Never has mispronouncing Greek words been so much fun as when you’re trying to order from the mouth-watering menu at the venerable Taverna Cretekou, an outstanding restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. Husband and wife owners Cristos and Denise Papaloizou, natives of Cyprus, have been serving up classical and regional Greek cuisine since 1973, with dishes from Kos, the Cyclades, Kastoria, Andros, and Athens, among other Greek locales. And you’ll want to try them all.

In early November, the Christmas tree was decorated with autumnal leaves, white lights, and a pumpkin up top. Whitewashed walls with arches, terracotta pottery, and a couple of large murals honoring Greek culinary traditions (look for lots of olives) will convince you that you’re at an authentic tavern in the Aegean islands, especially with the blue and white linens matching the colors of the Greek flag. My waiter, a native Cypriot, patiently assisted me in sounding out the names of the offerings on the menu, and then politely congratulated me on getting them almost right. No matter how you pronounce them, you’ll savor every one of them in one of Alexandria’s best Greek restaurants.

Try This: After enjoying the fresh-baked bread and Greek olive oil, start savoring a Cretan appetizer, the manitaria psyloriti—broiled mushrooms stuffed with feta, spinach, and herbs, and served with a lemon wedge. I kept the Cretan theme going with my main course, exohikon—morsels of lamb baked with three cheeses, artichokes, peas, carrots, onions, and pine nuts, wrapped in filo. It’s served with mini baby carrots, rice, and broccoli. For dessert, don’t miss the galaktoboureko—light semolina custard pastry topped with filo, cinnamon, and a simple syrup.

I’d Love to Hear From You!

Have you been here? Have I inspired you to go? Let me know!