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About Us
ABOUT US
Greek Cuisine
OUR STORY
The Gardenia, situated just a minute from the market square, is an outstanding restaurant and takeaway. Specialising in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, the business has occupied the same premises since 1924, but The Gardenia name was established in 1949. It’s since extended its offering to include catering for private parties.
Food Varieties
Ancient Recipes
Boasting a central location and a cosy upstairs seating area, the Gardenia is able to offer a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere in which guests and visitors can enjoy quality Greek food. This friendly, relaxed Greek diner offers something to suit everyone and all dietary requirements, with a host of Mediterranean fare and specialities that you won’t find anywhere else. The ancient recipes have been handed down through the generations, and owner Mr Vasilis Anastasiou discovered many of them in old Greek books when studying at university in Athens. Today, he creatively mixes and matches over 300 ingredients in his inventive dishes.
Open 7 days a week and until 5am in the morning, our restaurant is now also able to take online orders via Deliveroo and of course offers takeaway, walk-ins and a big welcoming to all our guests. Feel free to have a look at our history below or simply order online to experience Greek food at its finest.
Where it started
Taste Divine
Arguably more exotic herbs and spices are used here than anywhere else in Cambridge, and the menu will satisfy all tastes. The vegetarian and vegan selection is extensive, and halal food is served, even though Vasilis himself is Greek Orthodox. From simple black olives, mezze tapas and plain burgers with mayo to freshly cooked falafel and succulent chicken souvlaki (a signature dish), the choice is infinite. Pastourma, halloumi burgers, tzatziki, lamb souvlaki, calamari and Greek salad are other favourites, and the baklava and yoghurt with sweet honey will round off your meal a treat. Pair with a glass of retsina or ouzo if you fancy something stronger. British fish and chips are also available – the delicious cod fillet is divine – or stop by for breakfast or coffee if you’re in the area. Don’t be surprised if you see a queue out of the door at 3am – the food really is that good, the prices are reasonable, and halal needs are catered for. To find out more, check out The Gardenia Restaurant on Facebook.
Our Story
The Anastasiou family is enters the premises and starts trading under a different name. The premises is owned by Cambridge University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world with which the family enters a mutual agreement. Restaurant then Trading as The Athena under the Kyprianou Family.
– After many successful years and having established a reputation locally with many locals and students, the name Gardenia is established and the business starts officially trading as a restaurant and food stall.
The restaurant has become a local favourite and is often visited by celebrities and university professors and students of the town
The restaurant undergoes extensive renovation and changes. Nonetheless, the homely feel of the outside as well as our staff friendliness remain untouched.
Current owner, Vas Anastasiou – a former Cambridge University student – becomes owner of the restaurant and drives its success.
Our menu is now available on Deliveroo, the first time our restaurant has offered online ordering and delivery in 50 years. It is a great success and the company grows its local awareness even more.
Following the digital evolution, the restaurant aligns itself and presents a brand new website with loads of useful information, our menu and off course images of our delicious Greek food
The story continues…