Since its inception in 1993, Parea Greek Taverna has etched its name as an iconic Greek restaurant, drawing in diners with its authentic flavours and warm hospitality.

We had the privilege of chatting to Alexander Nikitidis, one of the passionate owners who pours his heart and soul into every aspect of the restaurant, about the restaurant’s celebrated dishes, the recent opening of their new Linden branch and the inspiring story behind this family-owned restaurant’s success, tracing its path from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved restaurant among locals and visitors alike.

Tell us about the beginning of Parea Greek Taverna. When did you open and who is the team behind it?

The restaurant opened its doors in the year 1993, and it has been proudly owned and operated by my parents, Niko and Evthimia Nikitidis, and myself, their son. The Linden branch just opened in April 2023.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Parea Taverna (@pareataverna)

What is the restaurant best known for?

Parea is best known for its mouth-watering whole line fish, grilled to perfection on an open flame. We’re also famous for our meze dishes, which are the perfect way to explore the diverse flavours of the Greek cuisine in a communal and interactive setting. Let us not forget our wraps, featuring tender beef or chicken yiros, including souvlakia in pita, which has also become a local favourite.

Parea is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, generous hospitality, and diverse menu, but it’s the restaurant’s signature dishes, including its whole line fish and meze selections, that truly make it a standout in the Greek culinary scene.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Parea Taverna (@pareataverna)

What has the journey for the team been like since opening?

From the early days of the restaurant to the present, the Parea team has faced many challenges, but our unwavering passion for great food and hospitality has seen us through.
Since its opening, Parea Greek Taverna has grown from a small family-run restaurant to a beloved institution in the community, thanks to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our team.

What do you think has made the restaurant so successful after so many years?

The secret to our success has been our unwavering commitment to using only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in every dish. We believe that our dedication to offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, paired with attentive and personalised service, has been instrumental in the restaurant’s continued success.

Also, our success is also due in large part to the support and loyalty of our local community, who have made the restaurant a beloved institution in the area. The success is ultimately the result of our passion for Greek cuisine and our commitment to sharing that passion with our customers through every dish, every interaction, and every moment spent in the restaurant.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Parea Taverna (@pareataverna)

You recently opened a new branch in Linden. Please tell us about your decision to expand and how you aim to recreate the essence of the original location.

Expanding our first restaurant was a natural progression driven by our commitment to sharing the authentic Greek dining experience with even more people. When deciding on the expansion, we sought a location that would complement and honour the legacy of our original Parea restaurant in Illovo. Linden, with its vibrant community and a growing appreciation for diverse culinary experiences, stood out as an ideal choice.

While our new shop in Linden features a more modern design inspired by the vibrant Greek dining scene in Thessaloniki, we remain committed to preserving the authenticity and quality of our menu, our goal is to recreate the same exceptional dining experience, ensuring that our loyal customers in Illovo and newcomers in Linden can enjoy our almost identical menu of high-quality, traditional Greek dishes which has been the cornerstone of our success in Illovo.

Do you have a delicious memory of Parea Taverna you’d like to share with us? Tell us all about it in the comments section.