A well-established favourite in Hove, Nostos is best known for its authentic Greek dishes, warm hospitality and relaxed neighbourhood feel. However, on a drizzly Sunday in February, we arrived in search of one thing: a slap-up Sunday roast.
What You’ll Love
- Unbeatable 2-for-1 Sunday roast offer – on the last Sunday of every month
- Slow-cooked lamb shank and crispy pork belly that deliver big Sunday flavour
- Crunchy roast potatoes and rich gravy with all the classic trimmings
- A bubbling side of cauliflower cheese that’s worth ordering for the table
- A buzzing Sunday lunch atmosphere perfect for relaxed weekend catch-ups
- Hove’s favourite Greek restaurant turns its hand to the British classic
Blown in from the cold, I was immediately struck by how busy the restaurant was. Nearly every table was full, and the atmosphere was lively without feeling chaotic – the kind of classic Sunday lunch affair with large tables of families filling the room and catching up on that week’s tales. My favourite Sunday feeling.
The popularity is no accident, as Nostos is currently running a 2-for-1 Sunday roast offer, which has understandably made it a very appealing option for locals looking for good value without compromising on quality. Despite the crowd, we were greeted warmly on arrival and shown to a little table by the window, perfect for people-watching.
Two roasts that deliver on flavour and comfort
Perusing the menu and taking a sneaky peek at the delicious-looking plates on our neighbours’ table, we went straight for the mains, ordering the pork belly and the lamb shank. Watching all the roasts leave the kitchen as the dining room filled with those delicious Sunday scents, we were ready for the headline act – and it did not disappoint.
The lamb shank was slow-cooked to perfection, tender enough to fall from the bone with minimal effort. Rich and deeply flavoured, it felt indulgent without being heavy, making it an ideal centrepiece for a Sunday roast.
The pork belly was equally satisfying. Crisp on the outside with soft, melt-in-the-mouth meat beneath, it struck that all-important balance between texture and flavour. Both roasts were served with traditional trimmings, executed with care: crunchy roast potatoes, a pillowy Yorkshire pudding and a selection of classic veg in the form of sweet roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts and Savoy cabbage, all topped with a generous pouring of rich gravy. It was like eating a home-cooked Sunday roast, rather than the disappointing facsimile you often find when eating out.
A side dish that steals the show
The generous side of cauliflower cheese proved to be a highlight in its own right. Gooey cheese sauce coated cauliflower that retained just enough crunch, and each bite felt deliciously indulgent. It was exactly what you want from a classic roast side and a welcome addition to the table.
Ending on a sweet Greek note
Upon finishing our mains, our friendly server presented us with dessert menus and, being weak-willed, we chose the baklava with ice cream, which offered a fitting nod back to the restaurant’s roots. Sweet, nutty and fragrant, the baklava was well balanced by the cold, creamy ice cream, making for a lighter yet still luxurious finish to the meal.
A Sunday roast worth booking ahead for
What was particularly noticeable during our visit was the sense of comfort and the welcoming nature of the experience overall. The restaurant was full of chatter from families and couples enjoying their Sunday, and the pace was a very welcome change from the norm.
The Sunday roast experience at Nostos is a rare achievement: it’s easy to make a Sunday roast feel familiar and comforting, but harder to make it stand out from the crowd at the same time. The quality of the food, the size of the portions and the overall value of the Sunday roast deal make this a strong contender among the many Sunday roast options available in Hove.
If you’re looking for a Sunday roast that offers all the familiar favourites of the traditional experience with a relaxed, neighbourhood vibe and a hint of Greek flair, Nostos is certainly worth a look. Just be sure to plan ahead – this Sunday roast shows no signs of slowing down, and booking is a must.
