A Modern Approach to Greek Food in Edinburgh

Greek food is often simplified to a single image.

For many people, the first thing that comes to mind is a gyros. A wrap filled with meat, fries and tzatziki, eaten quickly as street food. It is satisfying and familiar, but it represents only a small part of what Greek food truly is.

Anyone who has spent time in Greece will know this. Greek cuisine is built on freshness, vegetables, seafood and a wide range of meats. It varies from island to island and from village to village. The same dish can be prepared in entirely different ways depending on location, season and tradition. What remains constant is the quality of the ingredients and the importance of freshness.

At Nectar, our aim is to reflect this wider picture of Greek food, presenting it in a way that feels modern, relaxed and suited to dining in Edinburgh.

Greek Cooking Beyond the Obvious

At its heart, Greek cooking is simple and honest. It allows ingredients to speak for themselves.

Fresh vegetables, herbs, olive oil, fish and carefully prepared meats form the backbone of the cuisine. Meals are often shared, unhurried and built around variety rather than large individual plates.

This way of eating shaped our menu at Nectar.

Instead of focusing on heavy, single dishes, we offer smaller plates designed for sharing. Our favourite moments are when guests order several dishes, place them in the centre of the table and take time to try everything together. This is how food is traditionally enjoyed across Greece.

Respecting the Classics While Rethinking Them

Some dishes are deeply rooted in Greek food culture and deserve to remain recognisable, even when they are approached differently.

Chicken Souvlaki, Revisited

Chicken souvlaki is one of the most traditional Greek dishes. It is often served in a pitta wrap with fries and sauces.

At Nectar, we chose to take a lighter approach. Our chicken skewer is served with grilled vegetables that are gently marinated and cooked to retain their freshness. By replacing fries with vegetables, the focus stays on balance, flavour and texture, allowing the quality of the ingredients to come through.

It is still unmistakably Greek, just expressed in a more contemporary way.

Pan-Fried Sea Bass with Skordalia

Fish plays an essential role in Greek cooking, particularly in coastal regions.

Our pan-fried sea bass is served with baby spinach and garlic mashed potatoes inspired by skordalia. The garlic adds depth without overpowering the fish, creating a dish that feels refined yet comforting.

This is one of the team’s favourites. Simple, elegant and carefully balanced, it reflects the quieter side of Greek cooking at its best.

Cypriot Halloumi with Forest Fruit Chutney

Halloumi is one of the most recognisable cheeses from Greece and Cyprus. How it is paired makes all the difference.

We grill our Cypriot halloumi and serve it with a dark forest fruit chutney. The sweetness and acidity cut through the firm texture and saltiness of the cheese, creating contrast and balance on the plate.

It is a small dish, but one that captures the idea of harmony that runs through Greek food.

Light Dishes Designed to Work Together

You will find familiar elements on the menu, such as zucchini fries, pitta bread and dips. These are not meant to dominate the table but to complement the main dishes.

Zucchini fries remain light and crisp. Pitta and dips encourage sharing and conversation. Everything is designed to sit comfortably alongside the rest of the menu, making it easy to build a table full of variety without feeling overwhelmed.

The result is food that is satisfying but not heavy, ideal for sharing and for enjoying alongside drinks.

Greek Food Through a Modern Lens

At Nectar, we do not aim to replicate traditional Greek food exactly as it would be served in one specific region.

Instead, we take inspiration from the Greek kitchen and interpret it through a modern lens. The foundations remain the same: freshness, balance and respect for ingredients. What changes is the presentation and the way dishes come together.

It is familiar without being predictable, rooted in tradition while allowing room for creativity.

If you are looking for Greek food in Edinburgh that offers something thoughtful and considered, we invite you to sit down, order generously and enjoy the experience the way it is meant to be shared.