Relaxing and inviting terrace restaurant. Great authentic and flavourful greek food. Their tzatziki is the winner. If you're not sure what to have, the mezze platter where you choose 5 mezzes allows you to experience a wide range of what they have to offer. Also, a mezze platter is perfect to share between two people. Great local Greek getaway.
A well known Greek spot in the heart of Gardens! If you’re in the area and craving some Greek I’d highly recommend, typical restaurant setting nothing fancy, if you opt for the Giro it is massive and delicious!
I have been dying to try Marika’s for quite some time and finally got around to it. My initial impression of this restaurant was not good as we were greeted by a very unfriendly waitress.
The owner of the restaurant then took over our table, which completely shifted my view!
We ordered the lamb souvlaki and calamari - I must say that the calamari was really really good!
The overall atmosphere is relaxed, and the couple that own this restaurant are truly wonderful. They will do anything to ensure you are comfortable and happy. You could almost say you were having dinner at home!
Overall, it was a great evening out - but wouldn’t be back in too much of a hurry.
We had a wonderful meal here as part of a christening. The fact that we were with a Greek family made the experience even more worthwhile. The food was all served Meze style and was fantastic as was the ambience. We will definitely return.
Great family-style restaurant! Having this a stone's throw away from our house has really been a delight. We usually get the platter with haloumi, calamari, hummus, and then make up the rest with whatever we might fancy. The aubergine is also wonderful.
Great for a ladies night dinner!
We had a truly fantastic experience at Marika's last night. The service is slick and the vibe relaxed and friendly. And all staff exude the warm and genial spirit of greek hospitality. As for the food! Our meze platter was a smorgasbord of tastebud delight and our mains delicious. As good, if not better, than you'd get in a greek home. Indeed, with the well-priced bottle of fabulous Marika's Merlot, and a full moon rising over the terrace, we could've been on an Aegean island. A wonderful meal in all ways!
Scrambling to find a last minute reservation before seeing a show at the fugard theatre, Marika's was able to accommodate us. I'd passed the restaurant, situated above a 7/11 on buitenkant street, but never thought to visit because it does not look that great from the outside. But this is one of those 'do not judge a book by its cover' situations.
The service here stands out as really friendly , and you can tell that the staff are happy. While the interior may seem a bit haphazard with its mismatched side plates , it kind of adds to its rustic charm.
My boyfriend and I both ordered the lamb yiro, I chose the kritharaki (aka rice pasta/rissoni /orzo) , and my boyfriend chose wedges as a side. Our friend had the chicken yiro, with the Greek peasant salad that looked lovely with a generous amount of feta!
My yiro was really great. The lamb was not too fatty and it was a great big portion! My boyfriend's wedges... wow. Guys, these wedges are on point! I have never had crispier wedges ever. Not anywhere. My boyfriend did say he thought the wedges could have been cut smaller to have a better ratio of crisp to fluffy potato, which I feel is fair and valid. But wow, you will not be unhappy ordering these - I definitely stole a few from his plate while my kritharaki cooled down a bit. But not to feel as if I had gotten the short end of the proverbial stick when it came to sides, my kritaharaki , coated in the most delicious pomodoro sauce, was a winner too. Huge portion for a side (couldn't finish it myself) would definitely recommend it.
Somehow the boyfriend found room in his stomach for dessert and ordered baklava . I had a small taste and it was good. But I am not a huge baklava fan so it did not wow me personally, but he enjoyed it.
Only critiques are the following:
●table felt quite sticky even though I saw the waitress wipe it down -think they're just really old
●it is really windy and we were seated by the door so whenever anyone came in there would be this huge gust of wind which was quite disturbing and unpleasant. I would definitely ask to be seated away from the big glass doors when making a reservation.
We've been eyeing this place out on The Entertainer App and were so happy that we decided to try it! The gated entrance up some dark stairs outside a corner cafe may appear dodgy, but once you get inside, the happy vibe, friendly service and generous portions of greatgreekfood (one word!) is proof of the Mediterranean hospitality.
Decor is not the focus, although it certainly reminded us of similar rooftop restaurants in Athens.
It was a busy night and the kitchen got my order wrong, but the waitress' quick response and sincere apology smoothed it over.
Anyway, G's portion of Pork Ribs was big enough for him to let me nibble along while they corrected it. My Lamb Giro was enormous! I should've taken half of it home, but couldn't stop munching! What really impressed was the thin wrap around the delicious filling.
We look forward to going again soon, even of there is a colony of bergies sleeping opposite. This is Gardens, after all! ☺
Quaint venue , very good service , had the 5 starter special , we swapped the fried huloumi for grilled , big mistake as the fried was melt in your mouth , the grilled very average. We had the chicken , probably one of the smallest spatchcock I've seen , the lamb taste was excellent however very small portion. You must have starters if you are hungry
Best Greek food ever! Come hungry if you want the Giro (Greek wrap) or lamb burger (on pita). I tried the mousakka and it was the best I've ever tasted. The aubergine was cooked to perfection and that white sauce was out of this world. Then there is dessert. Halva ice cream all the way. Also very friendly service. Best to book as it gets busy.
We had a wonderful meal and evening here. The food was outstanding and the homely and friendly service superb. It is the perfect size restaurant to hire out for a private function. The deck outside has amazing views of Table Mountain. There is street parking in the area. As the restaurant is situated up a set of stairs, it is not wheelchair accessible.
Been here over the years at least 5-6 times now. Every time our food is delicious, authentic and the staff are always friendly. We always feel like the meals are truly "homely" and the portions are always generous. You can see that everyone involved loves the business.
Great selection of Greek food, share different mezes or choose from a solid selection of main courses. Portions are very generous, friendly staff in this cozy restaurant with the feeling of a family run business. Good ambience with nice open balcony outside. Remember to book a table. Great wine selection with budget sensitive options available. The owners care about their customers so you won't be disappointed.
What a lovely place. Pitched up for dinner in a stormy night so we couldn't sit outside with this amazing view to the ocean harbour and table mountain in a laid back small restaurant. Service is great and so is the food. I would only come back for the mussels. Best I ate so far. Owner also super friendly. Want a real neighbourhood spot? Go there.
Greek food with a different take to the usual offerings. Tasty generous and decorative presentation. Prices value for money in my opinion but I eat out often. Good service. Not sure if there is another option but its an upstairs venue. Street parking only. I would suggest the local eateries get regular car guards rather than leave patrons to run the gauntlet. Definitely worth a visit for a generous delightful Greek styled meals.
Laid back atmosphere, homely food, great view and friendly staff...
I've known this place from when it was in Camps Bay. Family run, proper home made Greek food. Sometimes service can be a bit slow but the wait is always worth it. Order any extra serving of feta to take home. Best!
Fantastic food great ambiance. Excellent service. Loved it
Food is amazing. Prices are great. Small cozy friendly atmosphere. As with any Mediterranean establishment I would not advise going if you don't like loud noises. We make noise and we like it like that. 😁
It was my first time to Marika's, and what a wonderful discovery for me it was! This is a place I want to be a regular at! The food is hearty and wonderfully executed. The halva ice-cream was magnificent!! It's a personal, small, intimate family Greek restaurant. Don't even try getting up there on a Friday night without reservation...we were just lucky. This is the city restaurant that would make me use Uber from the northern subs for!
Try their wine pairing days!!!
Something I will return to a LOT from now on.
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes