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Moments from St Paul’s Cathedral in the heart of the City, The Real Greek St Paul’s attracts office workers, visitors and theatre-goers alike. It is easy to overlook among the area’s familiar restaurant chains, yet its focus on Greek hospitality and generous sharing dishes gives it a stronger identity than many of its neighbours.
This is not a destination for elaborate tasting menus or fine dining. Instead, it delivers approachable Greek cooking centred on meze, grilled favourites and traditional recipes, making it well suited to relaxed lunches, informal dinners and group gatherings. The emphasis is on familiar flavours, generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages diners to settle in over a few extra plates.
A Setting That Makes the Most of St Paul’s
Its position on St Paul’s Churchyard makes it an easy choice before visiting the cathedral, attending nearby events or breaking up a day in the City. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the dining room with natural light, while outdoor seating provides an appealing option in warmer weather.
Inside, whitewashed walls, blue accents and Mediterranean-inspired touches create a casual setting without feeling overly themed. Tables accommodate both couples and larger groups comfortably, and the open layout maintains a lively atmosphere throughout the day.
The clientele reflects the location. Lunchtimes draw a steady stream of professionals, while evenings welcome a broader mix of Londoners and visitors looking for an uncomplicated meal close to one of the capital’s best-known landmarks.
Greek Classics at the Heart of the Menu
The menu revolves around the sharing culture at the heart of Greek dining. Ordering several meze alongside one or two larger dishes remains the best way to experience the kitchen.
Cold meze includes dependable favourites such as tzatziki, taramasalata, whipped spicy feta, houmous and dolmades, all served with warm Greek flatbread brushed with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and oregano. The Dip Trio is an excellent introduction for first-time visitors, while Greek olives make an easy addition to the table.
The hot meze selection is equally strong. Fried kalamari arrives with garlic mayonnaise and fresh lemon, while lamb meatballs are served in a rich tomato sauce balanced with yoghurt. Vegetarian choices are given equal attention through spinach pie, courgette fritters with houmous and halloumi popcorn dressed with lemon, thyme and honey. Crispy gavros, featuring lightly fried white anchovies dusted with paprika, offer something less commonly found on London Greek menus.
Sharing platters are particularly well suited to groups. The Meat Platter combines grilled chicken, lamb fillet, pork skewer and Loukaniko sausage with chips, Greek salad, flatbread, tzatziki and houmous. The Seafood Platter brings together grilled octopus, king prawns and fried kalamari, while the Veggie Platter features grilled halloumi, aubergine, spinach pie and dolmades. Together, they reinforce the restaurant’s communal approach to dining.
Those preferring a single main have plenty to choose from. Souvlaki grills include chicken marinated with lemon and oregano, pork, Loukaniko sausage, lamb fillet, king prawns, octopus, sea bream, grilled halloumi and aubergine topped with smoky aubergine sauce, chilli flakes and crumbled feta. The presentation is simple, allowing the quality of the ingredients and careful seasoning to shine.
The Taverna Classics provide welcome variety. The traditional moussaka remains one of the strongest choices, while the Pastitsio layers beef ragù with bucatini pasta, béchamel and kefalotyri cheese. A vegetable moussaka offers an equally satisfying option for vegetarian diners.
For a quicker meal, particularly at lunchtime, the souvlaki wraps remain a popular choice. Chicken gyros, pork gyros, Loukaniko pork sausage, grilled halloumi and courgette fritters are wrapped with chips, tomato, red onion, parsley and paprika before being finished with tzatziki, Greek mustard mayonnaise or houmous, depending on the filling.
The weekday lunch menu builds on this with simplified grill plates and wraps served with chips, rice or Greek salad, making it an appealing option for those dining during the working day.
Desserts stay true to familiar Greek favourites. The homemade baklava layers crisp filo with walnuts, peanuts, almonds, pistachios and honey, while the Greek filo custard pie serves warm bougatsa with vanilla ice cream. The Portokalopita, or Greek orange cake, offers a lighter finish, soaked in orange syrup and paired with vanilla ice cream, while the baked cheesecake drizzled with orange blossom honey is another highlight. Simpler choices, including Greek yoghurt with honey and pistachio ice cream, round off the menu well.
Drinks That Complement the Experience
The drinks list reinforces the restaurant’s Greek identity rather than relying solely on familiar international favourites. Greek wines take centre stage, making it easy to discover bottles beyond the usual choices.
The white selection ranges from the light, floral Ellinas White to Moscofilero from the Peloponnese and the fuller-bodied Mega Spileo Malagousia. Reds include the approachable Ellinas Red alongside Agiorgitiko and the monastery-produced Abaton Agioritiko. Rosé drinkers can choose between Xinomavro Rosé and a classic Italian Rosato.
Cocktails continue the Mediterranean theme. The Greek Honey Old Fashioned combines whisky, Greek honey and orange bitters, while the Portokálistar Martini blends vanilla vodka, Sarti Rosa, peach syrup, orange juice and prosecco. The Greek Island Iced Tea and Greek Sangria are ideal for sharing, while classics including the Aperol Spritz, Negroni, Mojito and Cosmopolitan remain available.
To finish, Ouzo, Metaxa and Tsipouro offer a traditional digestif, while Greek coffee, mountain tea and the Freddo Espresso provide an equally authentic alternative.
Hospitality in Practice
The Real Greek has built its reputation on accessible dining, and the service reflects that approach. Staff are welcoming and happy to guide first-time visitors through the menu, particularly those unfamiliar with meze or Greek wines.
Service matches the rhythm of the restaurant. Lunch moves efficiently without feeling hurried, while evenings allow sharing dishes to arrive at a more leisurely pace. Larger groups are accommodated particularly well, with the menu naturally suited to communal dining.
The atmosphere remains relaxed throughout the day, making the restaurant equally suitable for business lunches, family meals and casual dinners with friends.
Value Within London’s Dining Scene
Restaurants around St Paul’s Cathedral often command premium prices, making The Real Greek a solid value proposition for the area. Portions are generous, particularly when sharing meze or choosing one of the platters, while the breadth of the menu caters easily to different tastes.
The weekday lunch menu adds further appeal for those working nearby, while the flexibility to order a handful of small plates or a complete platter suits a variety of occasions.
It does not aim to rival London’s more ambitious Greek restaurants. Instead, it succeeds through dependable cooking, generous hospitality and an experience that remains true to its straightforward concept.
More Than a Convenient Address
The Real Greek St Paul’s enjoys one of the City’s most recognisable locations, but its appeal extends beyond convenience. Consistently prepared Greek classics, generous sharing plates and welcoming service make it an easy recommendation for an informal meal near St Paul’s Cathedral.
Whether stopping by for a weekday lunch, gathering around a table of meze or ending a day of sightseeing with dinner, the restaurant delivers the relaxed hospitality that has long defined Greek dining. It may not become London’s most talked-about restaurant, but for honest food, warm service and reliable value in the heart of the City, it earns its place.
Location: 1, Condor House, Retail, St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AL
