A generous two-floor site on Exeter Crescent, part of the BH2 leisure complex, is where The Real Greek, the UK's most recognisable Greek and Eastern Mediterranean restaurant chain, sets up in central Bournemouth. Authentic taverna-style cooking, generous sharing plates, chargrilled skewers and a genuinely broad vegan menu built the chain's reputation, and this branch offers the full package only a few steps away from the Lower Gardens and the seafront.
The food
At the centre of everything is meze. Cold plates open the meal, creamy taramasalata made fresh each day from naturally undyed cod roe, houmous, tzatziki and dolmades, before hot meze follows with Greek moussaka, dolmades, falafel and grilled halloumi. Souvlaki stands out as the signature dish, skewers of chicken, pork belly, lamb, halloumi or mushroom marinated in herbs, sea salt and olive oil, then chargrilled and given a final squeeze of lemon. Warm flatbread gyros wraps, crisp salads, sides and Greek desserts complete the picture. Sharing sits at the heart of the format, with a table full of dishes arriving together the intended experience. Set and lunch menus are also available, offering a fixed number of plates per head, worth checking on the current menu alongside any seasonal changes.
The setting
According to the chain itself, the aim is "memories of Santorini and sea air in the heart of Bournemouth", and the design lives up to that description. Spanning two floors, the space channels a genuine taverna feel, sociable, relaxed and evocative of a holiday rather than hushed or formal. Best of all is the first-floor Taratsa, an outdoor terrace with views straight over the gardens outside, serving the full menu in an easygoing, Greek-island manner. As evening light fades and drinks turn cold, it counts among the better al fresco options in the town centre. Full tables mean noise and closely packed seating, so expect lively rather than quiet.
Where it is
The restaurant sits on Exeter Crescent right at the entrance to Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, its terrace looking out over greenery that stretches towards the pier and beach. A short stroll covers the town centre, the Square and the pedestrianised shopping streets, and Bournemouth train station isn't far off either. Thanks to that central spot, folding a visit into a wider day out is simple, gardens, shopping or the beach, finished with dinner here.
Good to know
Dietary requirements are handled well, with a dedicated vegan menu, clearly labelled vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, and lighter options too. Families are well served thanks to a kids' menu, and the staff's reputation for accommodating requests holds up. It's sensible to book ahead, especially at weekends and for larger groups, through the restaurant's own website. Prefer to eat in? Takeaway and delivery run through the usual apps. Check directly with the restaurant for the latest menu, opening hours, set-menu prices and any current promotions.
Still deciding where to eat? Have a look through more of our food & drink guide and our roundup of Bournemouth restaurants for ways to pair a meal here with the rest of a coastal day.