"Avenida is old-school in all the best ways. It’s from an era when going to a restaurant was an event, with a rustic taverna setting and a menu that not only includes mezze, but prawn cocktail and veal Milanese, too. This is the antithesis to the hip Hellenic eateries opening throughout the capital. Part of Avenida’s charm is that it hasn’t moved past the eighties: the souvlaki is still called “Kebab à la Grecque,” a memento of a time when Londoners weren’t sure what kleftiko was yet and Greek restaurateurs had to make a few compromises. There aren’t many places like Avenida left anymore, and even though the exceptional cooking somehow only comes in at two courses at £14.50, customers still dress up as though they’re going to a Michelin-starred establishment in Mayfair. Order that side of prawn cocktail with the “chicken kebab,” and don’t feel bad about it." - Chris Cotonou
