My first bite of pitta bread dipped in the smoky, garlicky Melitzanosalata dip instantly transported me back to Athens, where I spent the end of May indulging in insanely good food and basking in sunshine.

Ariston Greek Kitchen is undeniably a hidden gem. Nestled in a housing estate in Livingston between an old man's pub and the local Co-op, its azure blue and white exterior stands out and draws you in. The interior is charming, taking you to a quaint Greek taverna by the seaside. The warm, inviting atmosphere, combined with the delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen, makes Ariston a delightful escape into Mediterranean bliss, right in the heart of the neighbourhood. The look and aroma promises a journey to Greece that leaves you craving more of its authentic Greek flavours.

A REVIEW OF ARISTON GREEK KITCHEN IN LIVINGSTON

Ariston Greek Kitchen is part of Ariston Foods Ltd, a renowned importer and wholesaler of authentic Greek and Mediterranean food and drinks based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Established in 2014, the company has grown to offer a wide range of products, including gyros, pita breads, tzatziki, spanakopita, baklava, Greek wines, and beers. Their commitment to quality and passion for Greek cuisine is evident in every product they offer.

They also operate Greek Artisan Pastries shops in Portobello and Edinburgh city centre (Bread Street), where you can enjoy freshly made Greek pastries and barista coffee, with a focus on bringing the flavours of Greece to Scotland!

The restaurant has an open grill and rotisserie area where you can watch the gyro meat slowly rotate and roast. The outer edges develop a mouthwatering, golden-brown crust, locking in the juices and flavours and you just can’t wait to enjoy the taste.

It was a difficult task to whittle down dishes to order as we could easily have ordered one of everything on the menu. We started off with:

Dips platter £9.90 - Tzatziki, Melitzanosalata, Tirokafteri with Pitta bread

Halloumi v, gf £5.90 - Grilled Cypriot traditional goat &cow cheese, served with grilled tomatoes

Soutzoukakia Greek keftes £8.90 - Grilled keftes - lamb & beef mince, cumin and herbs served with tirokafteri.

The dips are a festival of flavours. The Tzatziki, with its creamy yogurt, fresh cucumber, and garlic, offered a refreshing and tangy taste. The Melitzanosalata, a smoky, garlicky eggplant dip, brought a rich depth of flavour with a hint of sweetness from the roasted eggplant. Tirokafteri added a fiery kick to the mix with its spicy feta cheese, giving a bold and tangy contrast. Paired with warm, soft Pitta bread, each dip complemented the other, creating a perfect balance of creamy, smoky, spicy, and tangy tastes that was absolutely irresistible.

The Halloumi served with grilled tomatoes was a delicious combination. The halloumi, with its firm, squeaky texture, offered a slightly salty and savoury flavour that became beautifully caramelized when grilled. The grilling process gave it a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and gooey. Paired with the juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy grilled tomato and onion salad, the halloumi's richness was perfectly balanced.

The keftes offered a flavour explosion and were my favourite dish of the night. The lamb and beef provided a rich, savoury base, while the cumin added a warm, earthy spice. Fresh herbs brought aromatic notes that elevated the dish. There was a light char on the keftes whilst inside they were tender and juicy.

Wrap £7.90 - Chicken gyros (halal) with tomatoes, salad, onion, potatoes with mustard & mayo sauce. You can also choose from

Pork gyros with tomatoes, potatoes, onion, tzatziki
Pork skewers with tomatoes, potatoes, onion, tzatziki
Chicken skewers (halal) with tomatoes, salad, onion, potatoes with mustard & mayo sauce
Halloumi with tzatziki, tomatoes, salad, onion and potatoes
Loukanika-Greek sausages with tzatziki, tomatoes, onion and potatoes
Soutzoukaki with tzatziki, tomatoes, onion and potatoes

Skepasti £14.90 - Pitta bread ‘sandwich like’ filled with potato fries, tomatoes, onions and Graviera cheese, grilled with Pork gyros with tzatziki (you can also choose from chicken, halloumi and grilled vegetables).

The Chicken gyros wrap was flavourful. The chicken, marinated and cooked to perfection, was juicy and tender with a savoury, slightly tangy kick. The fresh tomatoes, crisp salad, and pungent onions added a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the rich chicken. The potatoes provided a hearty, starchy element, making each bite satisfying and filling. The mustard & mayo sauce tied it all together, offering a creamy, tangy finish that enhanced every ingredient's flavour.

The Skepasti was a delightful fusion of flavours and textures. The warm, grilled Pitta bread acted as a soft, slightly chewy envelope for the delicious fillings inside. The potato fries add a satisfying crunch and a touch of saltiness. Fresh tomatoes and onions brought a burst of sweetness and a slight tang, while the Graviera cheese melted into a creamy, nutty layer of goodness. The pork gyros, tender and well-seasoned, gave a savoury, smoky depth to the sandwich. Topping it all off, the Tzatziki sauce added a cool, garlicky, and refreshing finish. It was a true Mediterranean delight.

There’s is of course Greek and Politiki Salads, Sides of Olives, pitta breads and chips and Desserts of Baklava, Portokalopita (orange cake) and Sokolatopita but the portions are on the generous side leaving little to no room for any extras.

Enjoying a meal here is nothing short of a foodie adventure through the heart of Greece. The authentic flavours, from the smoky Melitzanosalata to the tender keftes, transport you to sun-drenched Greek landscapes. Dining at Ariston Greek Kitchen is a delightful escape into a world of mouthwatering flavours and warm hospitality, leaving you with a full heart and an even fuller belly!

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT ARISTON GREEK KITCHEN

They cater for vegetarians and Gluten Free
There is a large free parking lot behind the restaurant
There is disabled access, the entrance is level
Open Thursday to Sunday, 4pm-9pm

Ariston Greek Kitchen, 18 Glen Road, Deans, Livingston, EH54 8DF www.aristonfoodsltd.co.uk/aristongreekkitchen

My Spoon Award : Silver Spoon 8/10

I was invited by Ariston Greek Kitchen to review their menu.

Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.

TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.

Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk

FOOD : Ariston Greek Kitchen in Livingston