Eat & Drink
International
Mediterranean - Greek
Restaurant
Restaurant function & party areas

Eraina Taverna (Cambridge)

Details
- SERVICE
  - exclnt
    
    85%
  - good
    
    9%
  - fair
    
    3%
  - poor
    
    0%
  - terrible
    
    0%
- FOOD
  - exclnt
    
    67%
  - good
    
    25%
  - fair
    
    4%
  - poor
    
    1%
  - terrible
    
    0%
- ATMOSPHERE
  - exclnt
    
    63%
  - good
    
    30%
  - fair
    
    4%
  - poor
    
    0%
  - terrible
    
    0%
- VALUE
  - exclnt
    
    72%
  - good
    
    22%
  - fair
    
    5%
  - poor
    
    0%
  - terrible
    
    0%
73 Reviews
Add Bookmark

Add a Review

Useful

What we thought

From the first glimpse of the homely windows bulging with house plants and a chock-a-block blackboard menu, the Eraina Taverna fills up the senses. It is nudged into the corner where Free School Lane meets Bene't Street, a step away from Kings Parade; you'd be forgiven for overlooking the restaurant, but let your eyes rest on the menu and you'll see that a world of flavours awaits you inside.

Beyond the

The menu certainly gives the air of something passed down through generations. Its closely hand written descriptions range over dishes that must have been introduced by each successive chef

door is a cosy, dimly lit restaurant that harks back to its Greek origins. Ancient mythical characters adorn the walls in silhouetted designs along with various knickknacks, and traditional Greek music floats through the room. Smiling, a waiter quickly shows us to a table by the window and leaves us to make our choices from the menu.

Choosing from the menu is no simple task. In fact it takes a long look to take in all the myriad dishes and snippets of information on offer. A glimpse to the top right introduces the restaurant's history, declaring:

"Welcome - we take considerable pride in carrying on what my uncle, Tony Polyviou, started in this Taverna: bringing you the widest choice of freshly-cooked food to be found in all of Cambridge!"

The menu certainly gives the air of something passed down through generations. Its closely hand written descriptions range over dishes that must have been introduced by each successive chef. Many traditional Greek dishes are featured - taramasalata, kebabs, several lamb dishes and meatballs to name just a few - but you can also choose from 'Beef Chinoise' (strips of roast beef with soy sauce), mixed grill, chicken in a Czech-style sauce, risottos, pizzas, and a good selection of curries thanks to their current Bangladeshi chef.

Unable to select from such a vast range, we ask the waiter for his recommendation. He suggests traditional Greek Sousoukakia - spicy meatballs - and from the Indian dishes, Bhuna chicken. Soon these arrive, and with many additions. The meatballs - satisfyingly meaty and mildly spiced without too much fat - arrive not only on a bed of rice but with a pile of chips and frozen vegetables tucked on the side. The same goes for the curry. A generous portion of chicken in a well-spiced thick sauce on rice is accompanied by chips and vegetables, and between us is placed a plate of Greek salad - juicy tomatoes and feta cheese. Delightful as these additions are, they could be spared as the flavours and portions of the main dishes are quite satisfying enough on their own.

Having overlooked the side dishes, we lingered over a rich and fruity red wine until deciding on sweet, thick Greek coffee to complete the evening. Despite a happy buzz of diners - a mixture of students and devoted regulars - there was no pressure to hurry our meal, and when we finally asked for the bill it was refreshingly small for the generous portions we had been served. Though not exquisite cuisine, the Eraina Taverna provides a cosy, unhurried and wholesome evening which won't break the bank.

Close Content

T. P 1 Reviews
April 28th 2013

Review posted by T. P

We came here for my birthday meal as we have eaten here before. Love the jug of water that comes without having to ask. Thank you. We come here some years ago and unlike other restaurants which can vary in quality, Taverna continues to give excellent value, fresh food in a excellent atmosphere. Dont tell too many other people it will become too busy. Its a superb restaurant.
More
- Was this review helpful? YES
- Problem with this review?

Michael D 1 Reviews
April 28th 2013

Review posted by Michael D

Excellent value for money, highly recommended.
More
- Was this review helpful? YES
- Problem with this review?

Gill H 1 Reviews
April 28th 2013

Review posted by Gill H

Really enjoyed our lunch. The perfect pick me up. Only recommendation would be that the meze are buy 3 get a fouth free.
More
- Was this review helpful? YES
- Problem with this review?

Craie C 1 Reviews
April 28th 2013

Review posted by Craie C

A very nice place to eat in the place of Cambridge.
More
- Was this review helpful? YES
- Problem with this review?

Carole S 1 Reviews
April 28th 2013

Review posted by Carole S

Thank you, lovely food.
More
- Was this review helpful? YES
- Problem with this review?

Jenny M 1 Reviews
April 28th 2013

Review posted by Jenny M

Outstanding ! Good food, good service, friendly !!
More
- Was this review helpful? YES
- Problem with this review?

Alex P 1 Reviews
April 28th 2013

Review posted by Alex P

Very very nice. See you again soon.
More
- Was this review helpful? YES
- Problem with this review?

Mary Cary F 1 Reviews
April 28th 2013

Review posted by Mary Cary F

Very friendly staff.
More
- Was this review helpful? YES
- Problem with this review?

Tracy S 1 Reviews
April 27th 2013

Review posted by Tracy S

Have been eating here for 25 years - always fantastic.
More
- Was this review helpful? YES
- Problem with this review?

St. P 1 Reviews
April 27th 2013

Review posted by St. P

Thank you very much for fish and chips.
More
- Was this review helpful? YES
- Problem with this review?

More reviews

2 Free School Lane,

Cambridge
CB2 3QA

Minimum disabled access,
parking nearby

Price Ranges

Starters £2.50-£4.25
Mains £6.95-£14.95
Dessert £2.95

Opening times

Sun: 12:00-23:00
Mon - Fri: 12:00-14:30, 17:30-23:30
Sat: 12:00-23:30

Menus

Main menu

Party menu

Bulletin board

May bank holiday opening hours

We will be open this Bank Holiday Monday, so come down and ...

Still open - despite the scaffolding!

Don't let the scaffolding put you off - we're just having a...

Liqueur Coffees for £3.95

Enjoy one of Eraina Taverna's special Liqueur Coffees:IRISH...

Great Party Menu from Eraina Taverna!

Bring a party of 9 or more people to dine at Eranina Tavern...

Grab your FREE Greek salad when ordering a main course at Eraina Taverna in Cambridge

Everybody's favourite Greek and international restaurant res...

£6.95 Lunch Menu at the Eraina Taverna on Free School Lane

Includes two courses and coffee!Available for 6.95 the Lunc...

Eat & Drink

International

Mediterranean - Greek

Restaurant

Restaurant function & party areas

Eraina Taverna (Cambridge)

What we thought

The menu certainly gives the air of something passed down through generations. Its closely hand written descriptions range over dishes that must have been introduced by each successive chef

April 28th 2013

April 28th 2013

April 28th 2013

April 28th 2013

April 28th 2013

April 28th 2013

April 28th 2013

April 28th 2013

April 27th 2013

April 27th 2013

2 Free School Lane,

Eraina Taverna Cambridge Restaurant Mediterranean - Greek,International