Every year on 28 October, Greeks in Greece, Cyprus and Greek communities around the world mark Ochi Day (also written Ohi or Oxi Day). It's one of the most important dates in the Greek calendar, and this year it falls on Wednesday 28 October 2026. Here's what it's about, and, if you're in London, where to find a Greek table near King's Cross: Nonòs Judd Street, our Greek Mediterranean kitchen and bar at 112 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NT.
The day Greece said "no"
Óchi (όχι) simply means "no". On 28 October 1940, the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini issued an ultimatum to Greece. The Greek prime minister, Ioannis Metaxas, rejected it. Italian forces invaded, and Greece fought back in the Greco-Italian War, with a counterattack in the Pindus mountains. The day also honours the Greek resistance during the occupation that followed. Its Greek name, Epéteios tou Óchi, means "Anniversary of the No". You can read more on Wikipedia's Ohi Day page.
In Greece and Cyprus it's a national holiday, marked with parades and blue-and-white flags.
Marking it at the table
The simplest way to mark a Greek holiday is with food and company. If you'd like to do that in King's Cross, here's what we'd put on the table from our menu:
- To share: Nonòs' Meze for two (hummus, tzatziki, tyrokafteri, Greek salad, olives and pitta), dolmades, gigantes beans and our baked feta cheese pastry with honey and sesame.
- Something slow-cooked: beef moussaka, or the vegetarian moussaka. Our post on moussaka explains why it takes all day.
- From the grill: chicken, lamb or pork skewers, lamb chops, or the Mixed Grill Feast.
- To finish: baklava, or Greek yoghurt with honey and mixed nuts.
Pelin, who has eaten with us more than once, wrote: I especially liked baked feta cheese pastry, which was nice with thin dough.
(Pelin K., Google review)
Greek wine, beer and ouzo
Our wine list includes Greek bottles: Agiorgitiko & Syrah from Nemea, Makedonikos white and red, and a dry Retsina made from Savatiano grapes. There's Greek Mythos beer too, and ouzo in the shot selection. Our guide to Greek wine and how to drink ouzo have more.
“The atmosphere is always welcoming and friendly, and the service is consistently lovely.”
Güray, Google review, September 2026
Good to know
- Wednesday 28 October 2026: Nonòs Judd Street is open 08:30–22:00, as on every Wednesday.
- Address: 112 Judd Street, King's Cross, London WC1H 9NT. Phone 020 7278 9700.
- Groups: for seven or more, our private dining and events team can help, and the downstairs room holds up to 50.
Χρόνια πολλά to everyone marking the day. Book a table at Nonòs Judd Street or just walk in.