Sparta is Japan’s first and oldest Greek restaurant—it’s also probably one of its best. Founded by Elias Skantos in 1953, it’s now run by his disciple Akutsu Yasuyuki (the chef) and his wife Yoko (a wine sommelier). Together, the two travel to Greece yearly to update their knowledge of the cuisine. Sparta may seem casual, but the range of food, the quality, the wine and the price make it quite a winning restaurant.
There are three dinner course options that hungry patrons will want to consider: the Olympia (¥3400), Athens (¥4000) and Sparta (¥6000). They all include hors d’oeuvres, salad/bread/soup, spanakotiropitakia (spinach & cheese pie), moussaka (eggplant lasagna), a main dish and Greek coffee. The more expensive ones come with more platters. There is also a simpler “dinner combo” for just ¥1500 which includes salad, soup, bread, dip and a main dish. If you prefer to explore the menu, you’ll have to make some tough choices. Appetizers, like rice wrapped in vine leaves, or marinated items—like octopus—are definitely in order. “Meat” options include dishes that simply use meat as an ingredient, as well as items like lamb chops or “grilled village sausages.” We devoured the stuffed tomatoes and peppers. Greek cuisine naturally includes a lot of fish and half of the selections include lightly fried items like squid, prawn, codfish or sardines. The baked fish with tomato sauce suited us just fine.
Drink selections are primarily Greek, though the menu does have a few world beer and wine selections. If you want the full Greek experience, though, get a shot of Ouzo, which is Greek sake with herbal aromas. Vergina, a Greek beer, is only ¥700. But in terms of pairing drinks with your dinner, perhaps nothing will beat a good Greek wine. Glasses start from under ¥1000 and bottles are around ¥4000. Definitely ask for some recommendations.
*Sparta also serves lunch dishes, which are simple and cheap. Once a month, they host wine dinner parties for ¥10,000. Ask for details.