Finding a Greek spot in London that doesn't feel like a tourist trap is actually kind of hard. You've got the high-end Mayfair places where a piece of sea bass costs as much as a flight to Athens, and then you've got the greasy kebab shops that claim to be "authentic" but just... aren't. Then there is Mykonos Cafe & Taverna. It's nestled in East Finchley. It's unassuming. If you walked past it on a rainy Tuesday, you might just see a simple storefront. But step inside and it's a different world.
The air smells like charred lamb and oregano. It’s loud. It’s warm.
Honestly, the reason this place survives—and thrives—in a city that eats restaurants for breakfast is the lack of pretense. They aren't trying to "deconstruct" a moussaka or serve you feta foam. They are serving food that tastes like a grandmother in the Cyclades made it.
What Most People Get Wrong About Mykonos Cafe & Taverna
People usually see the word "Cafe" in the name and think it’s just a spot for a quick espresso or a dry sandwich. Big mistake. While you can definitely grab a coffee, the "Taverna" side of the identity is where the real magic happens. It’s a full-blown culinary experience. We are talking about a menu that spans the entire breadth of Greek coastal and mountain cooking.
Most newcomers make the error of over-ordering on the starters. I get it. The temptation is real. When you see the grilled halloumi coming out, squeaky and charred, or the melitzanosalata (smoky eggplant dip) that actually tastes like smoke and garlic rather than just cold mush, you want it all. But pace yourself. The portions here are unapologetically Greek. If you aren't prepared to take a container home, you haven't done it right.
The vibe is very much "neighborhood secret." Locals in N2 know it. They’ve known it for years. It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers if you prefer your pita bread extra crispy or if you’re a fan of the house red wine. That kind of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) isn't just an SEO buzzword here; it's the literal foundation of their business model. They know their regulars. They know their ingredients.
The Souvlaki Situation
Let’s talk meat. Specifically, the souvlaki.
In many London establishments, souvlaki is treated as fast food. It’s often dry, over-salted, and hidden under a mountain of mediocre fries. At Mykonos Cafe & Taverna, the pork and chicken are marinated long enough to actually break down the fibers. It's tender. It’s juicy. When it hits the charcoal grill, that fat renders down and creates a crust that is, quite frankly, addictive.
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And the bread? It’s not that cardboard-thin wrap you find in supermarkets. It’s thick. Pillowy. It absorbs the juices from the meat and the tang of the tzatziki.
Why the Atmosphere Beats Fancy West End Spots
You go to some places in Central London and you feel like you’re on a timer. The waiters are hovering. The music is too loud. It’s stressful.
At Mykonos Cafe & Taverna, the pace is different. It’s leisurely. You see families sitting there for three hours. You see old friends nursing carafes of wine. It captures that Mediterranean kefi—that spirit of joy and unbridled passion for life—that is so often lost in the "hustle" of London.
The decor isn't trying too hard, either. You’ve got the classic blue and white motifs, sure, but it feels lived-in. It feels real. It’s the difference between a movie set and a home.
- The service is blunt but friendly.
- The kitchen doesn't rush the slow-cooked dishes like the Kleftiko.
- They actually use decent olive oil.
If you’ve ever been to the actual island of Mykonos, you know it’s become a bit of a party hub for the ultra-wealthy. Prices have skyrocketed. But this taverna in East Finchley feels more like the Mykonos of thirty years ago. It’s about the food and the company, not the Instagram aesthetic.
The Menu Highlights You Can't Ignore
If you're heading there for the first time, you have to try the Kleftiko. This is lamb that has been slow-roasted until it basically collapses if you look at it too hard. It’s cooked with herbs and potatoes, and the flavors meld together into this rich, savory masterpiece. It’s a dish that takes time. You can taste the hours.
Then there’s the seafood.
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People are often skeptical of seafood in a neighborhood taverna that isn't right on the coast. But the grilled octopus here? It’s a revelation. It’s not rubbery. They get that perfect balance of a charred exterior and a tender interior. A squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of high-quality oil, and that’s it. Simplicity is actually the hardest thing to get right in cooking. There’s nowhere to hide. If the fish isn't fresh or the grill isn't hot enough, the dish is ruined. They get it right.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options (They Exist!)
Greek food is secretly great for vegetarians. It’s not all about the meat. The Gigantes Plaki (giant beans in tomato sauce) are buttery and filling. The Greek salad actually uses tomatoes that have flavor—a rarity in London. They don't skimp on the feta, either. It’s a massive block, sprinkled with oregano, sitting proudly on top of the vegetables.
Basically, you won't leave hungry, regardless of your dietary choices.
Navigating the Logistics
It’s located on the High Road.
Parking in East Finchley can be a bit of a nightmare during peak hours, so if you're coming from further out, the Northern Line is your best friend. It’s a short walk from the station.
One thing to keep in mind: it gets busy. Especially on weekends. While they do their best to accommodate walk-ins, you're much better off calling ahead. This isn't a "hidden gem" that no one knows about; it's a "local favorite" that everyone knows about. There is a difference.
Prices are incredibly fair. In an era where "cost of living" is the only thing anyone talks about, you can still get a massive, high-quality meal here without needing to take out a second mortgage. That's probably why the crowd is so diverse. You've got students, retirees, young couples on dates, and big Greek families celebrating birthdays.
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Comparing the Competition
How does it stack up against other North London staples?
Places like Daphne in Camden or the various spots in Green Lanes offer stiff competition. But Mykonos Cafe & Taverna has a specific kind of coziness that's hard to replicate. It’s smaller, more intimate. It doesn't feel like a factory.
The Truth About Greek Hospitality
There’s a word in Greek: Philoxenia. It literally translates to "friend to a stranger."
You feel that here.
The staff isn't just "doing their job." They want you to enjoy the food. They want you to like the wine. If you ask for a recommendation, they won't just point to the most expensive item on the menu. They’ll ask what you like. They’ll tell you if you’ve ordered too much (though, let’s be honest, you’ll probably order the extra side of halloumi anyway).
It’s this authenticity that keeps the doors open. In the restaurant business, you can fake a lot of things. You can fake a "cool" interior. You can fake a trendy social media presence. But you can't fake the soul of a kitchen.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to check out Mykonos Cafe & Taverna, don’t just wing it. To get the best out of the experience, keep these pointers in mind:
- Book for Saturday Night Early: If you want that prime-time dinner slot, call at least a few days in advance. It’s a small space and it fills up fast with regulars.
- Order the Meze Style: Instead of everyone getting their own main, order a bunch of starters and a couple of meat platters to share. It’s the traditional way to eat, and it lets you try the Taramosalata, Saganaki, and Calamari all in one go.
- Check the Specials: They often have fresh fish or seasonal dishes that aren't on the permanent menu. Ask the server what’s fresh that morning.
- Save Room for Baklava: Even if you think you’re full, you aren’t. Their baklava is honey-soaked perfection without being cloyingly sweet. Pair it with a strong Greek coffee to cut through the richness.
- Travel via Tube: Save yourself the stress of East Finchley traffic. The walk from the station is less than five minutes and helps you work up an appetite.
This isn't just another restaurant on a long list of London eateries. It’s a piece of the Mediterranean moved to North London. Whether you’re a Greek expat looking for a taste of home or just someone who appreciates a damn good lamb chop, Mykonos Cafe & Taverna delivers exactly what it promises: honest food, warm service, and a break from the gray London streets.