Greek restaurant The Real Greek is coming to Manchester

Souvlaki Wraps At The Real Greek Restaurant

Sophie Rahnema 9 November 2021

Inspired by Alexander the Great, Greek chain brings its conquest up north

The closing of Thomasina Miers’ Mexican street food restaurant, Wahaca left a gaping taco-shaped hole in the Corn Exchange last year. So it’s with great relief that The Real Greek will be coming along soon to fill that hole with halloumi, souvlaki and taramasalata.

The Real Greek’s menu celebrates the many different cultures and influences that now shape modern Greek cuisine.

The Real Greek is part of the same group as Franco Manca and this will be the twentieth site for the chain - but only the first brave enough to venture north of Norwich. Franco Manca, which opened on Mosley Street in 2019 has been hugely successful in Manchester and announced recently that it will be opening another sourdough pizza joint on King Street soon - with a third rumoured in Didsbury next year too.

Fulham Shore group, which operates both chains has disclosed that its expansion north doesn't stop there. David Page, chairman of Fulham Shore, said, “We are accelerating our growth in the UK and abroad. We continue to trade ahead of our own expectations and have a strong pipeline of exciting new locations.”

The Real Greek Corn Exchange P Planning Docs Copy — **The Real Greek will occupy the former Wahaca spot in The Corn Exchange** Planning documents

Inspired by the diverse cuisine of the Mediterranean, The Real Greek’s menu celebrates the “many different cultures and influences that now shape modern Greek cuisine.”

Meze highlights include (expect a lot of vowels) Melitzanosalata - a blend of smoked aubergine, garlic, shallots and lemon, and Spinach Tiropitakia - handmade filo pastry parcels with leek, spinach and feta. Also expect grilled octopus and lamb served with minted yoghurt.

Chicken Souvlaki Wrap From The Real Greek — **Souvlaki wraps make a great lunchtime option - £6.45** www.therealgreek.com

For a quick lunchtime fix, souvlaki wraps go for only £6.45. Pick from fillings like Loukaniko sausage (typically flavoured with orange peel and fennel seed), pork belly or lamb meatballs. Veggies get great options too - halloumi, falafel and jackfruit are all on the menu - all with chips and homemade tzatziki.

A whole vegan menu with a large choice of hot and cold meze, including jackfruit stifado, vegan meatballs and dolmades is also available.

Small Athenian Plate At The Real Greek — **A Greek Plate on The Real Greek's lunch menu** www.therealgreek.com

The Real Greek offers a “Filoxenia dinner menu” during the week for £13.95 per person - choose four dishes from a generous set menu. “Tonia’s selection” is a set menu at £36 for two people with eight dishes including Greek flatbreads, tiger prawns and grilled aubergine.

As you’d expect, Greek wine takes priority with varieties such as Athiri, Moschofilero and Assyrtiko all available by the glass, carafe or bottle. And, to finish your meal try a shot of traditional Greek aperitif - Ouzo with its signature anise flavour. Wavy memories of Cos ’06 have just come flooding back.

Header image credit: www.therealgreek.com