I have never been to Greece, so I cannot speak to what authentic Greek cuisine looks like. However, I have fond memories of the food. When I was 18, I visited Belgium and my friend treated me to Gyros and Pitta at a Greek restaurant. Since then, whenever I think about Greek food, the good memory resurfaces.
After arriving in the Netherlands, I always wanted to try Greek cuisine. Maybe it was due to its proximity to Belgium. One day, I made up my mind and looked for a Greek restaurant. A few options in the city popped up, one of which was Romio's. However, I found out that they were always super busy and did not take any reservations. So, I went there at 2 PM to avoid the crowd.
Unfortunately, my strategy didn't work out well. Even at 2 PM, the restaurant was completely full, and I couldn't get a table. Then, a kind lady told me that she could give me a table after around 20 to 25 minutes. So, I told them that I would be back and left for My little patisserie.
After buying some pastries at the patisserie, I returned to the restaurant on time. A few tables were finishing up their meals. Another friendly staff member asked me if I wanted to have a drink and brought me a glass of translucent liquor, something typical in Greece as a hospitality gesture.
More than what were written on the menu, there were several other options. The kind lady recommended a few dishes, including souvlaki, but I thought it might be too much for a single diner, so I ordered what was written on the menu.
Originally, I was planning to order a glass of wine, but due to the liquor I had been given earlier, I decided to order a soft drink. Since sour cherry is quite popular in the region, I ordered a sour cherry soda.
I had been craving seafood, especially octopus, so when I saw octopus salad in the showcase, I had to order it. I chose Xtapodisalata - Homemade octopus salad with olive oil and oregano (7,30€) as an appetizer. As you can see from the picture, it was quite fresh and surprisingly tender.
The highlight of the day was the meatball (Soutsoukakia, 3,00€ per piece). I was quite hungry as it was 2:30, so I ordered something more, and the lady mentioned it was spicy, but the spiciness was just right and made the meatball extra special.
The meatball was full of flavor. What I particularly loved about it was the tomato sauce. The meatball itself with garlic and cumin was interesting, but the tomato sauce was tasty until the last drop.
Lastly, I ordered the Pita Gyros Lamb (8.50€). As I mentioned earlier, this was what I truly missed. Three months later, I have had a few pitas and similar dishes, but I can say that this was the best pita I have tasted in Amsterdam so far. Meet & Greek is another popular Greek restaurant in the city, but personally, I preferred the one at Romio's. The harmonious combination of fresh vegetables, tasty lamb, and tzatziki was great. It was exactly what I had been craving for.
Romios Griekse Taverna
Address: Ceintuurbaan 350, 1072 GP Amsterdam
Phone: 020 675 4324
Thanks for reading
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