Enjoy sophisticated Greek dining for foodie families, while more cautious little ones are catered for too.
Stratford’s creative district is buzzing, and it is not just because of the new V&A Storehouse and the arrival of Sadler’s Wells East. The Olympic legacy has transformed this corner of East London into a lively hub where art, sport and food all sit side by side. Whether you are headed to the Box Arena, catching the hugely popular ABBA Voyage or exploring the area’s galleries, Hera is the kind of restaurant that turns a pre-event dinner into something special in its own right.
On our visit, two large birthday parties were in full celebration mode, yet the high ceilings and generous space meant the atmosphere never overwhelmed our quieter table. Hera is clearly a place chosen for marking occasions, and it does this without losing its sense of ease.
For families, the new children’s menu is a welcome addition. My ten-year-old budding foodie has mostly outgrown the usual kids’ offerings, so I was pleased to see both simple staples like tomato pasta as well as mini versions of some of the main dishes for more adventurous young diners.
We started with cocktails. I chose the Helen of Spice, a refreshing spicy medley of mango, chilli, tequila and agave. My husband had the Ambrosia, a smoky whisky with notes of orange, honey and rosewater. The inclusion of a child-friendly mocktail or two would make the experience more inclusive for little ones. Seedlip, although perfect for those avoiding alcohol, was a bit of a stretch for even our adventurous kid.
A basket of freshly baked bread arrived first, filled with soft herbed pita, sourdough and breadsticks, served with Melitzanosalata, a delicious dip of smoked aubergine and honey, and a wonderfully smooth Taramas of creamy cod roe with a drizzle of dill oil. From there, we tried the honeyed halloumi with peaches and an Asian inspired Yellowfin tuna dressed in ponzu. Both plates disappeared quickly.
The mains from the grill were the stars for my more carnivorous companions. The lamb chops were thick, well-seasoned and deeply satisfying. The baby chicken was bright with lemon and herbs. We shared everything and our young diner, though happy with his chicken skewer, was delighted to tuck into the lamb chops as well. While we leaned towards the meaty options, Hera also offers plenty for vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians with pasta, salads and a tempting seafood selection.
The sides kept the quality high with roasted new potatoes tossed in oregano oil and broccoli with just the right amount of char for a smoky, sweet finish. Portions are generous, which makes sharing easy for families.
Dessert rounded off the evening beautifully. The baklava ice cream (or “balaclava ice cream” as the amused ten-year-old called it) was outstanding. Pistachio, honey and cool creaminess made it a perfect pairing. The baklava itself was rich and nutty. We also tried the raspberry noir, which leaned more towards chocolate richness. It would have benefited from a touch more raspberry, but chocolate lovers will enjoy it.
Festive Set Menus at Hera Stratford
Hera brings Greek-inspired sophistication to Stratford while remaining genuinely family-friendly. With impressive cooking, thoughtful service and a menu that caters to both cautious and adventurous young diners, it is an ideal spot for celebrations or a delicious start to an evening out in this thriving cultural district.
This December, Hera invites you to celebrate the season with great value Christmas set menus to complement a day of festive shopping. Why not make a full festive outing of it with a theatre visit to see Zoonation’s Ebony Scrooge at Sadler’s Wells East or Mama Goose at Stratford East?
Address: 4 Arber Way, Stratford Cross, London, E20 1JS
Website / Reservations: via their official site herarestaurant.co.uk
Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00–23:00.