Mezzés, halloumi or gyros: all words that are currently in vogue on the Parisian culinary scene. Could this be the influence of Greek and Cypriot cuisine being breathed into Paris? Whatever the case, we’ve set our sights on this generous gastronomy that exudes the sunshine of the Cyclades, and today we’re giving you our favorite Greek eateries in the capital!
Taverna
At 56 rue Amelot, in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, Taverna recently opened, a restaurant with the sweet scent of the island of Cyprus. At the helm is Chef Paul-Henri Bayart. For this cooking enthusiast married to a Cypriot/Greek woman, the opening of Taverna was an obvious choice. The idea? To bring the concept of the typical taverns of Cyprus to Paris. And from the décor to the plates, the experience couldn’t be more successful. Taverna is a true voyage of the senses.
📍Taverna – 56, rue Amelot, 75011
Kalimera
Right in the heart of the Ground Control‘s great hall, where you can sample all kinds of delicacies, we find Kalimera, a lovely tribute to Greek street food in the 12th arrondissement. Founded by a former trader with Hellenic roots, this restaurant exudes authenticity thanks to the quality of its produce and the diversity of its dishes. If you love Mediterranean cuisine, go for it!
📍Kalimera – Ground Control – 81, rue du Charolais, 75012
Grand Café d’Athènes
Generous Greek cuisine is surely nowhere better represented than in the 10th arrondissement, and more precisely on rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, where Grand Café d’Athènes proudly stands. This superb bistro, with its sweet Mediterranean fragrance, will transport you straight to the city of Athena or the sunny Cyclades, thanks to its delicious, convivial menu. Kali Orexi!
📍Grand Café d’Athènes – 74, rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis – 75010
Tzeferakos – ELENI
Head for rue Monge, where you’ll find Tzeferakos – ELENI, an authentic Hellenic canteen just the way we like it. Like a delicious boui-boui in the Athenian district of Monastiráki or a tavern in the Cyclades, here you can enjoy the best of traditional Greek home cooking.
📍Tzeferakos – 24, rue Monge, 75005
Etsi Paris
Etsi means “like this” in Greek. In this authentic restaurant, blue, light and simplicity create an atmosphere that reflects its creator, chef Mikaela Liaroutsos. Having cut her teeth with top chefs such as Michel Rostang and Cyril Lignac, Mikaela decided to return to her roots with Etsi. Whether à la carte or à l’ardoise, here everything is shared, from dolmas and Melizanokeftedes to Spanakopitakia and Feta fries! A must-try!
📍 Etsi l’ouzeri – 41, rue du Ruisseau, 75018
Evi Evane
Run by two Greek sisters, Evi Evane is a family affair, but above all one of the capital’s finest Hellenic restaurants. At the table, you’ll enjoy good starters to share (or not) and a selection of traditional dishes such as orzo pasta, octopus fava or free-range chicken gyros with vegetables. In short, a delight!
📍Evi Evane – 10, rue Guisarde, 75006
Filakia
For those who prefer to eat on the go, Filakia is a must! An offshoot of the Grand Café d’Athènes, specializing in takeaway sales, this little stall has been located at 9 rue Mandar for 10 years now! The menu is packed with mezzedes, but above all, delicious gyros in pork, chicken, vegetarian and even fish versions!
📍 Filakia – 9, rue Mandar, 75002