5 rating based on 2 ratings Value3.5 rating based on 2 ratings Service4.0 rating based on 2 ratings Atmosphere3.5 rating based on 2 ratings
Expert Review
Maria’s Greek Café and Restaurant is situated in quiet Dunkley Square, Gardens and is still quite unknown amongst city lovers....
Maria’s Greek Café and Restaurant is situated in quiet Dunkley Square, Gardens and is still quite unknown amongst city lovers. They have a great, authentic Greek menu with everyone’s favourite dishes like Moussaka, Meze and Yognati. Although Maria’s looks like a funky new take on authentic Greek food, they’ve actually been going since the 1950’s and have become many Capetonians’ favourite Greek secret.
For starters, I tried the Tiropita, phylio triangle pies with feta, mozzarella, cheddar and roasted leeks. I also tried the Halloumi that’s served deep fried with lemon wedges. Both starters were absolutely fantastic and reasonably priced.
For mains, I ordered the Moussaka with fresh green cabbage salad and comes in a choice of lamb or vegetarian. I chose the lamb moussaka and found it to be quite average and a little bit oily. I also ordered a side portion of salt and rosemary chips which were to-die-for and something I would definitely return for. No matter what you’re having, always order the salt and rosemary chips!
For dessert, I had the Yognati which is a classic Greek dessert with yoghurt, honey and nuts. I’ve tried this dish in a few restaurants around town and Maria’s is by-far my favourite. It was really tasty, clean and made with quality products. It was presented very well and I can’t wait to return to Maria’s for the great atmosphere and vibe that the café and restaurant is so well-known for. Whether you’re going there for lunch or an early dinner, I bet you won’t be disappointed at Maria’s Café and Restaurant!
Expert Review
This Dunkley Square neighborhood bistro has been serving the locals home-style Greek family food since 1994. With no trace of...
This Dunkley Square neighborhood bistro has been serving the locals home-style Greek family food since 1994. With no trace of blue-and-white nostalgia or handing fishing nets from the ceiling, Maria’s refrains from the sentimental kitsch of many Greek restaurants, with a small and cosy but modern space.
In summer the tables are dotted about under a large tree and despite the sight of the nearby parking lot, it provides a great atmosphere for its setting. You’ll need to utilize some imagination to pretend you’re somewhere along the Mediterranean though. Seating is tightly squeezed inside, with a small function room upstairs. This makes for an intimate dining experience, favored by couples and groups of friends.
Expect good service, which can get bogged down when the space fills, so get your orders in early. A fairly good wine selection is available and will be served in traditional glass tumblers.
The mezze is always my favourite for sharing with good friends and has stood the test of time. I highly recommended the mucver (a courgette fritter) and grilled calamari. Stuffed pitas are always popular for quick lunches – filling and delicious, and hearty slow roasts are ideal for when you have a bit more time. In fact you must order the signature slow roast lamb served with fat chunks of artichokes served in an ouzo sauce and the yiovetsi lamb, a saucy dish of shredded lamb cooked with short-grained orzo pasta.
But before you do, tuck into the mezze – the grilled halloumi, tzatziki and keftethes (meat balls) in a rich tomato sauce are musts. Then order a few mains to share. Desserts are cute twists on the classics such as delicate baklava cigars. The modern gluten-free fondant chocolate cake made with local chocolate is small and a perfect serving for one – don’t miss it.