Fotia Greek Taverna — Restaurant in Manchester

A Hidden Gem of the Greek Isles in the Heart of Manchester

If you're searching for the finest Greek cuisine in Manchester, look no further—this taverna is a culinary treasure that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece.

From the moment you walk in, you're warmly welcomed by a gracious and attentive staff. The decor is a love letter to the Greek Isles: bleached stucco walls, rustic wooden accents, and blue-and-white touches that evoke the Aegean Sea. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, with the patio featuring a cozy natural gas fireplace that elevates the ambiance. A fully stocked bar adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.

True to the spirit of a traditional taverna, the space invites you to savor not just a meal, but an experience—where food and hospitality come together in perfect harmony.

Shortly after being seated, we were presented with a complimentary offering of warm, freshly baked bread, olive oil, and Elia—a luscious Kalamata olive spread that set the tone for the feast to come.

Dining with family, we opted for the "Family Style" service and ordered a cold plate sampler along with a gyro dinner plate. Each element was a standout:

The hummus was velvety smooth, rich with tahini and lemon.

The baba ghanoush delivered a perfectly smoky and savory depth.

The tzatziki was refreshingly bright, a balanced blend of herbs, cucumber, and subtly sweet yogurt.

The gyro was a revelation—moist, well-seasoned, and packed with authentic flavor.

Even the rice pilaf delighted, hinting at the savory drippings of gyro meat for an added layer of taste.

At our server’s suggestion, we ended the meal with a traditional Greek pastry filled with a silky cinnamon custard. It was warm, flaky, and indulgently sweet—one bite was not enough.

Every dish reflected the authenticity and bold, fresh flavors we remembered from our travels through Greece. This is not just a meal—it’s a brief escape to the Mediterranean.

Special thanks to our servers, Jules and Dawn, whose warmth and expertise enhanced every moment of our evening. And kudos to the kitchen staff and ownership for curating a truly immersive dining experience, where every detail—from the ambiance to the flavor profile—is executed with care and passion.

This taverna is a rare gem in Manchester. If you’re craving a taste of Greece, this is the...

Updating my review from 2 months ago. They now deserve a 5 star rating the lamb was excellent as were the Greek potatoes and Greek salad. Also nice to find Retsina available. Our first time 6 of us came in it was very busy. Our server was very exceptional. Seating is very tight, I get it trying to get as many seated as possible. Our drink order came in really quickly and perfectly made. We ordered a variety of dinners hamburger, club sandwich, stuffed grape leaves, stuffed peppers, moussaka & Caesar salad. The salads were very fresh looked like made to order nice fresh vegetables on my mixed greens , Caesar was loaded with shaved Parmesan cheese. The burger and sandwich were delicious, the stuffed peppers were overcooked Greek potatoes were great, rice undercooked, the moussaka was good I’ve never had it so can’t compare it to others. Presentation of all the meals was very nice. The onion ring batter was a little soft inside. Our server made the evening. I’ll have to go back and check out their roasted lamb and lamb shanks. To see if we have a replacement for Athens. Really miss that place. We returned tonight we both had the lamb chops with Greek potatoes, I had a Greek salad she had a garden salad. You have to try the Retsina Greek white wine aged in pine casks. Everything was excellent thanks Tommy. 2025 Valentine’s Day we decided to come back since we had such a goo experience before. Our server Hailey was excellent. Drinks, salads, apps came out really quick and everything was delicious. We ordered the octopus app. It wasn’t what I expected, I had octopus in Cyprus it was grilled and more like shrimp. This was cold it was tasty but very hard, if they could find the grilled recipe I believe they could have a winner. Everything else was delicious wife had lamb Chops omg 7 chops so tender they melted in her mouth. I had roast lamb again so tender we both had the Greek potatoes, So delicious. We could have split a meal and had leftovers. Tommy and company you are doing a great job almost replacing Athens!! Again thank you Hailey for a...

Food Review: Fotia Greek Taverna

On November 23rd around noon, my family and I visited Fotia Greek Taverna for a celebratory lunch, and the experience exceeded all our expectations. It was a special occasion as we were marking my graduation with a bachelor's degree, and Fotia made it truly unforgettable.

We began with the calamari, which was perfectly crispy and flavorful, setting the tone for the meal. The soups were equally delightful—my parents loved the rich and creamy lobster bisque, and the egg lemon soup was warm, tangy, and comforting.

For our main dishes, I enjoyed the spinach pie, which was fresh, flaky, and filled with a delicious spinach and cheese mixture. My wife chose the stuffed grape leaves, and the staff generously provided extra lemon sauce upon her request, which enhanced the dish beautifully. The attention to detail and willingness to accommodate requests was very impressive.

What truly made the meal stand out was our server, Jules. She was attentive, warm, and genuinely invested in making our experience special. To my surprise, she brought out a complimentary dessert to celebrate my graduation—a thoughtful gesture that made the day even more memorable.

My dad, who was particularly impressed with the quality of the food and service, has already said he’ll be back the next time he visits New Hampshire. Fotia Greek Taverna not only serves exceptional food but also delivers remarkable hospitality. This was a meal we’ll remember fondly, and we look forward to returning soon. Thank you for making our...