Vori Greek Restaurant in London’s Holland Park. Not safe for your waistline but you will definitely be smiling.
Greek cuisine, with its roots stretching back over 4,000 years, is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of history, culture, and geography. Influenced by ancient civilisations like the Minoans, Mycenaeans, and Byzantines, Greek food has evolved into a rich culinary tradition characterised by simplicity, freshness, and robust flavours. Staples such as olive oil, grains, wine, and honey, along with the abundant seafood of the Mediterranean, have shaped the diet of the region for millennia. This enduring culinary heritage, celebrated for its health benefits and delicious flavours, finds an authentic voice at Vori in London.
120 Holland Park Avenue, London, W114UA
020 3308 4271 [email protected]
Nestled in the heart of the city in Holland Park, Vori offers a delightful escape into the world of Greek cuisine. The decor is tastefully done, featuring a harmonious blend of rustic and modern elements. Whitewashed walls mixed with blue wooden accents reminiscent of the Aegean Sea create an authentic yet contemporary feel.
The lighting is soft and warm, contributing to a relaxed and intimate dining experience. Whether you come for a romantic dinner or a meal with friends, Vori’s warm and inviting atmosphere makes it a great destination for sharing and connection.
Vori’s service is very much part of that. It was impeccable. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel valued and welcomed. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, and displayed an almost Herculean level of patience when we peppered him with questions about the restaurant and the food. Even one of the restaurant’s co-owners who dropped by – on three separate occasions. A nice touch and a very welcomed one. And the pacing of the service was just right, giving us ample time to enjoy each course without feeling rushed or hovered over.
Now, onto the star of the show – the food. Vori’s menu is a celebration of traditional Greek cuisine with a heavy emphasis on sharing. Plates are consciously constructed with that in mind, something your intrepid and hard-working correspondents welcome as it gives diners an opportunity to taste a range of dishes and experience new foods. We probably took things a little far on that front and ordered enough dishes to cover the entire table. Good for the palette and conversation, not so much for the waistline.
We started with a large selection of appetisers, including the classic Tzatziki, Tirokafteri (feta, roast pepper, chilli and Metaxa figs), Keftedakia (traditional meatballs); then tried some Manitaria (grilled mushrooms, Petimezi, pine nuts and thyme) and Souvlaki (grilled pork skewer). The Tzatziki stood out. It was exceptionally creamy and tangy, and perfectly paired with warm, freshly baked pita bread. For the main courses, we started with the Moussaka, a Greek salad (one of the best we’ve tasted), and Arni Kotsi (slow-cooked lamb shank). The Moussaka was comforting and hearty, with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and minced meat topped with a rich béchamel sauce, and beautifully seasoned. The Arni Kotsi was equally impressive—tender and juicy, and served with trahanas, kasseri cheese, Florina pepper purée, and carob dressing. We then ordered another dish: the deep-fried, filo-wrapped Mastello (a unique and flavourful soft-salted cheese from the island of Chios) with sesame seeds and chilli honey. Another winner. All of this was accompanied by a nice bottle of red wine from Vori’s carefully curated and bespoke wine list.
Having indulged in what seemed like a feast fit for a king by this point, we decided to show some restraint with dessert, only ordering four of the five desserts on the menu: the Gastrin (Greek baklava), the Sokolata (chocolate mousse), the Ekmek Kataifi (kataifi pastry with custard cream and pistachio), and the Loukoumades (traditional doughnuts with cinnamon, sugar, wild thyme, and honey). It’s hard to pick a winner out of that lot. Maybe the mouse fell down the gastronomic leaderboard a notch because it was a little too complex – the texture of the honeycomb didn’t quite synergise with the softer, creamer mousse, but it was still very good. We’d recommend trying all the desserts, they were that good and certainly made for a sweet and satisfying end to the meal.
Vori is a bit of a hidden gem in London’s dining scene, offering an authentic taste of Greece, warm ambiance and outstanding service. Skip this place if you’re looking for the ordinary; Vori is all about engaging your palate and senses, and showcasing the kitchen’s expertise in transforming fresh ingredients into moreish cuisine. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Greek food or new to its flavours, Vori promises a dining experience that will leave you eager to return.
120 Holland Park Avenue, London, W114UA
020 3308 4271 [email protected]