South Africa has quite a large Greek community and the food is particularly suited to local, meat-loving palates. As a result there are Greek-themed restaurants to be found all over the country. Most of these serve the classic kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb on the bone, basted with olive oil, garlic and rosemary) which is always a favourite due to the high standard of lamb produced in South Africa.

Another ubiquitous dish is grilled calamari, and again the calamari sourced in local waters is superb. Greek food is particularly suited to large gatherings, because assorted platters of hot and cold treats can be shared. Many of the larger Greek restaurants are popular party venues that offer traditional dancing and plate-breaking on special occasions, but there are also quiet little places, under real or plastic vine leaves, where one can enjoy a long, lazy lunch or dinner, with meze (snacks) and a glass of retsina.

Look out for establishments sporting blue-and-white paint, lemon trees and pictures of Greek islands – that’s where you’ll find moussaka (beef and aubergine bake) dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with spiced rice), spanakopita (phyllo pastry stuffed with spinach) taramasalata, tsatsiki and skorthalia (fish, cucumber-yoghurt-garlic and potato dips).

In Johannesburg, one of the oldest Greek restaurants is Plaka, which has recently moved to grander premises in Illovo. The authentic food and festive atmosphere remain the same, though on a larger scale, complete with belly-dancing. One of its attractions is the yiro – pita bread stuffed with meat, chicken or chickpeas – served in a brown-paper bag.

Icon is an elegant, upmarket restaurant in Greenside, with painted Greek icons adorning the walls. Chef Nicole Precoudis has studied both traditional Greek and Thai cuisine, so next to the meze one finds red curry with roast duck and lychees, though the influence remains predominantly Greek.

Papas on Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton has an extensive menu with particularly fine Mediterranean fish dishes, and is a good place to sit outside of a summer’s evening and watch the crowds around the fountains below.

In Durban North, the glorious sea views and traditional fare at Eat Greek on Broadway make this affordable family restaurant a perennial favourite, particularly for big group outings.

In Cape Town, Maria’s on Dunkley Square has lasted in a town where diners are fickle, probably due to its intimate, village-square feeling and hearty food, with a number of vegetarian dishes for fastidious Capetonians.

Lemonia in scenic Hout Bay is in a quaint old house with wraparound veranda and slow-burning outdoor oven for the famous lamb.

Off the beaten track in the lighthouse village of Kommetjie (about half an hour from Cape Town), Papados appears to the passer-by as nothing more than a corner shop with a handwritten menu. Stop and sit at one of the courtyard tables, however, and the owner’s wife and daughter serve some of the best food in town -- traditional lamb, fresh calamari and pickled octopus the age-old Greek way.

Links

For information on restaurants and entertainment in Johannesburg, visit: www.joburg.org.za

For Information on restaurants and entertainment in Cape Town, visit: www.tourismcapetown.co.za

For information on entertaintment and eateries in KwaZulu Natal, visit: www.zulu.org.za

For information on restaurants in South Africa, visit the following websites: www.diningout.co.za; www.restaurants.co.za; or www.eatout.co.za