Authentic Greek dining in a dark-wood rustic tavern, serving seasonal small plates with real flavor — not the kind you see on influencer feeds.

Restaurants serving small dishes has become increasingly popular in the last few years. It’s not just Spanish tapas anymore. Italian, Middle Eastern, Greek and many fusions are no exception to the petit plates trend.

The choice is staggering and many somehow turned sourdough bread with a sprinkle of some herb and dips into a sophisticated affair. And dared to call it a meal.

You won’t find this at VORI, small plates yes, snobbish attitude never. Founded by Markos, Alexandros and Stefanos Tsimikalis – they’re the Greek street food pioneers behind the Hungry Donkey in Spitalfields.

That one = closed a few years ago, an affordable, Athenian inspired street food. Named after the brothers’ favourite beach on the island of Andros in the Cyclades, VORI shares some similarities with its Spitalfields relative.

It’s humble and feels like a little family tavern where all the relatives, cousins, wives and boyfriends work.

And by the looks of it is a local favourite too, the place has its tables filled. It’s in Holland Park, so a bit out of the way to know it’s the locals spot.

As mentioned it’s a small plates concept here with all the Greek favoutires, plus meat and fish that is selected by their suppliers depending on the season.

We’re told VORI even gets wild sea bass from England when it’s in season. Right now it’s not though, so sadly so we skip today’s catch for a free range bavette.

It’s a great portion to share with no fat rim but prepared on the charcoal so it has a good char to it, while remaining perfectly tender inside.

For drinks wine is the way to go here, an impressive list of all Greek wines, the choice is endless but I’m really not familiar enough with grape varieties nor the geography of the islands for that matter, to make a decision.

So we seek help from our waiter. After a short questionnaire we settle for Macedonian Oenops Apla red and Garalis Terra Ambera, a Muscat orange wine. Orange is always my preferred choice.

The orange choice here is excellent, along with organic, unfiltered and natural, all conveniently marked for ease.

For small plates we get a bit of everything – a cheese plate with cheese from every corner of Greece is great.

It givesyou a little taster of the variety of Greek cheeses, and then you can venture out to buy a larger piece for home.

We also share the classics tzatziki, melitzanosalata and taramas. All excellent dips, although I think I prefer a little bit more mint in the tzatziki.

Well priced too, it’ll set you back £7, so as already said it’s an affordable small plates restaurant.

Tiropitakia — tiny filo cheese pies — are a treat. The chili in the honey is a little too spicy for me, but they’re perfect for dunking into the dips — a much better combo than sourdough bread in my book.

A bit of taramas creates wonders with a cheesy pie, probably not how it was intended but I love it.

Alongside the steak we also have the grilled squid served with a blob of taramas, an oversight on my side as I missed it in the menu description.

A double portion as a result, and it’s nice, creamy with that salty fish roe to it’s but way too overwhelming to handle two.

I like that VORI also puts an effort into traceability of their ingredients, there is a reference that all the meat they use is free range from Lidgates Butchers, Greek products from Maltby & Greek.

Even the brunch menu makes it clear that all eggs are free-range — no need to quiz the staff. It’s a small touch, but it shows care.

The only thing that’s missing now are the desserts, Greek specials are generously dusted cinnamon doughnuts to seal the deal. Traditionally they come with honey poured over in front of the guest.

But my guest doesn’t’ like honey so it’s left aside. Instead I have a few dips, it’s stunning, so floral, you really can’t get one like this in a supermarket.

As with the rest of the menu desserts change regularly here, from now on VORI serves delightful traditional Greek Christmas desserts.

Even more reasons to visit VORI. I realise Holland Park is a bit out of the way for some, but if you’re nostalgic for low key Greek dishes before the influencers turned most of Greece,along with the Greek restaurants, into the new Phi Phi Leh, VORI is your spot.

VORI, 120 Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA