There’s a quiet hum of anticipation as you walk into HERA Stratford, the kind that tells you you’ve stepped somewhere a little special. Named after the Greek goddess of women and family, HERA feels exactly that: warm, elegant, and instantly embracing. It’s the kind of restaurant where the light lingers long past sunset, where the clink of glasses and soft chatter make even a weekday evening feel celebratory.

The venue itself is a masterclass in balance. A wide, industrial space softened with burnt amber velvet sofas and large wicker-style chairs, the interior is both grounding and glamorous. Halo chandeliers and balloon-like pendant lights float above the room, their glow reflecting off dark marble and copper accents. A living wall and a towering indoor tree bring nature into the mix, offsetting the sleek lines with a softness that invites you to exhale and rest a moment. Despite its impressive 200-seat capacity, the room doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s surprisingly airy but intimate, refined yet relaxed.

A sprawling bar commands attention at the entrance, its shelves lined with an enviable array of wines and spirits that set the tone for what’s to come. The cocktail list alone is worth lingering over: a collection of signature serves that reinterpret Mediterranean flavours through a modern lens.

My choice, The Muses Kiss, a blend of rum, coconut, chocolate, pineapple, almond, and milk. An elegant riff on a piña colada, rich but not cloying, creamy yet refreshing. Each sip feels like a whisper of sun on your skin: tropical, smooth, and just decadent enough to count as dessert in a glass. It’s a clever drink, one that sits comfortably beside HERA’s food, indulgent, yet perfectly balanced.

I let the muses sway me to a more decadent drink over something a little more out of my comfort zone. The Arriani. Feta Gin, Greek Yoghurt and Fig Cordial. The reason? The tang. With the dishes being a strong greek led menu, you can expect the saltiness level to already be rocking high, and I needed some sweetness to get me through the meal. I don’t regret my choice though, however, next time I’ll be a little braver.

The menu reads like a love letter to modern Greek cuisine, elevated, generous, and deeply rooted in tradition. Designed for sharing, it champions the kind of food that’s as hospitable as it is flavourful. Starters arrive with a flourish: warm homemade bread and pitta, soft and pillowy, drizzled with golden olive oil and finished with flakes of sea salt. A reminder, if ever one was needed, that simple done well is unbeatable. Alongside, a dish of wafer-thin fried courgette, crisp, light, and perfectly salted, which disappears faster than expected, dunked greedily into bowls of cooling tzatziki. And then there’s the hummus, thick and silky, rich with tahini and brightened with a swirl of chilli oil that brings warmth without overwhelm.

Next up: the Truffle Burrata. It’s a dish that oozes indulgence — literally. The burrata, undescribably creamy, collapses gently at the touch of a fork, spilling across the plate to mingle with roasted figs, slivers of truffle, caramelised nuts, and peppery rocket. The drizzle of balsamic adds tang, the figs bring gentle sweetness, and the truffle, wisely used with restraint, lends depth without dominance. It’s a study in harmony, autumnal, elegant, and quietly luxury.

For the main, I couldn’t resist the Lamb Chops. Grilled to a perfect pink, they’re tender and fragrant with rosemary, the fat beautifully rendered, the char delivering a hit of smoky satisfaction. On the side, feta-topped fries. A stroke of genius. Hot, crisp, and showered in salty, tangy cheese, they’re as addictive as they sound and something I have been dreaming about every day since I left. Paired with a light Greek red, the combination sings. It’s hearty and homely, but executed with a finesse that would make even the gods pause for a taste.

There’s plenty more to tempt on the a la carte, from grilled halloumi with peaches to black seafood tagliolini and prawn saganaki, each plate designed to bring a little of the Mediterranean sun to East London. For those who prefer to sample widely, there are two set menus (£55 and £60 per person) encouraging diners to feast the Greek way.

Dessert continues the story of tradition reimagined. The Baklava Ice Cream is a triumph: layers of vanilla ice cream interspersed with shards of crisp phyllo pastry, crushed pistachios, and warmed honey that drizzles down like liquid gold. As it hits the cold ice cream, the honey sets slightly, creating shards of chewy caramelised sweetness. Every bite is a dance of texture, smooth, crunchy, creamy, nutty, with cinnamon lingering warmly on the finish.

Beyond the food, HERA’s atmosphere is what elevates it from a good meal to an experience. The staff are effortlessly hospitable, knowledgeable, warm, and clearly passionate about what they serve. That feeling extends into their monthly Greek Nights, a highlight that transforms the space into a celebration of food, music, and joy. Dancers, live musicians, and the occasional plate smash keep spirits high and glasses full. It’s easy to see why it’s become one of Stratford’s most talked-about nights out.

Between the happy hour terrace, weekday lunch menu, and an ever-expanding selection of dishes from Head Chef Mario Selimis, HERA is quietly redefining what modern Greek dining in London looks like. Authentic yet inventive, luxurious but never pretentious, it’s a restaurant that invites you to slow down, share, and savour.

And as I finished my final spoonful of that honey coated ice cream, I couldn’t help but think, even the goddess herself would approve; I for one, was treated like one.

HERA Stratford: Where Greek Tradition Meets Modern Indulgence

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