Explore Mediterranean cuisine in Camberwell

Combining the flavours from southern Europe, including Italian and Greek, Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for its hero ingredients: olive oil, bread, pasta, and wine.

When in Rome

Did you know that Italians are said to eat 23kg of pasta on average every year?

With so many different types of pasta to choose from, it’s no wonder that this simple but delicious ingredient has remained a crowd favourite for generations.

Pasta dishes and other Italian cuisine have an enormous fan base, not only at home but also around the world, thanks to their rich and moreish flavours that leave you wanting for more.

Italian dishes are famous for their simplicity and focus on the freshness and quality of the ingredients rather than how they are prepared.

The cuisine has been developed over centuries, resulting in a diversity of culinary styles and flavours depending on their origins throughout the Italian Peninsula.

The different regions hold their own specialities and typically reflect their geography and climates, whether they are close to mountains, the sea, or bordering countries like France or Austria.

To the north, there is said to be a greater focus on fish, potatoes, rice, corn, sausages, pork and cheese, while tomatoes, olives, garlic, eggplants and certain types of oily fish are more popular down south.

For a taste of Italy, try woodfired pizzas, creamy risottos, roasted meats, and freshly prepared seafood, as well as sweet treats like tiramisu and affogato.

For something local, treat yourself to a pizza diavola, homemade gnocchi served with braised lamb ragu, or a mushroom risotto complete with truffle and provolone.

Buon appetito!

Greek flavours

Hailing from one of the most ancient civilisations on earth, Greek cuisine is all about culture, comfort and life.

Greece’s culinary heritage dates back some 4,000 years and was built on a simple diet of bread, wine and olive oil.

However, the flavours and ingredients in Greek cooking were influenced by new empires over time, with traditional dishes such as tzatziki, börek, and moussaka drawing from Arabic, Persian, and Turkish cooking.

This culinary category draws on olives, olive oil, lemons, oregano, garlic, and more to flavour its many sumptuous dishes.

The country is well-known for its popular cheeses like feta, kefalotyri and manouri, as well as tart and creamy Greek yoghurt made from cow’s or sheep’s milk.

Greek cooking has traditionally featured more lamb and goat rather than beef since sheep and goats fared better in Greece’s terrain and climate.

With its focus on fresh vegetables, lean meats, fish and olive oil, Greek food is considered a healthy diet that is especially good for heart health.

For a truly Greek experience, you should sample the flavours of moussaka — a rich dish made of layers of lamb and eggplant, covered in béchamel sauce and cheese.

Filo pastry plays a big part in Greek cuisine, so make sure you try the sweet and flaky baklava and some spanakopita, which is a classic spinach and feta pie.

Mezes, which are small plates of salads, dips, and pita bread are also a feature of the cuisine, and don’t pass up the chance to try dolmades, souvlaki, and gyros.

 

Find Mediterranean and European cuisine in Camberwell