​Gloucester, UK

​Cuisine: Greek

What Makes Greek Food Authentic.

​Authentic Greek cuisine is fundamentally defined by the principle of simplicity, relying on high-quality, regionally sourced ingredients prepared with minimal intervention. At its heart lies high-grade extra virgin olive oil, which serves as both a cooking fat and a primary seasoning element. Authenticity is immediately evident in the use of fresh herbs (oregano, thyme, dill), lemon, and distinct products like genuine PDO Feta (sheep and goat milk, never cow’s milk) and Kalamata olives. Preparation techniques are also critical: meats like souvlaki must ideally be cooked over charcoal or an open flame, and dishes often emphasize slow cooking or grilling. The presence of traditional, rustic sides—like pure Horiatiki salad (without lettuce or vinegar) and dishes reflecting regional specificity (Cretan dakos, Thessalian spetzofai)—further confirms a restaurant’s commitment to cultural fidelity over broad commercial appeal.

Review: Reviewer Type- Local Reviewer

​If you’re searching for truly authentic Greek food in Gloucester, put Greek On The Docks at the top of your list. We visited recently as a couple and, from a taste and quality perspective, we were not disappointed. This restaurant delivers a fabulous core culinary experience that earns its high authenticity marks.

True Taste Meter Score

Metric	Score	Notes
Authenticity	7.8	High
Service	9.0	Excellent
Taste	9.5	High

TTM Authenticity Breakdown

Cultural Fidelity Highlights (The Authentic Wins)

• ​Charcoal Grilling: The Mixed Grill (specifically the Souvlaki) was cooked over charcoal, providing a traditional and highly authentic flavor profile that elevates the cuisine.
• ​Greek Salad Purity: The Horiatiki (Greek Salad) was authentic—pure vegetables (no lettuce) and dressed correctly with quality oil, not vinegar, respecting the traditional method.
• ​Atmosphere: Authentic Greek music was utilized, creating a pleasant and culturally appropriate background experience.

​Areas for Improvement

• ​Decor/Design: The establishment has a minimalist, bistro feel, which detracts from the traditional Greek taverna aesthetic, creating a disconnect between the food quality and the dining environment.
• ​Presentation: No specific traditional or unique touches (pottery, oil containers) were noted on the table setting.
• ​Ingredient Sourcing: The menu used correct Greek terminology but did not explicitly specify the sourcing of key Greek ingredients (e.g., PDO Feta, Kalamata olives), missing an opportunity to guarantee authenticity.

​Conclusion

​”On The Docks” delivers an exceptionally authentic taste experience, primarily due to the use of charcoal grilling and accurate traditional seasoning. This is a must-visit for the food itself. To achieve a perfect TTM score, the restaurant could focus on adding more culturally reflective decor to match the quality of the cuisine and service.