Superior fare and great entertainment
Platia Taverna in Emperors Palace recently underwent a revamp and the Addie was invited to enjoy a meal in the refurbished Greek restaurant.
Restaurant: Platia Taverna
Reviewed by: Samantha Keogh
The restaurant has been in this spot for some time and the food has always been superb, so we knew we were in for great fare.
The reality, however, far exceeded my expectations.
Owner Michael Malamas and his mother Sophia are excellent hosts with Sophia ensuring every guest enjoys the lively atmosphere and weekly entertainment.
Diners are kept entertained by brothers Stavros and Pavlo Christophi of Spasta Ola Greek Dancing and Entertainment.
Considering that Saturday evening sees patrons breaking plates while the brothers dance, their name, which according to Stavros, means “break everything” is perfectly fitting.
If you’re more interested in watching more feminine dancing, Fridays are your night with a belly dancer on hand to entertain your while you enjoy the scrumptious delights the restaurant has to offer.
So, as one of my mentors would ask: “What little delights did you enjoy?”
Starters for my partner were, to my mind, a little on the boring side with a platter of seven oysters – you pick the number, they serve it – placed before him by our fabulous waiter Khaya Xulu.
While I opted for something a little more exotic I am told the oysters were sublime.
Prawns Saganaki – prawns sauteed in fresh tomato, white wine, feta cheese, parsley and topped with a hint of chilli – proved to be the an excellent choice to start my meal.
The half dozen prawns are served in a snail dish with a mound of rice in the middle and smothered in the most delicious sauce which is not too hot but hot enough to get the lips tingling and the stomach growling for more.
On to mains, my partner opted for the full portion of ribs while I took the rib and chicken combo with the chicken marinaded in Platia’s special sauce.
The ribs were tender and, served with extra basting sauce on the side, very tasty but the chicken was definitely the winner of the evening.
The flavour combinations made for what I can confidently declare was the best chicken I have ever sampled, again with just enough heat to know your taste buds are alive and zinging.
While Platia is a Greek restaurant, the menu is varied and offers something for every patron including a good selection of vegetarian options for those so inclined.
Michael comments that his best sellers are the oxtail and eisbein – neither particularly Greek in origin – but proof that the chef in this Greek restaurant’s kitchen can cook anything to perfection.
