Spinach and feta filo, baked feta and Greek starters at Nonòs

Grilled plates and white wine at Nonòs Judd Street, ready after Greek starters

A Greek meal is happier when it begins with something to share. At Nonòs on Judd Street, that often means filo triangles filled with spinach and feta, baked feta pastry with honey and sesame, and a board of dips before the grill arrives. Here is how we build the opening course at our King's Cross restaurant — and why guests linger over it.

Shared table at Nonòs Judd Street with grilled plates and wine after starters

Filo triangles and baked feta pastry

Danny's first-visit order is still a template we hear often: he had the spinach and feta filo parcels for starter, and the lamb chops and Greek salad for mains (Danny T., Google review). The filo parcels are crisp, salty and designed to tear into with fingers or forks — ideal for two people waiting on mains.

Beside them, the baked feta cheese pastry with honey and sesame brings the sweet–salty contrast that Greek tables love. Order both if you are three or four; they disappear quickly once the pitta arrives. Maya on Tripadvisor liked our attentive but not hovering staff (Maya F., Tripadvisor review), which helps when you want another basket of pitta without interrupting the conversation.

Build a full mezze opening

Nonòs' Meze for 2 is the simplest path: hummus, tzatziki, tyrokafteri, Greek salad, olives and pitta. Add melitzanosalata, beetroot and feta salad, dolmades, oven-roasted feta, chargrilled aubergine or prawn saganaki if you want more. Ezio's reaction to the hummus still makes the kitchen smile: Personally, I had never tasted such a delicious hummus before. (Ezio S., Google review).

Mezze, salad and grill spread at Nonòs — start with filo and dips, then share the rest

Charli came with a set menu that was delicious, varied, and with very generous portions. (Charli M., Google review). Whether you order à la carte or a set, the starter course is where the table starts talking. Tom's taverna line fits this moment: It was almost like you weren't in the centre of London, but a traditional Greek Taverna. (Tom E., Google review). Full lists live on our menus page.

Loukaniko Karditas (chargrilled pork sausage), stuffed mushroom, gigantes beans and kalamari round out the hot starters if your table wants something more. Vaibhav called the squid absolutely amazing and probably my favourite dish of the night. (Vaibhav M., Tripadvisor review).

What to drink with the first plates

A crisp Greek white, a glass of Retsina if you like the pine note, Mythos beer, or something from the cocktail list while the filo cools enough to bite. Katie noted Very friendly service, generous pours of wine (Katie H., Google review). Tom L. made an afternoon of it: Delicious greek wine and a couple of cocktails plus fantastic service. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon! (Tom L., Google review). Emma called the pornstar martini one of the best. (Emma H., Google review) if you want the bar to lead.

Cocktail poured at Nonòs to accompany mezze and filo starters

Then the grill

Once the starters are cleared, most tables move to lamb chops, souvlaki, kofta or the Mixed Grill Feast. Tina's rule of thumb: The food, especially anything off the grill, is so flavourful and fresh and the portions are generous. (Tina, Google review). J. was blunt about the Mixed Grill: It's been a while since a mixed grill impressed me as much as this one. (J., Google review). Seafood starters and mains — kalamari, prawn saganaki, octopus with fava, sea bass — sit alongside if you prefer the sea to the grill.

Connector10276127019 on Tripadvisor liked that you Could see into the kitchen which I think is always a nice extra. (Tripadvisor review). Watching the grill while you finish the mezze is part of the ritual.

How to order starters well

  • For two: Meze for 2 plus one hot starter (filo or baked feta pastry).
  • For four: Meze for 2, filo triangles, baked feta pastry, and either kalamari or loukaniko.
  • Allergies: tell us — Tess found the GF items are very clearly marked! The staff is very aware of allergies (Tess R., Google review).
  • Book: evenings fill up; use our booking page. Tina's reminder still stands: It can get busy around dinnertime, so a reservation is a good idea (Tina, Google review).

Start the table the Greek way

Filo, feta, honey, sesame, pitta and a cold glass of something Greek. Acker called us a complete package. Food, wine, ambience, service, value for money. (Acker, Tripadvisor review) — starters are where that package begins. Book Nonòs, check the menus, and join us at 112 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NT — open from 8:30 every morning.