As autumn settles into London, few places feel as inviting as HERA, Stratford’s luxurious Greek restaurant that has swiftly become an East London destination. Named after the Greek goddess of family, women and the home, HERA is itself a celebration of togetherness — an elegant setting where authentic Greek flavours meet contemporary finesse. With a newly expanded menu, terrace happy hour, and lively monthly Greek Nights, the restaurant’s autumn season promises warmth, indulgence, and a sense of celebration, perfectly timed for these cooler months.
As the restaurant approaches its first anniversary, Head Chef Mario Selimis unveils an expanded menu designed to double the delights without losing the essence of Mediterranean authenticity. This new collection of dishes balances indulgence with refinement, staying true to HERA’s ethos of fresh, vibrant, and beautifully plated dining. Highlights for the season include Grilled Halloumi with Peach, a dish that bridges summer’s sweetness with autumn’s comforting richness, alongside the elegant Black Seafood Tagliolini and the beloved Prawn Saganaki, where seafood meets a delicately spiced tomato base. Meat lovers can savour a perfectly cooked Fillet Steak, which delivers a harmony of homely comfort and contemporary presentation. Each dish tells its own story, layered with heritage and crafted for modern palates — ideal for long autumn evenings where the food is as much about the experience as the flavour.
For those working in Stratford’s fast-evolving cultural and business hub, HERA’s weekday lunch menu is a welcome escape. Offering a starter and main course for just £13.90, it is both wallet-friendly and elegant. Dishes such as the health-conscious Orzo Salad with Chickpeas or the heartier Oregano Beef Patties with Chips make lunchtime an occasion, while comforting options like Penne Pasta with Chicken in Creamy Sauce provide warmth as the weather cools.
Beyond the table, HERA offers some of the most atmospheric dining experiences in East London. The much-anticipated Greek Night, held on the last Friday of every month, has already been hailed by the likes of Condé Nast Traveller as one of the city’s most vibrant evenings out. Guests are greeted with a bespoke cocktail before being swept into a lively night of food, music, and dancing. Performers, plate-smashing, and Mediterranean-inspired entertainment bring the spirit of Greece to Stratford, creating an unmissable event of joyful indulgence. It is a chance to embrace autumn’s festive energy — and to dance off the mezze.
Those looking for a more laid-back moment will find it at HERA’s happy hour, which takes place every weekday from four until seven in the evening. Guests can linger on the restaurant’s pergola-adorned terrace as golden autumn light fades, with glasses of house wine or pints of beer priced at just £6. Signature cocktails, such as the bold Helen of Spice, a fiery twist on the classic margarita, can be enjoyed for £8. Perfect as a prelude to an evening at the nearby ABBA Arena or Everyman Cinema, or simply as a refined pause at the end of a working day, this terrace tradition adds another dimension to HERA’s charm.
In true Greek tradition, hospitality extends to families, with a newly launched children’s menu ensuring that younger diners can enjoy the same quality and care as their parents. Priced at £10.90, little ones can choose from dishes such as Charcoal Chicken with Chips, Beef Meatballs, comforting pasta plates, or even Grilled Sea Bass with Roast Potatoes. With Stratford’s cultural scene thriving — from the Olympic Park to the V&A Museum due to open in 2026 — HERA has become an ideal stop for families seeking both culinary excellence and a welcoming atmosphere.
The space itself makes a lasting impression. Seating up to 200 guests, HERA is designed with a palette of aubergine, copper, marble, and gold that feels at once opulent and inviting. Wall-length windows flood the restaurant with natural light by day and the shimmer of Stratford’s lights by night, creating a setting that shifts beautifully with the seasons. Whether it is a leisurely lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a glass of wine to mark the close of a day, HERA is perfectly placed within Stratford Cross to be both a local favourite and a destination in its own right.
This autumn, HERA offers Londoners more than just a meal — it delivers an odyssey of flavours, experiences, and cultural moments. With a menu steeped in tradition yet elevated for today, and an atmosphere that blends family warmth with refined style, HERA is the very embodiment of autumn dining in the city: comforting, celebratory, and always unforgettable.
