Wine Stories, a Greek restaurant in the heart of York, England, is being touted as a real gem nearly a year after opening during the eye of the storm of the raging COVID-19 pandemic, building a reputation for excellence.

In a feature, the York Press reported that the hopes of partners Stam Koulouris and Maria Dendia have been realized in an intimate 40-seat place that has drawn good reviews for the food, smaller dishes for one or more to share.

It ranges from lamb kleftiko – lamb shank in a vegetable stew – to feta cheese on crust with spinach and rice as well as slow cooked baby potatoes and grilled peppers. Sign us up.

“The food was hearty and delicious and for anyone, like me, still dreaming of a sunshine getaway after the turmoil of the past year, then Wine Stories could be just the place if you can’t yet face travelling abroad,” said reviewer Haydn Lewis.

“It’s taken us a while to open, but eventually we did it,” said Koulouris. “I’m really happy as this has always been my dream, it’s scary, but so exciting as well,” he said.