Akropolis in Southend-on-Sea

Good Authentic food great service and friendly staff, we went on a Monday before theatre so no live music but a full resturant

Was here on Saturday night 19/10/2024 with my great friend. The atmosphere was wonderful and the staff were fantastic and the food was just to die for. Thank you so so much for making our time there relaxing and so enjoyable. This place truly is a hidden gem. Thank you.

Been here many times over the years and always had a good dinner. Service is great even on busy nights.

We came across this gem of a restaurant in Westcliffe on sea on Saturday night after a local said the food was lovely there. We entered the lively restaurant with our family and were immediately greeted and welcomed in. The waiter made a table for us (2 adults and 3 teenagers) with no bother. Our waiter attended to us and gave the teenagers a run for their money with ordering the food, lovely engagement with them. We chose not to have starters as we tend not to eat our main. The meat was cooked to perfection and we all enjoyed the ‘normal’ portions as opposed to the usual large plates that defeat before we start. The service was impeccable and the food lovely.. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back!!

Excellent Greek food in a cosy (maybe too cosy?) restaurant. Prices were around where I would expect. Portion sizes on the mains was excellent, and reasonable on the starters. All the food was delicious. Drinks prices on soft drinks were a bit high. Parking nearby is very limited and busy when shows are on at the local theatre!

Firstly the ambiance of the restaurant is wonderful, with a real Greek feel. Secondly the food is outstanding - some of the best Greek food I have ever had. Thirdly George - the owner - is so hospitable and friendly - thank you for the excellent food and service. See you soon!

Delicious food and really fast service (as requested because we had a show!)

Visited for the first time last night. Food authentic and delicious. Big portions and all tasted of top quality ingredients Staff fantastic. Will be back.

Brilliant little restaurant with delicious food.

Great food in pleasant surroundings, very reasonable

The best authentic Greek food, great service and prices

Excellent night. Food amazing. Service friendly . Thank you

Lovely restaurant and nice staff. Food was excellent and served quickly.

Lovely food at a reasonable price, excellent service.

We went for a pre-theatre dinner at 5.30pm on a Saturday night. It was busy when we walked in, so I was glad we had booked. The staff were friendly and efficient and it was noticeably family friendly. The food was delicious - and very reasonably priced. We are visitors to Southend, so not likely to return soon but will definitely be recommending it to my daughter and family who lives nearby!

Had a lovely meal last night was our 20th anniversary and could not of chosen better. Have not been there for quite a few years but will be back again

The staff excellent, the food tasty and healthy portions,and a great atmosphere definitely will return

Excellent food and service. When they say a "hunk of lamb", they certainly mean it. And so tender! We also had a couple of starters that were a good size for smaller appetites and the baklava dessert was more than enough. The service is very friendly and attentive. I would definitely go again if I could.

Another excellent meal, thanks. Good food and friendly, professional service in a relaxing environment.

This restaurant is stunning. The food is so delicious and I would highly recommend. Had the stuffed peppers. Hummus and pitta and a sundae for dessert. Full of flavour and good portion size. Friendly staff!

I wanted to book somewhere close to Cliff’s Pavillion and thought we’d give this place a try. The service was excellent as was the food, all freshly prepared…and the house rose was wonderful. I would highly recommend this lovely restaurant and we will definitely return.

Lovely food, fantastic service, good price, I would not hesitate to recommend this place

Friendly welcome when we arrived. Attentive but not intrusive service. We ordered Meze and the food came at a perfect pace. All food was amazing, and plenty of it. It was a wonderful introduction to Greek cuisine and was well worth the very reasonable cost. Will not hesitate to recommend and will definitely be returning.

Went with some friends, we had a good time the food was good, service was good However It is a little compact inside The one thing I will say is check your bill as we were charged for an item that we didn't ask for and they add a service charge

The food is perfectly delicious, the service is commendable, also the owners of the restaurant are for 10+ ***********

We had a lovely meal here before a show at Cliffs. I had Halloumi and Beef Stronganoff which was amazing. My wife had Souvlaki and Tzatziki along with a huge plate of Tiramisu. The service was great and we’ll be back.

Lovely food, a bit of Greece at home

Food fantastic but we had to ask 3 times to turn the music down, big speaker right above our heads

My Husband, Daughter and I were looking for somewhere to eat following a show at Cliff Pavilion. We found this beautiful gem after a quick google search. I chose the Kleftiko 3 course set menu, my Husband had a tiger prawn starter and steak and our daughter (almost 5) had chips with cucumber slices 😊. Service, Food and Ambience were fantastic and we would not hesitate to visit again when we are in the area. Thank you Akropolis

Had a lovely birthday lunch here with all the family today. This place always serves up really good greek food and the welcome is always warm and the service good. Prices have risen a but since we last visited but still offered excellent value for money. Still the best greek restaurant in the area.

Lovely place to eat traditional greek food. Never fails to impress. From the friendly welcome to the authentic greek cuisine, Had a great family birthday lunch here and although we hadn't been for a couple of years we were welcomed as old friends. For good value greek cuisine the Acropolis takes a lot if beating. Can't wait to return.

Traditional Greek food. Great friendly service. Tasty lamb Kleftiko. Sea Bass was not bad. Overall all a good experience!

Excellent tasty meals and great friendly and efficient service. A real find. Busy but they coped really well. We will return. Great for before show at the Cliffs Pavilion.

A packed restaurant, great atmosphere , great service ! Happy birthday was sang numerous times and everyone joined in . Menu was varied and the chef team did well to keep up the pace ! Will definitely be back when in the area again .

Love this establishment Food is amazing Staff are so friendly and helpful Would highly recommend Food cooked in front of you , and portions are big ,the taste is amazing very genuine

Had steak, medium rare came well cooked sent back got another steak wasn’t very nice at all

Going to see Sarah Millican at Cliffs and wanted to get something to eat before the show. All restaurants near the venue were very busy and so glad they were as within a couple of minutes walk, we found this little gem. Very welcoming, great authentic menu and all served with a smile. We had the Gounod and tzatziki with lovely warm pitta bread for starter. Followed by mousaka and pork afeilo, both beautifully cooked. Unfortunately we had no room for dessert but hopefully next time. Highly recommend if you are going to see a show to pay this restaurant a visit.

I have been going to the Akropolis for years and had great food every time. The Meze is a feast but be prepared to leave with doggy bags! I recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting an authentic Greek dining experience. It's the best in Southend.

Restaurant and service were both excellent. We will be back and highly recommend

Superb night. Amazing food and service. Thankyou once again to George Kristina and the team. The quality here is always so consistent.

Fabulous food. Very generous portions. Absolutely delicious. Definitely worth a visit.

Popped in for a pre theatre meal. The food was lovely and the staff were friendly. We weren’t rushed and we had plenty of time to walk to the theatre which is a few minutes away.

Nice little Greek restaurant. Good quality food. Prices are reasonable albeit some things are a bit pricey such as £6 for a dish of sauce. Service was friendly enough. Parking in the side streets is ok after 6pm or pay to park in the car park. The atmosphere was pleasant. Overall I would recommend a visit but be prepared to pay a bit more than average for some food.

Lovely meal, fantastic service xx

Great food great service excellent selection of dishes I’ve been here a few times when I go to The Ciliffs Pavilion

The mains and service were Ok without being special. The Tiger prawn starters were clearly straight out or a packet. You can buy 20 for £6 in the supermarket and we got 5 for £8 and they were tiny prawns and cheap filo. We also asked them to turn the background music down a bit as we could hear each other but nothing happened. Not great and sorry but we won't be coming back,

Food is lovely staff very good and friendly.

Great little Gem of a restaurant lit up beautifully on a dark night . It's décor is a beautiful Greek Taverna. I booked last minute for pre theatre meal as was going to the Cliffs Pavilion for a show. The menu had a great choice and the bar was well stocked . We had a selection of starters . Kleftiko and swordfish for mains which were both delicious. The food was excellent and so was the service, Staff were attentive and we will definitely be returning.

Amazing food. Ordered the set menu and it did not disappoint. So much variety and the staff were so kind and friendly

This restaurant is so lovely! The staff are beyond friendly, and show genuine gratitude for your visit there. There food is authentic and delicious. We had the swt menu which was 3 dips and bread each to start, a main course of lamb which fell off the bone with rice, potatoes and alot of salad. Then dessert which was Baklava with a plate of fresh fruit. That was £24.95 pp and more than enough. This was my second visit to the restaurant and I wont hesitate to visit again. Really lovely place and deserving of 5 stars.

Have been going to this restaurant since it very first opened. Even before when it was called Candles. Always brought friends and family here. Always recommended it. Well untill now. Booked this restaurant for my sons birthday for 11 people. Arrived to find the table booked for 8! They did not seat us together. We were left waiting for another table to finish their meal. We then got offered 2 tables which ment we were back to back. Not as a party. The resturant was hugely overbooked. Barging people to get through. No space to move. If a fire had broke out. Noone wouldve stood a chance getting out the only door. The service and food was poor. Under and over cooked. Food came out at different times to our other table. Almost treated as seperate partys. No discount given or a complimentary drink for the mess up. At the end of the meal. I told the waitress how dissapointed we all was and said weve being coming here for many years. She even said "yes i know you have" Wont ever be going there for my greek again and neither willmy friends and family! Also just to add putting my sons birthday cake in someone elses cake box was diabolical. No awareness to allergys.

walked in as passing trade , but got treated so well , asked waiter for advice on ordering and got treated so exceptional food . For what seemed like a small corner restaurant in South end on sea, brought a taste of cyprus

Great staff so feel bad giving this place 1 star but the food was so below standard and nothing like any Greek restaurant I have been to before. There was regulars when we visited so I’m really not sure what we’re missing and they clearly get a lot of traffic from the nearby theatre. The starter of halloumi was 2 of the smallest slices of halloumi I have ever had my husbands whitebait was somewhat better but very soggy not what you want for whitebait. My main of swordfish is where my real issue lies, for the price I was first of all surprised to see it did not come with any sides literally a tiny bit of swordfish with some salad sitting in a sauce which made the lettuce wet. I would of expected at least some rice to come with this, had the swordfish been ok this would of least made up for this but it was again very wet like frozen swordfish I have had at home and had zero flavour!!!!!!! I don’t even think there was any seasoning on the fish, the sauce was ok but again had no real taste. My partners bbq meats weren’t much better the only thing we had which was lovely was the chips that come with my partners main. A real letdown wish I had stuck to the Italian restaurants down the road, we both left hungry with a large dent in our bank account to go with it.

I'd ordered a few takeaways from here and immediately fell in love so I talked my family into booking a table for us, we had a three course meal and it's safe to say we all walked away feeling over the moon. The service was great, the staff were really friendly and we barely waited for our food which was also delicious! Thank you for a lovely evening ❤️

I ordered a take away from here, which is why i have not rated the service or the atmosphere. The food was delicious. It arrived hot and tasted fresh! I ordered the pepper chicken, which comes with plain rice, and in a lovely sauce. I also ordered a side of roast potatoes. The portion size of the roast potatoes is enough to share between 2-3 people and were very tasty. My partner had the Mussaka with a portion of chips, and we shared the large Greek salad. Heads up, the Olives in the salad are not pitted, but are still very tasty. The portion size of the Mussaka was generous and my partner said it was lovely. I would recommend the food here and will be ordering from here again.

Fabulous place always welcoming and perfect food.

we found on the off chance and wondered in on a Sunday night , not over busy but did not put us off. we were made very welcome , the menu was good and with very reasonable prices , but asked for slight variation and got just what we wanted. Amount of and quality of food was the best we had in a long time. Luckily for me the had a unusual Cypriot tipple that made the evening very special The waiter we had was one of the nicest and very down to earth , I wish i asked his name as could only praise him. There are quite a few eateries around to try in South-end .but if or when i return i will be only eating in one place. It was our 24th wedding anniversary , They did not know this. But a very special and memorable night was had

What a amazing experience. We could not decide on menu so asked waiter for help and he and the kitchen staff done amazing. Could mot have been better. Great value for money. House wine reasonable priced and very good.

Very busy so I was required to leave after 45 minutes. Menu was traditional Greek and of a very good quality presentation and taste.

Bit quiet when we went on a Sunday evening but food OK. Think they need more choice on the menu. Wine not great.

very good food reasonably priced.

Lovely food. Great service. Not a top posh restaurant but really good for a meal in Essex. Recommend the kleftico feast ! Visit often just for that ! Very good value

Went on a Tuesday night,food was very good,came out full good quality

Really cozy restaurant with good quality greek food! The amount is good for the price and the quality is also great! Would recommend to anyone who is hungry and want to stuff their face with healthy greek cuisine! Perfect for birthdays or gatherings.

Πότε ξανά, δεν έχω δει χειρότερο σέρβις και φαΐ. Δεν είναι ελληνικη κουζίνα αυτό . Τα αφήσαμε και φύγαμε. The rice was cold and stuck together in lumps, the chicken mare was supposed to be chicken with prawns and lobster, was 1 slice of hard chicken with about 4 frozen shrimps and the plate was smothered in a god knows what sauce. Had to remind them to bring my partners drink as they had just left it on the side getting warm. Wine glasses had lipstick all around the brim. And the warm pitta bread was actually burnt pitta pockets. Καλύτερα να πήγαμε στο mcdonalds. Shame on you for advertising as a greek restaurant. Please don't judge greek food on this restaurant, any 4 year old could cook better.

Loved it. Pork was delicious. The only thing I wouldn't order again is Greek coffee, but this might just be me:-)

Felt like we were back in Greece! Amazing food and really nice vibe inside. Have walked past it many times and glad I finally went inside. Highly recommended!

The food was very nice & a big portion as well. The staff were lovely and accommodating. It’s a small restaurant but I would recommend!

Booked family meal to celebrate parents birthday, fantastic food great service.

Excellent food and service will use again

Oamenii se comporta minunat cu clientii,merita vizitat ,te simti chiar ca in Grecia🏛️

Denisa was the best waitress! Very lovely service and great food, would definitely recommend!

Food was nice and good service but the ending left a sour taste. When the bill came and we check it, there had been an additional 19.95 added for no reason (only 2 of us and wasn’t service charge). We questioned this and it was removed without hesitation. These things happen so didn’t think anything of it , until I told my friend who said the same thing had happened to her. Maybe coincidence but doesn’t reflect too well- check your bill!

Been here a few times. Good restaurant had some good meals. Had a nice vibe very busy for a Tuesday night. I just thought the food lacked a bit of care felt a bit rushed perhaps because it was so busy. But still would visit again.

We went for the first time to the Akropolis Restaurant for my birthday as a surprise. The staff were extremely helpful and very friendly, the food was excellent and the dishes were amazing on the Meze. I would highly recommend coming here if you like Greek food.

Very loud music, unnecessarily so, food a bit disappointing, kleftico overcooked as was a steak. Have been several times in the past seems standard has dropped.

Wonderful food and excellent service.

Lovely independent greek restaurant. Only issue is it can be difficult to park at times

Wonderful Meze food. Exceptional value for money. You will leave well feed. Our first time visiting this restaurant (was recommended) & will certainly return!

Too cramped to enjoy what was a lovely meal.

Visited with my husband for a pre- theatre meal. Opted for the 24.95 mixed meze. All the food was delicious! There was so much we couldn't eat it all and felt so guilty because it was all so amazing. The staff were very welcoming and friendly and explained each dish as it was served - helpful as neither of us were too familiar with the food. They boxed up our fruit for dessert, and would happily have done the same for the other dishes but we couldn't take them with us on this occasion. Very pleased and cwould definitely recommend!

This was the worst restaurant I have ever been to. 35 minutes for my bottle of champagne and i was asked if I needed to see the price. I had to send the rice back because it was cold. I will never go back there even if it was for free. I've never been so uncomfortable in my life. Rubbish food, service. Mark's out of ten 2

Super little place, all seemed like home made cooking. Had a salad and spanakopita to start, follwed by mousaka and beef stifado. Had to share baklava for dessert as we were very full. Pleasant waiting staff. Food good and hot and a decent portion. All served in a timely fashion. Do not live locally, but would visit again if in the area.

Thanks for lovely food and hospitality, will certainly be returning.

Went on New Year’s Day with 12 people that they fitted in last minute. Great food friendly staff and amazing atmosphere.

Amazing restaurant. Lovely people. Real home made food. 100% recommended the Meze

The best restaurant where im was. Im was feel like in home. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Im recommended everyone from bottom of all my heart.

Great place. Delicious food and nice stuff. Good idea for date.I recommend

The restaurant is very nice and tidy. Nice atmosphere. Big menu with many choices for every taste. My husband loved Chicken Athenia and I loved Chicken pepper, however the chicken could use more cooking. The service was excellent. I recommend the restaurants especially for big number of diners. That being said, the restaurant needs to check their table arrangements though to accommodate all sizes of companies. I wanted a table for two by the window but they offered us a big table with one side to the window.

Went in on the off chance. Table available Has the meze special so much food 😍 😋 it was delicious. Was busy but food still in good time no waiting about. Huge lump of lamb .

Take it from me guys the BESTGreek restaurant in Southend!!!, amazing authentic feel and service, well done huys

Don’t go to this restaurant. I don’t know how they have fixed these reviews but they have. The scallops weren’t cooked properly, the steaks were terrible and meant to be £100 for the 4! 3 of them were inedible! We complained and the 'waitress’ was defensive and rude but said she would talk to the manager before getting our bill. It took ages so we asked another waitress who told us the first waitress was the manager! She came back and tried to knock off £30 we said ‘you’ve got to be kidding. She got really rude and ejected us from the restaurant then started taking our number plate. Appalling food and experience.

Lovely place and great food here

We visited here for the first time today. We decided to try the set dining option (£24.95) for a variety of cold and hot meze, mains and desserts, the food was incredible, there was plenty of food for the two of us. The service was lovely and attentive, we will definitely be coming back again 👍🏻

Tonight was the best it's ever been! Highly recommended!

This place is simply stunning. Beautiful restaurant, amazing food, brilliant staff.

Please avoid this restaurant at all costs. I have travelled the world and eat at many restaurants and this is the worst I have ever been. Having to pay for my meal before I have eaten it and felt uncomfortable with the staff

Lovely little restaurant, food was delicious and big portions, staff were very attentive, would definitely return

A lovely little restaurant with delicious authentic Greek food and great service

Had the bbq, not bad but was previously better. Pork kebab had 3 cubes of meat on , one cube was pure gristle. When speaking to the waitress was told that’s the way they come . So not made fresh on site and the mousaka was tasteless due to being frozen , very disappointing all round