Nestled in London’s leafy Holland Park, Vori Restaurant is a quaint and charming haven serving authentic Greek plates and fine wines, reminis. Embracing recipes from every corner of Greece, the restaurant prides itself on cooking “as we cook in Greece,” over charcoal and using the freshest, seasonal Greek and local ingredients. It’s a beloved neighbourhood spot for the affluent residents of Holland Park and Notting Hill, perfectly positioned on Holland Park Avenue yet subtly hidden in plain sight. Vori is a popular, hidden gem and one of the finest Greek dining experiences I’ve encountered in London.
First Impressions
Upon entering Vori, I was immediately struck by the lively, conversational atmosphere, with guests eagerly exploring the menu. The patrons are trendy and casual, opting for a low-key stylish appearance that mirrors the restaurant’s aesthetic. Vori’s décor is rustic with hints of blue and gold, featuring raw elements like steel tables and ceramic tableware. The layout cleverly divides the space, with the front dedicated to diners and the back housing the kitchen and service areas, highlighting their dedication to quality preparation. The wine collection, prominently displayed, underscores their pride in their offerings. The décor is unpretentious yet stylish, making it a welcoming and chic environment.
The Vori Menu
Our friendly waiter introduced us to Vori’s concept of sharing dishes, designed to be enjoyed in waves. We were influenced by the beautiful presentations at neighbouring tables. The meat is free-range and sourced from Lidgates Butchers, the sourdough bread from St. John’s Bakery, and daily fresh fish is provided to Vori London as well. The exquisite Greek products are sourced by Maltby & Greek, all sharing a common ethos. The menu embodies soulful and rustic Greek cooking, drawing inspiration from the island of Andros and its iconic lighthouse, Tourlitis.
The Specials Menu for the evening included Barbouni (deep-fried red mullet), Lavraki Bugiurdi (oven-baked sea bass), Musakas (traditional Moussaka), Kuneli (oven-roasted rabbit), and homemade mixed berry sorbet.
The Vori Food
From the Bukies section, we tried Htapodi, a marinated octopus dish reminiscent of a Greek island taverna. Served with Santorini fava on sourdough and dressed in caper leaves, this iconic Greek appetizer was refreshing, light, and deliciously tender.
In the Salates section, we chose Salata Vori, a vibrant mix of crunchy chicory, radicchio, heritage beets, balsamic honey, and walnuts. The balsamic honey added a crisp acidity and sweet finish, while the deep hues of the beets enriched the flavour and texture of the salad.
From the Mezedes section, we had Melitzanosalata, a rustic Greek eggplant dip with roasted and smoky flavours, complemented by red pepper, marjoram, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. While perfect with pita, we opted for cucumber strips instead.
We also ordered Garides Scharas – grilled prawns with tarragon, chili, and extra virgin olive oil. Another highlight was Gigantes, baked Feneos butter beans with extra virgin olive oil, tomato, and grated Mizithra cheese. This classic Greek dish was hearty and flavourful, with a tangy, salty touch from the Mizithra. Mizithra is a traditional, mature Greek cheese and resembles aged ricotta offering a mildly tangy and salty flavour like Parmesan.
From the Specials Menu, we had Barnouni – deep-fried red mullet with fennel and spring onion. Presented whole, this dish was both visually intriguing and phenomenally tasty, with a rich flavour from the high-fat content of the red mullet. Red Mullet (Barbounia in Greek) is considered one of the tastiest fish and a cherished delicacy in the Mediterranean and has a unique texture that lies between white and oily fish.
My favourite was the Kolokithokeftedes – deep-fried courgette fritters from Crete, sprinkled with feta and served with Greek yogurt. Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, these fritters were divine, and I could have easily enjoyed another portion.
The Mastello dish is an irresistible blend of textures and flavours – imagine a generous piece of Mastello cheese, its creamy, slightly tangy essence perfectly encased in a delicate filo pastry. The pastry is deep-fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy, flake exterior that contrasts beautifully with the warm, melty cheese inside. A sprinkle of sesame seeds added a subtly nutty crunch, while the drizzle of chilli honey provided a delightful balance of sweetness and heat. Each bite was so creamy and delicious and was another favourite of mine.
For dessert, we tried the Ekmek, a traditional Greek dessert with three layers: crispy kataifi pastry soaked in cinnamon-infused syrup, creamy vanilla custard, and whipped cream topped with finely chopped pistachios. Despite its rich appearance, it was light and airy, the perfect end to our meal.
We also sampled the homemade mixed berry sorbet with ouzo and honey from the Specials Menu, which was savoury rather than sweet.
The Vori Wine Experience
The wine list at Vori London showcases the uniqueness of Greek terroir, featuring indigenous grapes from Greece’s most talented winemakers. Guests can purchase their favourite wines to enjoy at home. I opted for a red wine, the Gaia Estate Agiorgitiko 2020 PDO, Nemea – it was smooth and silky, with a strong body and gentle spice notes, and organically produced. For white wine, we tried the Zafeirakis Malagousia Natura 2022, Thessaly – rich and minerally with great fruit notes and medium acidity, a natural delight.
The Gerovassiliou Malagousia 2022 from Macedonia is a wine that boasts a velvety texture, and its complex flavours are perfectly balanced, offering notes that range from ripe stone fruits to subtle floral undertones. The finish is nothing short of exceptional, lingering gracefully on the palate and inviting another taste. We paired this with the Garides Scharas (grilled prawns) however, this can also be enjoyed on its own.
In summary, Vori Restaurant offers a delightful escape into the flavours of Greece, with an inviting atmosphere, thoughtful décor, and a menu that celebrates authentic, rustic cooking. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional Greek dining experience in London, alongside Harrod’s Dining Hall.
Thank you to the extraordinary and passionate team who took care of us – I can’t wait to go back.
To discover more, visit vorigreekitchen.co.uk
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All images courtesy of Vori London on Instagram.