Modern Greek recipes from the couple behind Mazi in Notting Hill, one of London’s best restaurants

Most foodies should be able to name at least a few Greek dishes. Spanakopita, tara­masalata, moussaka and souvlaki are all well known. But avgolemono? That might be stretching their knowledge a little. The cuisine is, of course, far more varied than feta and spinach filo pies and baked eggplant casserole.

In the introduction to Mazi: Modern Greek Food (2018), the authors – married couple Christina Mouratoglou, from Thessaloniki, in Greece, and Londoner Adrien Carré – write: “We opened MAZI in London’s Notting Hill in June 2012 with a mission to change people’s perception of Greek food.

“A culinary revolution had started in the [British] capital and we felt it was high time for Greek cuisine to shine […] Up until that time, Greek restaurants in London had been stuck in the past with little creativity and innovation.

“As a Greek and a foodie, it always upset Christina that there was not one single place she could recommend to friends when they asked where they could find a good Greek restaurant. When we met for the first time, we quickly discovered we felt exactly the same way. Right then and there our idea was born – we determined to ensure that Greek food in London was given the chance to move on […]

“Our dishes showcase the gastronomic delights of not just a single region but the whole country, from the Aegean Islands to the Peloponnese and northern Greece, which brings a rich variety to our menu. As you will discover, reflected in the recipes are the different influences exerted on the various regions by their geographic neighbours or historic events, most notably the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire and the Venetian possession of the Ionian Islands.