When we think of Greek cuisine, desserts don’t always steal the spotlight. With icons like Greek salad and lamb moussaka leading the way, the sweet ending is often overlooked. But in Greece, dessert tells its own quiet story – one of patience and craft.

From syrup-soaked cakes to honeyed bites shared over coffee, Greek desserts are designed to be lingered over. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Athens or settling in for a relaxed evening at our South Kensington restaurant , these five Greek desserts are worth making time for.

1. Portokalopita

Best enjoyed slowly with a coffee in hand, Portokalopita is a traditional Greek cake made with layers of filo pastry rather than flour. Oranges, a staple in Greek cuisine, lend their sweetness to this dish, which should always be served the day after making, to allow the cake to become an impossibly soft – and rich – treat. At Myrtos by Asimakis, we serve our Portokalopita with Kaimaki Ice Cream, known for its herbal notes and gently elastic texture.

2. Loukoumades

Often described as Greek donuts, Loukoumades are small, deep-fried balls of dough – crisp on the outside, light on the inside. Originating from the Arabic word luqma, meaning morsel or bite-sized, Loukoumades can be found in a number of different countries, each with its own interpretation. At Myrtos London, they’re finished with thyme honey, crushed walnuts and Ceylon cinnamon for an added touch.

3. Feta Cheesecake

While most cheesecakes are prepared using cream cheese or mascarpone, a feta-based version is surprisingly light and fresh, reflecting the character of the much-loved cheese. Ours is served only on a Sunday with cherry spoon sweet, fruit preserved in a sugar syrup, traditionally offered as an accompaniment to coffee, ice cream or yoghurt. The sweetness works against the tang of the feta, making this cheesecake a balanced end to the meal.

4. Kataifi Chocolate Mousse

This dessert is defined by the contrast between crisp shredded kataifi pastry – made from fine strands of filo – and a light, creamy mousse, often enriched with nut-based flavours. Our take centres on pistachio, paired with ice cream infused with Metaxa, the Greek amber spirit, bringing smooth notes of brandy, Muscat wine and subtle Mediterranean botanicals.

5. Greek Cheese Trolley

While cheese might not technically be a dessert, we think it’s the perfect ending to any meal. Cheese has long held a revered place in Greek culture, so much so that in ancient times it was watched over by its own god, Aristaios, son of Apollo. But beyond feta, Greece’s cheesemaking heritage is vast. Our Greek cheese trolley showcases a rotating selection, from smoked gais to mizithra. Served with olive stick bread and our cherry spoon sweet, this is a Myrtos take on a classic.

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