Moseley has a new local restaurant and on what could end up to have been the last sunny day of the year, I was lucky enough to go give it a try. Having only moved to the area back in May, I can’t honestly tell you what used to be there but from the moment you step inside you are now transported.
The décor, colours and finishings all give that quintessential Mediterranean flavour (special shoutout to the light fittings) and there’s even music to match which, at least when I visited, granted on a weekday lunchtime, wasn’t too loud or encroaching, it all helped to set the tone and make you feel like you were about to experience something actually authentic.
As they say in their menu, dishes have been crafted from traditional Greek recipes, loving prepared by their chef, who also happens to be the owner’s mum… and it shows. There is so much to choose from and I wasn’t entirely sure what some of the options would consist of but not to fear, staff were very attentive and explained items with patience and enthusiasm, to the point that we couldn’t say no to adding desert (but more on that later).
They have a large variety of vegetarian and meat dishes, all clearly marked but you may have to ask if you have hyper specific dietary needs or preferences as not all dishes had everything listed but all were very reasonably priced I thought.
We ordered a selection of starters and traditional dishes and even iced coffees taking advantage of the warmer weather. I think my favourites were the feta spring rolls with spinach (delicious filo pastry parcels) as well as the hummus and flat bread. Now I know that last one sounds very basic but the fact that I remember it proves just how tasty it was. We were also recommended to try the olives as well as the Greek feta with olive oil and oregano dip, the latter was a fantastic accompaniment to the lamb and remaining pita.
Whether you want to treat yourself to a meal out with all the trimmings or just fancy a few sumptuous light bites, Greek Aura Moseley should absolutely be on your list.
We’d asked for dishes just to come as they were ready so we didn’t have to wait long at all until the first plate arrived and from then on it felt like an incredibly decadent buffet. Everything looked great though and was presented with care and attention, the only issue was enough space on our table!
I will say that if you order one of the larger meat dishes which comes with its own salad and you’re on the fussier side about greenery getting a bit wilted by heat, maybe ask for it separately or even order one of the larger salads on offer to enjoy fully.
Now back to desert. Just when I thought my eyes had been too large for my stomach we were given the most wonderful descriptions of the deserts available and so had to take the plunge. The Portokalopita (or Greek orange pie) was excellent, the rich orange taste wasn’t the least bit synthetic and the ice-cream balanced it out perfectly. The tres leches cake was rich, creamy but somehow still fresh and would be guaranteed to curb any sweet tooth cravings. Too close to call if you asked me to choose my favourite, might just have to go back and try them again to give you my answer…
Final verdict:
Whether you want to treat yourself to a meal out with all the trimmings or just fancy a few sumptuous light bites, Greek Aura Moseley should absolutely be on your list. Well worth a visit, or 2.
Greek aura frappe iced – £4.00
Freddo cappuccino iced (with caramel) – £4.50
Hummus – £4.90
Greek flat pita bread – £1.80
Feta spring rolls with Spinach – £6.00
Lamb souvlaki – £6.40
Lamb Kleftiko – £20.70
Portokalopita – £7.80
Tres leches cake – £6.50
(We were also able to try the olives and Greek feta)
Words by Steph Urquhart for Grapevine Birmingham