Summer Pairings at Myrtos: The Art of Sharing Food, Wine and Conversation
From crisp Greek whites served alongside the freshest seafood to refreshing cocktails enjoyed over mezze, the right pairing has the power to transform a meal. At Myrtos, every wine and cocktail has been carefully chosen to complement Myrtos’ contemporary Greek menu, celebrating the flavours, landscapes and traditions that have shaped Mediterranean dining for generations.
In Greece, food and drink have always been enjoyed together. Meals unfold slowly, with dishes shared across the table, glasses refilled and conversation lingering long after the final course. Inspired by this tradition, our menus invite guests to savour every moment, whether it’s a leisurely summer lunch, an aperitif before dinner or an evening spent discovering the harmony between exceptional food and thoughtfully selected wines.
In this journal, we explore some of our favourite summer pairings, from indigenous Greek wines and seasonal seafood to signature cocktails and sharing plates, and how they come together to capture the warmth of Greek hospitality in the heart of South Kensington.
A Celebration of Greek Wine
Greece is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing countries, yet many of its most remarkable grape varieties remain a hidden gem for wine lovers. At Myrtos, our wine list invites guests to explore this rich diversity, showcasing indigenous varieties from celebrated regions across the country, from the volcanic vineyards of Santorini to the rolling hills of the Peloponnese and the Ionian island of Kefalonia.
From the mineral freshness of Assyrtiko to the floral elegance of Moschofilero and the aromatic character of Malagouzia, these indigenous varieties reveal the breadth and elegance of modern Greek winemaking.
White Wines and Summer Seafood
Fresh seafood and crisp white wine have always been natural companions.
One of Greece’s most celebrated grape varieties, Assyrtiko, is renowned for its vibrant acidity and distinctive mineral character. It pairs beautifully with seafood, allowing delicate flavours to shine while complementing citrus, herbs and extra virgin olive oil. Our grilled octopus, served with flamed green beans and fermented savoy cabbage, is a wonderful example. The smoky notes of the octopus are lifted by a bright, mineral white wine, creating a pairing that feels truly balanced.
For lighter dishes such as our pink bream or seabass crudo, dressed simply with orange, extra virgin olive oil and hand-picked Afrala salt, aromatic Greek varieties such as Moschofilero offer freshness and delicate floral notes without overwhelming the fish.
Like the dishes themselves, the best pairings don’t overpower – they bring balance, allowing the freshness of the seafood, the brightness of citrus and the character of each wine to shine together.
Rosé: Made for Long Summer Lunches
Few wines capture the feeling of summer quite like a chilled glass of rosé. Elegant, refreshing and remarkably versatile, rosé bridges the gap between seafood, vegetables and lighter meat dishes, making it one of the most enjoyable choices for sharing several courses.
Our Greek rosé selection includes our House Rosé from Evia alongside bottles such as Principessa from the Peloponnese and Skouras Cuvée Prestige Rosé, each offering its own expression of the Greek landscape.
Rosé pairs beautifully with many of our seasonal dishes, from a vibrant Greek salad to Hortopita, our crisp phyllo pie filled with wild Greek greens and feta. It also complements the rich tomato and feta flavours of our prawns saganaki, offering freshness that balances every bite.
Beginning the Evening with a Cocktail
Alongside our wine list, our signature cocktails offer another way to explore the flavours of Greece. Developed in collaboration with Line, the acclaimed Athens bar renowned for its creativity and craftsmanship, our cocktail menu celebrates Greek spirits, seasonal produce and contemporary techniques.
For summer evenings, the Limoncello Spritz offers bright citrus notes layered with elderflower, chamomile and tonic, while the Orange Blossom Collins combines mastiha spirit with white peach, lavender and jasmine soda for a refreshing Mediterranean twist. For a more savoury serve, the Mediterranean Martini balances Kalamata olive and lemon thyme with Mediterranean gin and dry vermouth.
Enjoyed alongside warm pita, freshly baked sourdough and a selection of our house dips – think silky taramosalata, smoky melitzanosalata and whipped tirokafteri – it’s a relaxed way to begin an evening with friends.
The Joy of Sharing
One of the defining features of Greek dining is that no single dish takes centre stage. Instead, the table gradually fills with colourful plates, each offering a different flavour, texture and story. Sharing encourages conversation, curiosity and discovery, creating opportunities to enjoy different wines and pairings as the meal unfolds.
You might begin by sharing Theodore’s tiropita and dolmadakia alongside Limoncello Spritzes, before moving on to a glass of Malagouzia with our poached cod fillet. As the table fills with more dishes, a bottle of Vallianatos ‘Aposperitis’ from Kefalonia or a Xinomavro from Naousa is passed around just as naturally, accompanying our traditional lamb moussaka or a whole Kefalonian organic sea bass, baked in salt and finished with extra virgin olive oil and lemon. It’s a style of dining that celebrates sharing – not only plates, but wines, stories and the simple pleasure of discovering new flavours together.
Dining Al Fresco, the Mediterranean Way
As the days grow longer, there’s no better way to enjoy the season than dining al fresco. A chilled glass of Greek wine, a table filled with dishes to share and the warmth of a summer evening are at the heart of the Mediterranean way of life.
That same spirit comes to life on the Myrtos terrace. Settle in with a refreshing cocktail, explore a bottle from our Greek wine collection and enjoy seasonal dishes designed for sharing. Whether you’re escaping the city for a relaxed lunch or gathering with friends on a warm summer evening, it’s an invitation to savour the season, one course and one glass at a time.
Gather Around the Table
The perfect pairing isn’t simply about matching a wine to a dish. It’s about the atmosphere that surrounds it: friends passing plates across the table, discovering a new bottle together and taking the time to savour every course.
That’s the experience we hope to create at Myrtos. From indigenous Greek wines and signature cocktails to seasonal dishes, every element of the menu has been designed to be enjoyed together.
Whether you’re joining us on the terrace for a leisurely lunch or gathering with friends for a long summer evening, we invite you to discover your own favourite pairings and embrace the slower rhythm of Mediterranean dining.
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