The leafy restaurant hub of Dean Street, Newlands, has been enhanced by the addition of Cape Town’s third Mykonos Taverna. 

Fast facts

Food type: Greek
Parking: Parking on Dean Street is in short supply – rather take an Uber
Corkage: R50 per bottle
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 4; Service: 3; Ambience: 4

Food

A Greek spread at Mykonos Taverna. Photo by Katy Rose.

The menu is decidedly Greek, offering popular mezze (small plates for sharing), salads and an assortment of main courses. The proteins are varied and offer seafood, lamb, chicken and pork throughout. 

Start with the fresh pita bread and a few mezze: the fried saganaki (halloumi cheese) will delight the cheese lovers with its creamy, melty texture. The crispy fried sardines – fresh and delicious – are served with a squeeze of lemon. Don’t miss the showstopper of house-made hummus topped with sweet grilled aubergine, pine nuts and crumbled feta. You’ll fight for the last bite. 

The grilled baby chicken is succulent and flavourful. The peri peri basting sauce delivers a strong chilli kick; lemon and herb and BBQ are the two other options. The lamb souvlaki wrap allows for the return of fresh pita – pillowy soft and holding all the juices from the tzatziki and grilled lamb cubes. The hot chips with both main courses were fresh, hot and unexpectedly delicious.

The unmissable hummus. Photo by Katy Rose.

Drinks

The wine list is succinct and functional, but plenty of patrons also bring their own wine and bubbly. 

Service

The service is fast and energetic, though with a light touch when it comes to specials and recommendations. Fortunately, the menu does all the talking at Mykonos Taverna – it’s clear and well laid-out. Staff are friendly, though it can be difficult to catch a server’s eye.

Ambience

The dining room is open, but not cavernous. The staff move energetically between the tables as families and couples chat and laugh. The large open windows allow the summer breeze to move through the restaurant. Blue chairs, white table cloths and soft lighting make you feel as if you’ve been transported to an Aegean island. It’s a holiday for your eyes as the scents from the kitchen underscore the Greek escapism. 

Blue chairs, white table cloths and soft lighting make you feel as if you’ve been transported to an Aegean island. Photo by Katy Rose.

Best for…

The relaxed service and extensive mezze offering are ideal for dining in larger groups. 

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.

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Brought to you by Retail Capital, sponsors of the Eat Out Retail Capital New Restaurant of the Year Award. Want to find more new restaurants in your city? Check out our new restaurants section.