"Cockfosters has a surprising amount of Greek businesses, marking a stop for the slowly-building trail of affluent north Londoners exiting the capital for Hertfordshire. The area now has outposts of familiar Greek-Cypriot businesses like Kiki’s butcher, but the two family-run tavernas that popularised the place are Blue Olive and Deserie. Blue Olive is more traditional, with a decent takeaway service at the front, a large seating area, and a mezze that starts at a reasonable £25 per person. Some in the community reckon the souvlaki is the very best. Deserie meanwhile is an upmarket, modern, white-tablecloth taverna — mezze at £33 per person — where diners can enjoy calamari, dolmades stuffed vine leaves, and a very popular grilled octopus. If looking for quality traditional cooking in a modern space, Deserie is the place, and the leafy, quiet environs of Cockfosters make both restaurants a satisfying respite from the city." - Chris Cotonou
