Bakalaki Greek Taverna

Bakalaki Greek Taverna is a Greek restaurant and deli at 38A Martin Road in River Valley. The kitchen cooks traditional Greek food with a focus on Mediterranean seafood. Many of its ingredients come from Greek suppliers.

The restaurant began in Tiong Bahru and later moved to Martin Road, into a much larger space. Its name blends two Greek words: bakaliko, the old neighbourhood grocery shop, and meraki, which means putting love and care into what you do.

What to order

The menu reads like a classic taverna list, and most dishes are made for sharing. Dishes that reviewers have written about at Martin Road include:

• Dips with pita, such as a spicy feta spread and a smoky aubergine and red pepper dip
• Grilled halloumi and beef meatballs to start
• Moussaka, and slow-cooked beef with orzo for something more filling
• Grilled octopus from the seafood side of the menu
• Kalamaki, grilled chicken piled on pita bread with potatoes on the side

Guests quoted on the restaurant's website single out the seafood and meat platters, which work well for a group. Daily specials run alongside the main menu, so ask what the kitchen has that day.

Greek wine and the deli

The drinks list leans heavily on Greek wine. You will find Assyrtiko whites from Santorini, Xinomavro reds from Macedonia and Agiorgitiko from the Peloponnese. There are Greek beers, ouzo and tsipouro too, plus Greek coffee and herbal teas.

The deli sells Greek produce to take home, such as cheese, olives, honey, beans, herbs, sauces, sweets and wine. Some of it can also be ordered through the restaurant's online shop.

The setting

The Martin Road space is big and has areas with quite different moods. The front room faces Martin Road and has very tall windows, so it is bright by day. Further in, a big dining hall has a cosier, more traditional feel and is large enough for big parties. There is outdoor seating as well.

Good to know before you go

• You can reserve a table through the restaurant's website, which is wise for groups.
• Vegetarians have plenty to choose from, including dips, halloumi and baked vegetable dishes.
• Takeaway and islandwide delivery are available if you would rather eat at your hotel.

Nearby

Martin Road is in River Valley, a short walk from the riverside restaurants and bars of Robertson Quay. Our guide to Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay covers the riverside in more detail. For more choice, browse restaurants in Orchard and River Valley or our list of European and Italian restaurants in Singapore. If you need a base nearby, see hotels in Orchard and River Valley. Menus and bookings are on the Bakalaki website.