Greek on the Docks — Restaurant in Gloucester

The day was too good to stay inside, so we headed for the docks and decided on lunch at Greek on the Docks. We sat by a window overlooking the water, it was a nice relaxed venue and I was excited to try the food.

We started with Taramas and Balitses Tirion. The Taramas (creamy cod roe dip) was brightly coloured and I enjoyed it. Balitses Tirion, golden fried cheese balls, served with a sweet fruit sauce, were interesting to try.

The Aegean Salad, and not just because of the gherkins, but also something about the vinaigrette - reminded me of McDonalds. The seafood in the salad was slightly chewy, not totally in a bad way, but like it was slightly pickled in the marinating process by the white wine and lemon juice, and in a salad, it might be better to try for a fresher feel and taste.

Kleftiko is one of my favourite classic Greek lamb dishes. I cook it at home and so here’s a bit of research about the dish if you are interested. The name literally means “in the style of the klephts,” or even “stolen meat,” referring to the klephts – Greek bandits and guerrilla fighters who lived in the mountains.

According to legend, these klephts would steal lambs or goats and cook the meat secretly to avoid detection. They devised an ingenious method: digging a pit or earthen oven, lighting a slow, smokeless fire, and sealing the meat inside. By covering the cooking pit (often with soil or rocks), they trapped the heat and aromas underground so no tell-tale smoke or smells would give them away. After many hours, the bandits would return to a tender, perfectly cooked lamb.

The defining feature of kleftiko is its slow, enclosed cooking process, which echoes the original pit-cooking method. The technique has been modernised, but the fundamentals remain the same: low and slow roasting in a tightly sealed container to lock in moisture and flavour. I wrap mine in kitchen paper with all the veggies and cheese inside and slow cook it, cooking and serving it in the parcel.

At Greek on the Docks, the final presentation of the slow cooked lamb is wrapped in flaky filo - which was great. The lamb was yummy, tender and fell apart as it should. This dish was the definite highlight of the day. It was served with a gravy, that seemed more suited to a traditional English dish - than this classic Greek one, but that might just be me. Either way. I still liked it.

The service was warm and attentive throughout our meal; our waiter was friendly and helpful. Greek on the Docks is in a great location and offers genuine hospitality. I enjoyed all of the dishes, but would order differently next time. I felt like the flavours in the dishes we had were a little confused, which made it all okay, but not great. Overall though, it was a nice lunch in a beautiful location and it was great value for money - so not complaining, just trying...

Ate at this place this evening and it was so good I'm compelled to write my first google review. I've been in Gloucester for 3 days and 5/6 people have recommended this place so I had to check it out.

In my experience, it's very easy to go to a Greek restaurant and see the same things (and only the same things) on the menu; Souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita etc. While these options are still here, the is plenty of lesser known but nonetheless authentic Greek dishes to choose from which is so refreshing. If you can't spell/say them, it's probably a good sign! All in all, this ensures that all expectations and preferences are covered. Smart! Working in the wine industry myself, I was thrilled to see a similar authenticity extended to the drinks menu where there are grape varieties and after dinner drinks I'd never heard of before.

The food I ordered was (on the face of it) technically simple (I'm sure it isn't!) which made my enjoyment even more satisfying. Again, I can't remember the names of let alone spell the names of the dishes I ate but I went for: -Mushrooms and spinach baked under cheese -Swordfish steak, lemon butter sauce with rice and green beans -Filo pastry stuffed with cinnamon custard All were simply delicious which I would breakdown and gush over more if I was a professional critic, but just trust me. I will say however that wouldn't usally highlight the carb element of a main but I can't remember the last time I had rice so tender and so flavourful. All this paired with a little know Malagousia wine with starter and main followed by a Greek take on port (again names but you can miss it on the pudding menu) meant I was in a very happy place.

Aesthetically, the restaurant was just right for me- clean and modern in a beautiful, historic part of the city. The staff were clearly well trained and organised- little touches like automatic table water go a long way in my opinion. Regrettably, I forgot to grab my server's name. He was an older Greek gent (I did check, not assuming!) who was friendly and attentive without being over bearing. He was obviously knowledgeable & passionate about his country's cuisine and wine. A MASSIVE thanks to him, the runners, bartenders and especially the kitchen staff who treated me to a wonderful night of food and service.

Maybe I just haven't been to many good Greek restaurants, but I will be raving about this place for AGES to everyone (most of who will probably never even come to Gloucester!) but I'll be sure to stop by whenever I'm in this neck of the woods.

Sure, it is an above average price point and I will always quietly grumble when I get my main on a square/rectangular plate but a) I truly think it's worth it and b) only a idiot would mark a place down for crockery choices when everythingelse was so steller!

ευχαριστώ...

Absolutely Amazing Experience at Greek on the Docks

I had the pleasure of dining at Greek on the Docks recently, and it was truly an outstanding experience from start to finish. This restaurant perfectly combines authentic Greek cuisine with warm, attentive service and a stunning location that makes it all the more memorable.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was inviting and comfortable. The seating area is beautifully arranged, spacious, and ideal for a relaxed meal with friends or family. The view from the restaurant is absolutely breathtaking—overlooking the water, it adds a peaceful and scenic backdrop that elevates the entire dining experience.

The food was nothing short of delicious. Every dish we ordered was full of flavour, beautifully presented, and cooked to perfection. You can tell that the ingredients are fresh and that the kitchen takes great pride in delivering authentic Greek flavors. Whether it was the grilled meats, fresh seafood, or the traditional mezze, everything exceeded expectations.

One of the highlights of our visit was the excellent service. Our waiter was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. They made great recommendations that turned out to be spot on, enhancing our meal even further. Service was not only professional but impressively quick, without feeling rushed. It’s rare to find a balance between efficiency and attentiveness, but the team here nailed it.

What truly sets Greek on the Docks apart is the overall experience. It’s not just about the food or the view individually—it’s the combination of it all: delicious cuisine, a comfortable setting, great service, and a location that makes you want to sit back and savour every moment.

I would absolutely recommend Greek on the Docks to anyone looking for a top-quality dining experience with an unforgettable atmosphere. I’ll definitely be...