HERA

Hera - the Queen of Olympus and the Greek goddess of marriage, family, and women - the inspiration behind this Greek restaurant in Stratford.It's quite an interesting choice, as at first glance, the restaurant doesn't really feel like a family-oriented place. Instead, it's elegant, contemporary, and beautifully designed, with an atmosphere that feels more suited to sophisticated diners and business lunches than family gatherings. That said, there is a kids' menu on offer, so it turns out families are very much catered for too - just perhaps not in the way the decor first suggests.To me, Hera here represents the goddess of a beautiful dinner or a leisurely brunch with friends rather than the guardian of the family hearth.The restaurant is incredibly welcoming. In summer, the spacious terrace with its refreshing breeze makes it an ideal place to relax, while inside, the contemporary interior, soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and abundance of natural light create a calm and inviting atmosphere.Now, onto the food."Grilled Octopus" - served with fava beans and pico de gallo. A well-balanced dish with tender octopus and fresh, vibrant flavours."Yellowfin Tuna" - thinly sliced raw yellowfin tuna dressed with mandarin ponzu. Fresh, delicate, and beautifully refreshing. "Moussaka" - aubergine, mushroom ragù, potato, béchamel sauce, and Graviera cheese. Freshly made and served piping hot, it left nothing but a great impression."Charcoal Chicken Skewer" - chicken skewer in a honey mustard marinade. It was slightly on the dry side, although I think that's more to do with the particular cut of chicken than the cooking itself.For dessert, I chose the "Ekmek Kataifi" - layers of crispy kataifi pastry with pistachios and custard cream. Fair warning: this dessert is dense and deliciously rich, so one is easily enough for two after a big meal.I'd happily recommend this place 100%.