The Real Greek

The Real Greek brings the UK’s best-known group of Greek and Eastern Mediterranean restaurants to the heart of Bournemouth, occupying a generous two-floor site on Exeter Crescent within the BH2 leisure complex. The chain built its name on authentic, generous taverna cooking — sharing plates, chargrilled skewers and a genuinely extensive vegan offering — and this branch delivers all of it just a few steps from the Lower Gardens and the seafront.

The food

Meze is the heart of the menu. You start with cold plates such as creamy taramasalata — made daily using naturally undyed cod roe — houmous, tzatziki and dolmades, then move on to hot meze including Greek moussaka, dolmades, falafel and grilled halloumi. The souvlaki is the signature: skewers of chicken, pork belly, lamb, halloumi or mushroom, marinated in herbs, sea salt and olive oil, chargrilled and finished with a spritz of lemon. There are warm flatbread gyros wraps, crisp salads, sides and Greek desserts to finish. The format is designed for sharing, so a table of dishes brought out together is very much the idea. Set and lunch menus are offered too, giving a fixed number of plates per person — worth a look on the current menu, along with any seasonal changes.

The setting

The space is designed to transport you to Greece, with the chain describing it as “memories of Santorini and sea air in the heart of Bournemouth.” Across two floors it feels like a proper taverna: relaxed, sociable and holiday-inspired rather than hushed and formal. The highlight is the first-floor Taratsa — an outdoor terrace serving the full menu in a laid-back, Greek-island style, overlooking the gardens directly outside. On a warm day, with a glass of something cold as the light fades, it’s one of the nicer al fresco spots in the town centre. It can get busy and loud when full, and tables are set fairly close together, so it leans lively rather than intimate.

Where it is

You’ll find it on Exeter Crescent, at the entrance to Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, with the terrace looking out over the greenery that runs down towards the pier and beach. The town centre, the Square and the pedestrianised shops are all a short stroll away, and Bournemouth train station is close by too. That central position makes it easy to fold into a day out — a wander through the gardens, some shopping or an afternoon on the sand, rounded off with dinner here.

Good to know

Dietary needs are well catered for: there’s a dedicated vegan menu alongside clearly marked vegetarian and gluten-free choices, plus lighter options for those watching what they eat. A kids’ menu makes it workable for families, and staff have a good reputation for accommodating requests. Booking is sensible, particularly at weekends and for larger groups, and can be done through the restaurant’s own site. If you’d rather eat at home, takeaway and delivery are available via the usual apps. For the latest menu, opening hours, set-menu prices and any current offers, check with the restaurant directly.

If you’re planning where to eat, browse more of our food & drink guide and our roundup of Bournemouth restaurants to pair a meal here with the rest of a day by the coast.

The Real Greek good to know

What food does The Real Greek serve?

The Real Greek serves Greek and Eastern Mediterranean food built around sharing — cold and hot meze such as taramasalata, dolmades and moussaka, chargrilled souvlaki skewers and gyros wraps, plus salads, sides and desserts. Check the restaurant's current menu for the full range and any set-menu deals.

Where is The Real Greek in Bournemouth?

It's on Exeter Crescent, in the BH2 leisure complex beside Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, with the town centre, the Square and the seafront all within an easy walk. You'll find it plotted on our interactive map of Bournemouth, Dorset.

Is The Real Greek good for families and groups?

Yes. It's a spacious two-floor restaurant with a kids' menu, and the sharing-plates format suits groups and celebrations well. It can get lively and noisy at busy times, so booking ahead is wise for larger parties — check the restaurant's website.

Does The Real Greek have vegan and gluten-free options?

Yes. Greek cooking lends itself to plant-based eating, and The Real Greek has a dedicated vegan menu alongside vegetarian and gluten-free choices, with dishes marked accordingly. Menus change, so review the latest one or mention any dietary needs to the team when you book.

Do you need to book a table at The Real Greek?

Booking is recommended, especially at weekends, in the evenings and for bigger groups, though walk-ins are often possible when it's quiet. Reserve through the restaurant's own website or booking system, and check there for the current opening hours before you travel.

Is there parking near The Real Greek?

There's no dedicated car park, but this is a central location with several town-centre car parks and on-street bays nearby, plus Bournemouth train station a short walk away. Check current parking options and charges before you set off.