Whether you’re into Greek or Mediterranean cuisine or just looking to shake things up, Greeka Kouzina makes an excellent restaurant selection for a heavy lunch or dinner. Although its menu has lots of meaty items, vegetarians can also not go wrong with Greeka Kouzina as it serves plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes that won’t weigh you down. Last Saturday, I made the slow drive up at the second floor of SM Aura Premier (beside Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen) to try what’s rolling best among their offerings. π
Review of Greeka Kouzina (SM Aura Premier, McKinley Pkwy, Taguig)
Ambiance: β β β β β
The ambiance of Greeka Kouzina at SM Aura Premier is very open and well decorated but not overdone. In fact, the decors are almost zen-like. The atmosphere is classy, catering to a similar audience. Colorful lamps on the sides serve as accents that bring vibrancy and a festive mood to the dining area. TheΒ textured walls gave an ever more appealing appearance, and the structured ceiling gave the space a hint of grandeur, a warm and inviting feel.
Service: β β β β β
We were greeted by one of the friendly hostesses upon entrance. As I’ve reserved a table for the group, we were seated abruptly.
The servers were friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and helpful in introducing the menu items which are all foreign in my book. Also, I appreciated that the staff refilled our glasses with water several times throughout the evening without us having to ask. Each course of food was served quickly and we were not bothered at any point during dinner.
Food: β β β β β
Greeka Kouzina’s food was truly a feast for both the eyes and mouth. First up, the stars aligned for an incredible explosion of flavors and textures of ingredients making up theΒ Fig Roka Salata (PHp 420). The mixed greens andΒ arugula arrived fresh. Fortified with sweet figs, walnuts, and sun-dried tomatoes, this plate was everything I could’ve hoped for: crunchy, saucy, sweet, salty and savory. The white thing that appeared to me as “lumpia wrapper” was apparently cheese! π This appetizer is good for about three to five people to share. To our health, cheers!
The second dish served was only five minutes away. Easy to serve and even easier to eat, the Kalamari Tiganito (PHp 290) consisted of freshly caught fried squid sprinkled with alatopiperigano. In case you don’t know, “alatopiperigano” simply is the combination of salt (“alati”), pepper (“piperi”) and dried oregano (“rigani”). The kalamari was cooked well and it poised itself as a comforting, familiar and slightly elevated dish. Dip it to the bright lemon-olive oil Greek dressing and you might say “Ahhh delicious!” after each bite.
Next, the meat. We had the Paidakia (PHp 595), grilled lamb cutlets marinated in Greek’s signature spices.Β Call me caveman but I did not bother with the accompanying yoghurt and lemon slices to cut through the strong meat flavor. The lamb cut was tasty, however what I didn’t like was seeing too much fat oozing from it.Β While some people I know prefer that rich, wondrous and delicious fat of lamb, I was intimidated and distracted. π Anyway, let’s move on.
Krasates (PHp 480) consisted of two pieces grilled pork chops, served with blue cheese, walnuts and Greek’s signature gravy. I tried a very small chunk of the pork chop and thought it was incredibly juicy and tender. Still, I won’t convert myself as a meat-eater, if that’s what you’ll be asking. π Thoughtfully executed, the krasates took on that roasted flavor that’s far from bland.
Another irresistible entree was the Beef Souvlaki (PHp 430). This char-grilled skewer of meatΒ can well satisfy your appetite for some sinful indulgence. It almost seemed like a crime to give this a miss. The cubes of beef were nicely marinated. They were moist and flavorful, completely edible and not too chewy.
I could not believe that the Watercress Pasta (PHp 180) is listed just as a siding on Greeka Kouzina’s menu. With refreshing watercress and tomatoes, the creamy watercress pastaΒ was perfect in earthy flavor. As a light dish, this al dente pasta is one that won’t make you feeling icky after finishing the whole thing.
The Moussaka (PHp 180), made of grilled eggplant layered with beef, tomato sauce, cherry bechamel and potato topping, was refined and flavorsome.Β It was my first time to taste moussaka and I thought I could liken it with lasagna, except instead of noodles, you have eggplant. This serving of moussaka is considered as well as a siding that can be an entire meal for those who have a small stomach like mine. π
Finally, we had Baklava (PHp 180) for desserts. It was layered with phyllo pistachio, walnuts and cashews and topped with a large ball of Greek yogurt.Β The nuttiness was all over. The baklava looked harmless enough in presentation, but after biting into it, you’d know a sugar party is happening. Without the Greek yogurt to tone down the sweetness, I would not love it as much.
Price for Value: β β β β β
Greeka Kouzina is stuffed to the brim with its namesake. You want authentic Greek food? You got it. Although the menu features food in Greek names, their respective descriptions are simple and straightforward. When in doubt, you can ask the staff to recommend and help you out. So the next time you wonder where to eat in SM Aura, this Greece-inspired restaurant must be one of the top selections! π The dining experience and the quality of food here are worth to spend reasonable amount of money for.
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285 Pedro Guevarra St, San Juan | (02) 624 5974
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Good food + Good friends = Good times. It was a great night with 3 of my favorite bloggers. =) Loved all the Greek food too.
Thanks, Aldous. We had a pretty great time here. Till the next! π
the interior was like old english and the baklava is really delicious to look at! π
Old English? Oh yeah, you are certainly right. I wonder why I didn’t think of that while writing the review here. Thanks, Sef. π
the place looks great as well as the foods,nice one definitely for a healthy dinner.
Well, I’m certainly not a nutritionist or dietician who can say that indeed their food are healthy. But I’m glad you point that out, as many of the food choices at Greeka Kouzina really look hearty and healthy from the appetizers down to desserts. π
Haven’t tried anything Greek but I’m hearing so many positive things about Baklava. Hope to try one soon π Thanks for sharing!
Surveying Greek restaurants in the metro, baklava is quite a common dessert. If you’re looking out for a place to get a snack, order a plate of this at Greeka Kouzina and share it with a friend. You only need half an hour to finish the entire thing and feel much satisfied. We all need this kind of indulgence once in a while. π
Wow, the food really looks great and tasty, a must place visit when i go for vacation this August, thanks for the update
If you’re up for big, bold, earthy flavors, some seafood and greens, this place is a catch. Write it in a notebook or somewhere for you to remember to visit it in August. π
Looking at the pictures makes my mouth watery. Now I am craving for shawarma. Isn’t that Mediterranean?
Yes, Greek cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine.
i saw this on greenhills and now i surprised meron na sa aura. still havent tried it, but cant wait to eat the delish food there!
This branch in Aura just opened in the second week of December 2013. The one near GH has already celebrated its first anniv. π
I haven’t been to SM Aura and haven’t eaten Greek in a while. Might try this soon because of your review. ^___^
Greeka Kouzina is a Greek-inspired restaurant that puts out some thoughtful and delicious plates packed with vibrant flavor. Thanks for the trust. Feel free to drop by anytime. π
First time to see wide array of Greek foods. The Greek food I’m familiar with is my all time favorite Greek Yogurt π
Greek yogurt to me tastes like sour cream or nearly like cheese. So good. π
Oh I like the interiors especially the walls. Bricks! SO geeky β₯ Never tried Greek menus but your photos says it all!
Restaurants servings Greek food are now getting nearer to us. This batch of food we had consists of the popular local dishes for you to try.
I love Greek food & baklava (which of course is Turkish π ) Seriously your photos made me melt… Also the place looks exactly like Greece. I must say though that the food is rather mixed and not all typically Greek but well who cares, as long as it tastes good right? Thanks for sharing.
Right on. Thanks, Milene. π
i’m very surprise with the prices! that’s so low and the food looks amazing! plus the place itself is a treat!
I thought the prices are very competitive with other Greek restaurants.
gosh i really miss salads π thanks for sharing this …
You’re welcome! Their salads are good! I bet you can’t wait to try them here. π
Ohh.. Now that I realized it, I haven’t been to SM Aura – seems like a lot of new stuff are popping there – should make my visit soon.
When the mall first opened, there was really not a lot of restaurants here and you can only find Jollibee, KFC and McDonald’s aside from those in the food court. Now, SM Aura houses over 10 posh restaurants you can be happy about. π
The Kalamari Tiganito looks really yummy! Will definitely check them out when we drop by SM Aura! <3
That’s a classic. Sure. π
Yummy! I haven’t been to SM Aura yet but my sister has been convincing me to go with her. The restaurant looks nice and inviting but the food are a bit pricey.
If you’ve got room in the stomach and some extra cash in hand, this place can be totally worth a try.
Panalo ang interior!! I also love how they do the food presentation π
Yes, bonggacious. π
This would make Indonesia sounds like we don’t have much international food going on, but it’s kinda true (at least at the city where i’m living in, which is a metropolitan city, second biggest in Indonesia), i’ve never had Greek food before! And i just read your reply to my old comments, and no, we also do not have Philippines restaurants either (still talking about my city of course). We have plenty Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, Singapore, Thai, American, Italian restaurants and a handful of Mexican, Vietnam, etc. But not Greek and Philippines. Would love to try those out, especially because i’m a meat lover!
Oh wow! I’m excited for you to have a taste of Filipino and Greek foods. Both have strong flavors and both have plenty of recipes for meat lovers and vegetable lovers. If you ever find the chance, I suggest you try Filipino dishes first. Filipino food may be the best kept secret of Asia. It’s like a fusion of all the best flavors whose background is too ethnic, a hidden treasure whose bewildering ways are understandable only to a chosen few. π
There’s not a lot of Greek inspired restaurant here so I’d like to try this too and feel what it is like to eat like a Greek.
I’m starting to wonder what Greek eat on a regular basis. Do they eat mostly just their local food or are they like us who eat all sorts of food? Hmmm.
Your amazing photos along with the way you carefully word all your descriptions is making my stomach rumble. Which is exactly the response you want from a post like this π I love this post and will definitely be checking out more Greek food!
Thanks, Shelley-Marie! π Feedback like that from a reader makes me more inspired to write.
I haven’t had the chance to sample Greek cuisine so this may be a good place to start the experience.
These dishes are highly recommended. π
I know a friend who might want to try this one out. Would def drag her here. Hahahaha! π
Yeah try naman ibang cuisine kung may time. π
omg i like that Beef Souvlaki. must try!
It looks so good, right? You just have to try it yourself. π
The Paidakia and the Moussaka looks great!! I think they have a small branch at the Glorietta Food Choices, right?
Really? I don’t think so because they now only have two branches. ^_^
Whoah that Moussaka caught my eye and I want to try Baklava too! π
Those two would make a good pair for one seating. π
the only food I know here is the Baklava which is a favorite of a friend of mine. I love their interiors. too bad it’s too far from my place.
When you have to attend an event in SM Aura next time, then it’s a good chance to try Greeka Kouzina’s food. π