Located on the bustling 4th Avenue in Parkhurst, Kolonaki brings a playful, contemporary twist to classic Greek fare. Helmed by award-winning Chef Vassilios, whose culinary journey spans London, Greece, and South Africa the restaurant is a vibrant homage to Mediterranean meze culture with a creative flair.

Ambience & Hospitality

From the moment you step inside the heritage-style venue, the mood is immediately welcoming. Think moody lighting, soft Grecian textiles overhead, and a friendly team that treats you like part of the family. Whether you’re seated at a sunlit table or perched at the bar, the atmosphere encourages lingering over cocktails, plates, and laughter.

What I Ate

Charcoal-Grilled Skinny Lamb Chops (Paidakia)

Served 500 g or 1 kg, these lamb chops arrive beautifully charred and seasoned with lemon and oregano, accompanied by crisp chips and creamy tahini. Each chop delivered juicy tenderness with just the right char earthy, herbal, and utterly memorable.

Kolonaki Calamari

This standout dish features deep-fried calamari with tirosalata (whipped feta), a hint of chilli flakes, and cooling Greek yoghurt. The calamari itself was light and tender no rubbery chew with a tangy, creamy dip that truly elevated every bite.

Halloumi Chips

A generous plate of tempura-fried halloumi chips, served alongside avocado tzatziki, honey, mint, and yoghurt. Crispy on the outside, delectably gooey within this was comfort food turned gourmet.

Meze & More

Kolonaki shines in its meze philosophy designed for sharing. The dips (hummus, beetroot hummus, tzatziki, tirosalata) are vibrant and packed with flavour Other gems include:

• Lamb kofta: spiced lamb mince with hummus and tahini

• Prawns kataifi: wrapped in crispy kataifi pastry with yoghurt

• Grilled bifteiki: cumin-scented lamb mince patties with tzatziki

Service & Experience

Service was professional yet personal—our waiter guided us through dishes when we admitted we didn’t speak Greek. It added a layer of comfort to an already warm dining experience. Cocktails and wine poured steadily, making this ideal for long, unrushed meals.

Verdict

Kolonaki delivers a lively slice of Greek meze dining in the heart of Jozi. Each dish whether seafood, meat or cheese was thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented. The standout lamb chops and calamari prove the charcoal grill is in expert hands, and the halloumi chips were downright addictive.

If you’re after a relaxed evening of sharing plates, good wine, and great company, Kolonaki should be near the top of your list.