Located in the leafy Hamburg suburb of Bahrenfeld, Nepheli is a charming and reasonably priced restaurant (for German standards), which is best enjoyed on summer evenings if the weather allows you to sit on their lovely terrace.
As well as being a good restaurant, you...are also welcome to simply enjoy a drink.
If a meal is what you are going for, be prepared to select from an incredibly varied and wide selection of genuine Greek specialities (the chef and staff are all from Greece). The range goes from salads to mixed grill platters and from fish to moussaka. You are spoilt for choice.
What makes Nepehli stand out, especially given German standards, is a couple of nice touches added to the experience.
One is the shot of famous Greek liquor Ouzo (made from aniseed) which is offered to you on the house as an aperitif at the start. The second is a generous helpping of mixed salad which comes between courses.
As for the dishes, in my opinion, the best starter to choose is the battered mozzarella which comes with a fantastic Greek dip. Also recommended are pan-fried garlic mushrooms and the excellent taramasalta (served with crusty bread).
All mains are served with a choice between rice and french fries and there is also plenty of bread available. Particularly enticing is the fish selection where you will find freshly grilled salmon, golden bream, halibut and much more.
Wine is also reasonably priced with half-litre carafes of genuinely Greek white or rose (ie Retsina) coming under €6, again, very unusual for restaurants on German soil.
The service can be a little hit and miss, depending on the side of the bed certain waiters get out of, but a special word of praise goes to a charming and smiling grey-haired middle-aged man who will always make you feel at ease.
Overall, a cosy and pleasant place to spend an evening and to enjoy some nicely homemade food. Be prepared to book as the place is very popular and can be packed even mid-week.More
