Kafeneion to STEKI – Authentic Greek Café and Taverna in Leith, Edinburgh

Juicy, marinated lamb chops

In 2022, Ioanna from Athens and Alexandra from Crete opened this charming Greek café and taverna on Coburg Street, bringing the spirit of a traditional Greek meeting place to the heart of Leith.

Their aim? To recreate the relaxed, communal atmosphere of a kafeneion—the kind of café you might stumble upon in a Greek village, where locals sip strong coffee, play backgammon, and linger for hours.

“Steki” simply means “hangout,” and that’s exactly what this place is. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee, a glass of Greek wine, or a full meal, the vibe is casual and welcoming. Pavement tables encourage spontaneous stops and people-watching.

A corner of Crete in Leith

I’ve eaten at Kafeneion to STEKI several times, and the menu reflects both the current trend and timeless Greek tradition of mezedakia—small plates designed for sharing. There’s a particular focus on Cretan cuisine, and the wine list is exclusively Greek, which adds to the eatery's authenticity.

On one solo visit, I enjoyed a plate of pleasantly mouth-puckering anchovies marinated in garlic, chilli, and parsley, followed by feta cheese fried in pastry, drenched in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Two distinct dishes, both showcasing classic Greek ingredients.

Dining with a friend on another occasion, I discovered the vibrant fava—a creamy spread of yellow split peas topped with silver anchovies and spring onions. Comforting and full of flavour.

On a more recent visit, we tried Cretan artichokes marinated in oil with parsley and garlic, beetroot with garlic and parsley, courgette fritters, and tomahawk-shaped lamb chops marinated in olive oil and oregano. The herb-packed fritters and juicy chops were standouts. Herbs and Greek yogurt are used liberally—two things I heartily approve of.

Though I always want to eat more than my tummy allows, we did, of course, manage dessert: a fragrant orange cake, perfumed with orange blossom water and decorated with zest; a citrusy finish to a memorable meal.

Kafeneion to STEKI📍 52 Coburg Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6HJ📞 0131 348 2191

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 5pm-10pm, Thursday: noon – 10pm, Friday & Saturday: noon – 11 pm, Sunday: noon – 5pm, closed Monday