Guide to Greek Dining in Singapore

by | Dec 14, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Restaurant Reviews & Analysis

Premium Dining Experiences

Alati Divine Greek Cuisine (Amoy Street) This Santorini-styled establishment represents the upper echelon of Greek dining in Singapore. Since 2015, Alati has maintained its reputation through authenticity and quality, sourcing ingredients directly from the Aegean Sea. The pricing reflects its premium positioning, but the execution justifies the investment.

Riviera (One Fullerton) A Michelin Guide-recommended venue that transcends traditional Greek cuisine by incorporating French techniques alongside Greek, Italian, and Moroccan influences. The waterfront setting enhances the Mediterranean fine-dining experience.

Authentic Taverna Experiences

Bakalaki Greek Taverna (Martin Road) This spot captures the essence of Greek taverna culture with unbeatable vibes and ingredients sourced directly from Greek suppliers. The comprehensive selection of Greek wines and beers, plus an in-house deli, makes it a complete Greek experience.

Zorba The Greek Taverna (Clarke Quay) The waterfront location evokes Santorini’s charm, while the mostly Greek-sourced ingredients ensure authenticity. Weekend brunch service adds versatility to this Clarke Quay gem.

Casual & Contemporary Options

Fotia (Duxton Hill) Chef Sofia Beleri brings her Athens executive chef experience to Singapore’s dining scene. The extended al fresco seating creates a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere perfect for the Tanjong Pagar crowd.

Ela, The Little Lost Greek Place (Jalan Sultan) A halal-certified option that embraces communal dining concepts while remaining accessible for smaller parties. The Black Hole Group’s expertise shines through in the execution.

Specialty Venues

Original Sin (Chip Bee Gardens) Singapore’s pioneer fully vegetarian Mediterranean restaurant has endured for over 25 years by adapting Greek classics for various dietary needs including vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant diners.

Miska Cafe (Sentosa) Pet-friendly with vibrant coastal Greek decor, this casual spot excels in large portions and sharing platters, making it ideal for families and groups.

Essential Greek Dishes: Analysis & Characteristics

Moussaka

Essence: A layered comfort dish representing Greek home cooking at its finest.

Composition: Eggplant, potato, seasoned ground meat (typically beef or lamb), topped with béchamel sauce, baked until golden.

Flavor Profile: Rich, savory, creamy with subtle spice notes. The eggplant provides earthiness while the béchamel adds luxurious smoothness.

Texture: Soft layers with a lightly crispy top. Each bite should contain all elements for the complete experience.

Price Range in Singapore: S$22 to S$38 depending on venue.

Spanakopita

Essence: Flaky pastry meets nutritious filling in this beloved Greek pie.

Composition: Layers of phyllo (filo) pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, eggs, and herbs.

Flavor Profile: Buttery pastry contrasts with tangy feta and earthy spinach. Herbs like dill or mint add aromatic complexity.

Texture: Crispy, shattering pastry exterior with creamy, slightly chunky filling.

Price Range: S$27 to S$32.

Souvlaki

Essence: Greece’s answer to street food, elevated to restaurant quality.

Composition: Marinated meat (chicken, beef, lamb, or pork) grilled on skewers, often served with pita, tzatziki, and vegetables.

Flavor Profile: Charred exterior with juicy, herb-marinated interior. Lemon and oregano are signature notes.

Texture: Tender meat with slight char, soft pita, cool creamy tzatziki.

Price Range: S$26 to S$49 (wagyu options command premium).

Htapodi (Grilled Octopus)

Essence: Mediterranean seafood expertise showcased simply.

Composition: Tenderized octopus, grilled to achieve smokiness, typically served with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.

Flavor Profile: Sweet ocean flavor enhanced by char and bright citrus notes.

Texture: Properly prepared octopus should be tender yet have a slight bite, not rubbery.

Price Range: S$37.90 to S$42.

Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Essence: Fresh vegetables celebrating Mediterranean agriculture.

Composition: Tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, olive oil, oregano. No lettuce in authentic versions.

Flavor Profile: Fresh, bright, tangy from feta, briny from olives, herbaceous from oregano.

Texture: Crisp vegetables, creamy feta, varied textures in each bite.

Price Range: Around S$24.90.

Baklava

Essence: The sweet finale that defines Greek hospitality.

Composition: Layers of phyllo pastry with crushed nuts (walnuts or pistachios), held together by honey syrup or honey and butter.

Flavor Profile: Intensely sweet, nutty, with honey’s floral notes and butter’s richness.

Texture: Crispy pastry layers yielding to soft, syrup-soaked interior with nut crunch.

Price Range: Around S$16.90.

Recipe: Traditional Moussaka (Serves 6-8)

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 500g ground beef or lamb
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 400g canned tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 100ml red wine
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley

For the Vegetables:

  • 3 large eggplants, sliced into 1cm rounds
  • 3 large potatoes, sliced into 1cm rounds
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Salt

For the Béchamel:

  • 100g butter
  • 100g flour
  • 1 liter warm milk
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 100g grated cheese (Parmesan or Kefalotyri)
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and white pepper

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

  1. Slice eggplants into 1cm rounds
  2. Sprinkle generously with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to remove bitterness
  3. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry
  4. Brush with olive oil on both sides
  5. Grill or bake at 200°C (390°F) for 20 minutes until golden, flipping halfway
  6. Set aside

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Slice potatoes into 1cm rounds
  2. Boil in salted water for 5 minutes until slightly tender but firm
  3. Drain and set aside

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat
  2. Sauté onions until translucent (5 minutes)
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
  4. Add ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon
  5. Cook until browned (8-10 minutes)
  6. Add wine and let it evaporate (3 minutes)
  7. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice
  8. Season with salt and pepper
  9. Simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until thick
  10. Stir in chopped parsley
  11. Remove from heat and cool slightly

Step 4: Make the Béchamel

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
  2. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes (don’t let it brown)
  3. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps
  4. Continue whisking until sauce thickens (8-10 minutes)
  5. Remove from heat
  6. Add nutmeg, salt, white pepper
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes
  8. Whisk in egg yolks quickly
  9. Add half the grated cheese and stir

Step 5: Assemble the Moussaka

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
  2. Grease a large baking dish (approximately 30cm x 20cm)
  3. Layer the bottom with potato slices
  4. Add half the eggplant slices on top
  5. Spread all the meat sauce evenly
  6. Add remaining eggplant slices
  7. Pour béchamel sauce over the top, spreading evenly
  8. Sprinkle with remaining cheese

Step 6: Bake

  1. Bake for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown
  2. Let rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting (this is crucial for clean slices)
  3. Cut into squares and serve warm

Chef’s Tips:

  • The resting time is essential for the layers to set properly
  • Can be made a day ahead and reheated
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months
  • Serve with a simple Greek salad and crusty bread

Menu Facets & Dining Traits

Mezze Culture

Greek dining emphasizes sharing through mezze (small plates). Most restaurants offer dip platters featuring tzatziki (yogurt-cucumber), melitzanosalata (eggplant), taramosalata (fish roe), and hummus, served with warm pita.

Char-Grilled Excellence

The Greek approach to grilling over charcoal imparts distinctive smokiness to meats and seafood. Look for items marked as “sti skara” (on the grill).

Phyllo Artistry

The paper-thin pastry appears in both savory applications (spanakopita, tiropita) and sweets (baklava), demonstrating Greek pastry craftsmanship.

Olive Oil Quality

Authentic venues use Greek extra virgin olive oil liberally, as it’s fundamental to Mediterranean cooking’s health benefits and flavor.

Wine Pairings

Greek wines like Assyrtiko (white) and Agiorgitiko (red) complement the cuisine perfectly. Several venues stock impressive Greek wine selections.

Ambience Characteristics

Santorini-Inspired Design

Many venues feature white-washed walls, blue accents, and Mediterranean architectural elements (Alati, Zorba).

Al Fresco Appeal

Extended outdoor seating areas capitalize on Singapore’s tropical climate while evoking Greek taverna culture (Fotia, Miska Cafe).

Waterfront Romance

Several restaurants leverage Singapore’s marina and riverside locations to create authentic Mediterranean coastal vibes (Mykonos On The Bay, Zorba, Riviera).

Communal Dining Spaces

Large tables and sharing platters encourage the Greek tradition of eating together (Ela, Bakalaki).

Delivery Options

GrabFood Availability

Most featured restaurants except Fotia, Mykonos on the Bay, White Marble, Pistachio Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Grill, and Noa are available on GrabFood with free delivery options (up to S$3 off) through GrabUnlimited.

Dine-In Deals

GrabFood Dine-in service offers promotional deals for on-premise dining at participating venues.

Best Dishes for Delivery

  • Moussaka travels well and reheats beautifully
  • Souvlaki wraps maintain integrity during transport
  • Dip platters with pita bread stay fresh
  • Avoid delicate items like grilled octopus or dishes requiring immediate service

Ordering Tips

  • Order desserts separately if having a leisurely meal, as they may arrive early
  • Request extra pita bread as it’s rarely enough
  • Ask for dressings and sauces on the side to prevent sogginess
  • Pizzas from Pano Kato are best enjoyed fresh from their brick oven

Price Point Analysis

Budget-Friendly (Under S$25 per person):

  • Ela, The Little Lost Greek Place
  • Miska Cafe
  • Pano Kato (pizza options)

Mid-Range (S$25-50 per person):

  • Bakalaki Greek Taverna
  • Fotia
  • Mykonos On The Bay
  • Zorba The Greek Taverna
  • Le Rida

Premium (S$50+ per person):

  • Alati Divine Greek Cuisine
  • White Marble
  • Artemis Grill & Sky Bar
  • Riviera
  • Noa

Essential Traits of Greek Dining

Philoxenia (Hospitality): Greek restaurants emphasize warm, generous service that makes diners feel like family.

Freshness First: Quality ingredients take precedence over complex techniques. The Mediterranean diet’s health benefits stem from fresh produce, olive oil, and lean proteins.

Seasonal Awareness: Authentic venues adjust menus based on ingredient availability and seasonality.

Communal Spirit: Food is meant for sharing, conversation, and connection. Greeks rarely dine alone.

Simplicity as Sophistication: The best dishes let ingredients shine rather than masking them with heavy sauces or excessive seasoning.

Conclusion

Singapore’s Greek dining scene offers remarkable diversity, from budget-friendly casual spots to Michelin-recommended fine dining. Whether seeking halal options, vegetarian fare, waterfront ambience, or authentic taverna vibes, the island’s Greek restaurants deliver Mediterranean magic without the airfare. The emphasis on fresh ingredients, time-honored recipes, and warm hospitality creates dining experiences that transport you to the Greek islands, one mezze platter at a time.