Review: The Real Greek, Muswell Hill

The Real Greek restaurant in Muswell Hill, where do I begin? My recent dining experience at this establishment left me questioning the very essence of Greek cuisine. As someone who appreciates the art of fine dining, I found myself sorely disappointed by the lackluster offerings at this so-called “authentic” Greek eatery.

Let’s start with the ambiance, or lack thereof. The decor seems to be stuck in a time warp, reminiscent of a bygone era when tacky Mediterranean-themed restaurants were all the rage. The red faux-leather benches reminded me of a Wimpy bar in the 1970s. If I wanted to dine in a place that felt frozen in time, I would have opted for a museum cafe.

Now, onto the pièce de résistance – the food. I had heard promises of an authentic Greek culinary journey, but what I received was a lackluster parade of uninspired dishes. The moussaka, a supposed star of Greek cuisine, tasted like a sad, reheated casserole that lacked any nuance of flavor. The souvlaki, typically a beacon of succulence, was disappointingly dry and lacked the promised zest.

Service, too, left much to be desired. The staff seemed more interested in their personal conversations than attending to the needs of the patrons. I felt as if I were an inconvenience rather than a valued customer. Fred Sirieix would be appalled at the lack of professionalism exhibited by the team, and Gordon Ramsey would probably have walk out.

To add insult to injury, the prices were exorbitant for the subpar quality of the offerings. I left the Real Greek feeling not only dissatisfied but also questioning the very authenticity they boast about. If this is the real Greek experience, then I’ll pass. My commitment to excellence in the dining industry surely does not extend to this lackluster establishment in Muswell Hill.