A welcoming Buxton Greek restaurant with broadly excellent food and unusually varied choices, though service can be inconsistent and a small number of diners report serious handling problems.
Ithaca Greek delivers strong food quality across fish, grilled meats, and slow-cooked dishes, anchored by attentive service and a pleasant setting that makes it a worthwhile Buxton destination. Consistency remains solid but shows occasional kitchen variation, and the casual ambiance, while inviting, keeps it just short of the very top tier for Greek dining in the region.
Ithaca is a cozy, independent-feeling Greek restaurant in Buxton town centre that works particularly well after a day in the Peaks or for an unhurried evening meal. The prevailing picture is warm and welcoming: diners describe friendly banter, attentive staff and a room attractive enough to linger in, while the outdoor tables can catch the evening sun. It is not flawless—one lunch visit mentioned heat, smoke and bar noise—but the overall welcome is a clear strength. The cooking is recognizable Greek and Mediterranean fare rather than experimental cuisine, with the menu moving confidently from dips and seafood to souvlaki, moussaka, stifado and slow-cooked lamb. Cod, sea bass, souvlaki, stifado and orange cake are the recurring stars, and the menu is more flexible than many Greek restaurants for vegetarians and gluten-free diners. A few older or isolated reports describe bland, cold or poorly received dishes, so consistency is good rather than untouchable. Expect roughly £42-48 for a full meal before drinks, depending on dessert choices. Families should find plenty to work with, especially chips, mash, chicken souvlaki, grilled meats, simple fish and familiar dips. The menu is not built around a separate children’s section, but it offers approachable choices alongside more adventurous seafood, lamb and strongly seasoned dishes. Reviews include family meals and children at the bar, though one diner found the noise distracting; for picky eaters, ask about simpler preparations when booking.
Area vibe: Victorian spa town and Peak District gateway with a tourist-friendly, relaxed vibe.
Safety: Generally safe with good lighting and steady footfall in town centre evenings.
What's nearby: Near Buxton Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Opera House, independent shops, cafés and tourist attractions.
The menu’s safest bets range from souvlaki and pan-roasted fish to stifado, with orange cake worth saving room for.
It is a welcoming choice, but booking ahead and allowing for variable service, extra drink costs, and occasional noise will make the visit easier.
Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have unusually broad choices, while vegan diners have fewer clearly marked options such as butter beans.