Those that regularly read my posts, know that a mention of Greece is never far away, and as we have only just returned from our old home of Kefalonia in the Greek Ionian, it was rather fitting that the newest Greek Restaurant in the neighbourhood, opened its doors this weekend.

We have been patiently anticipating the opening of Sali’s Souvlaki for a number of months now, but never knew when it was finally going to be. When we learnt it had quietly started orders this weekend, we headed down to see what they had in store.

The restaurant is small, but tastefully decorated in blues and whites, with images of Greece upon the walls and it serves up a typically Greek welcome.

As well as the seating space inside, there is also a small number of seats in the terrace, where we were able to sit and enjoy the heat of the August weather, whilst being protected from an always possible Manchester downpour.

The menu is compact, but plentiful, with Greek pies and coffees being available from 8am (10am weekends) alongside Gyros and Souvlaki from 11am, although specials are being introduced week by week, including Greek delights such as stuffed tomato’s and peppers.

On this occasion we ordered a Chicken Gyros and a Skepasti (A gyros sandwiched between 2 pitas), as well as a starter of Halloumi and a Cheese Dip (Tyrokafteri).

The Tirokafteri is homemade and is the best I have had outside of Greece

Anyone that has visited Greece, should have tried a Gyros before. Think of it like a Greek style kebab, consisting of Pork shavings, Tzatziki, Tomato, Onion and Chips and while there are now a number of places serving them up in the UK, we have had the displeasure of having some very bad ones recently (Although also a few great ones)

Thankfully, the gyros served at Sali’s Souvlaki is in the second group of really good ones and definitely more authentic than quite a few. The chicken version that we had, did not come with Tzatziki though, but a Greek mustard style sauce. I was told this was traditional with chicken gyros, however in the numerous years we have lived and worked in Kefalonia, they have always been served with Tzatziki too. Not that this was a bad thing, as I know many that would love this sauce, it’s just for me, the preference is Tzatziki, which they were equally happy to serve and which I have opted for at my follow up visits.

As always, I struggled to eat all the Skepasti and I left with a very full belly and a smile on my face.

Remember that you don’t have to have a gyros or souvlaki to visit Sali’s though, you can always visit for a coffee and one of their fab cakes, such as a Portokalopita, how much more Greek could you get!

If you have spent any time in Greece and want to relive authentic memories, then Sali’s is a million times tastier and more authentic then most of the Greek style restaurants I have visited in the UK.

Sali’s Souvlaki can be found at 559a Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, Manchester.