Recommended restaurants in Portsmouth: Popular Greek venue El Greco run taking Southsea by storm

El Greco is making waves with customers in Southsea through its delectable cuisine and traditional dancing.
By Freddie Webb
Published 21st May 2023, 15:15 GMT
Updated 21st May 2023, 16:28 GMT
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The restaurant opened to a lot of fanfare in Bellevue Terrace last September. Experienced restaurateur Kristos Serani, who has previously owned a food outlet in his native Rhodes, moved to Portsmouth with his family and said he’s been happy ever since El Greco launched eight months ago.

He told The News: ‘I’m happy here in Southsea because I’m near the sea. It’s very important to me because I was by the water for many years in Greece.

NOW READ: El Greco opens to 'amazing atmosphere' in Southsea

Staff at El Greco, Kristo Serani, Nikolaos Zarkadas, Entela Serani and Vaggelis Banos with their signature dish, Lamb Kleftiko. Picture: Habibur RahmanStaff at El Greco, Kristo Serani, Nikolaos Zarkadas, Entela Serani and Vaggelis Banos with their signature dish, Lamb Kleftiko. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Staff at El Greco, Kristo Serani, Nikolaos Zarkadas, Entela Serani and Vaggelis Banos with their signature dish, Lamb Kleftiko. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘My idea for opening the restaurant was to bring a piece of Greece to Portsmouth.’ El Greco offers a range of sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine including an array of started from Spetsofai (Greek sausage in tomato sauce) and shrimps Saganaki.

Mr Serani’s particular favourites are the steamed mussels and fresh fish meze dishes. Another signature dish is the Lamb Kleftiko – slow cooked meat with potatoes, garlic, tomato, feta and thyme.

‘We make very special Kleftiko, which can be made in different ways, but here we make it with lamb, vegetables and Greek feta,’ he said. ‘It is very special when my chef makes it.’

SEE ALSO: Recommended restaurants – Becketts in Southsea

The popular Lamb Kleftiko which Mr Serani says is extremely popular. Picture: Habibur RahmanThe popular Lamb Kleftiko which Mr Serani says is extremely popular. Picture: Habibur Rahman
The popular Lamb Kleftiko which Mr Serani says is extremely popular. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Mr Serani said customers can now be served outside and enjoy the summer weather – with others being able to partake in dancing. He added: ‘We have days where if there are big tables, we get them involved in trying Greek dancing.

‘We get them fully involved after the food and drink. We have sunshine now, the customers have supported us and I’m sure they’ll come again soon. They’ll always have a great atmosphere.’

Related topics:SouthseaPortsmouthGreeceRhodes