London’s hottest new restaurant? I think I’ve found it.
For one evening, I completely forgot I was in Covent Garden and felt like I had been transported to a traditional taverna somewhere between Greece and Cyprus.
Welcome to Zylia, a new Greek restaurant in Covent Garden celebrating the flavours, stories and hospitality of Greek and Cypriot cuisine.
From the moment you step inside, it feels like more than just dinner. It’s an experience, filled with music, incredible food, generous hospitality and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay long after the final dish has been cleared.
Authentic Greek and Cypriot food in the heart of London
At Zylia, every dish tells a story.
The menu celebrates Greek and Cypriot heritage through recipes inspired by generations of family cooking. It’s authentic, vibrant and completely unpretentious, exactly the kind of restaurant London has been waiting for.
The focus is on simple ingredients, bold flavours and dishes designed to be shared, bringing the spirit of a Mediterranean taverna to Covent Garden.
Starting with Greek dips and sharing plates
As any good Greek meal should, we started with warm bread and silky dips.
The smoked aubergine was absolutely heavenly, rich, smoky and full of flavour, while the taramasalata was so light and creamy that I could have happily ordered another bowl.
There’s something wonderful about starting a meal this way, slowly sharing plates, dipping warm bread and letting the conversation flow.
It instantly transported me to Greece, despite being right in the heart of London.
Greek classics, slow-cooked lamb and Assyrtiko
The main courses continued to impress.
A classic Greek salad arrived bursting with sunshine, packed with fresh flavours and the perfect balance of ingredients.
The highlight for me was the slow-cooked lamb, beautifully tender and falling apart with every bite. It was the kind of comforting, traditional dish that feels like it has been perfected over generations.
Naturally, the wine choice had to be Greek.
The wine list at Zylia is concise but thoughtfully curated, and a crisp glass of Assyrtiko felt like the perfect pairing. Fresh, elegant and full of character, it complemented the food beautifully.
Cocktails before dinner? Absolutely
Before dinner, cocktails are a must.
And at Zylia, they are just as playful as they are delicious.
The watermelon cocktail was pure summer, refreshing and vibrant, while the custard pie cocktail somehow tasted exactly like dessert in a glass.
Creative, fun and beautifully presented, they set the tone for the evening ahead.
The atmosphere is what makes Zylia special
While the food is exceptional, the atmosphere is what really takes centre stage.
Music fills the room, conversations spill across tables, glasses are constantly being raised and there’s a warmth that makes you want to linger.
It reminded me why Greek hospitality is so special, and why it deserves to be celebrated more.
There is something about the Greek approach to dining that goes beyond the food. It’s about bringing people together, sharing moments and creating memories around the table.
Zylia captures that feeling perfectly.
Is Zylia Covent Garden worth visiting?
If you’ve been trying to get a reservation at one of London’s hottest new restaurant openings, here’s your sign.
Whether you’re looking for authentic Greek food in London, a special dinner in Covent Garden or simply somewhere with incredible atmosphere, Zylia is one to add to your list.
It feels like a little piece of Greece has arrived in London, and I’m already planning my next visit.
Zylia, 16 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9HZ
