Odyssey Taverna

Located in the centre of the small Shropshire town of Shifnal, Odyssey brings a welcome touch of the Eastern Mediterranean to a community which probably has more than its fair share of restaurants. Effort is directed towards the provision of authentic dishes rather than exotic décor or plate-breaking, though the latter is not unknown.

We liked the grilled halloumi, crab croquet starters from a list of around 17 that included kalamari and pastourma, a richly spiced garlic sausage, before moving to the traditional Greek-Cypriot moussaka, kleftico and stifado, but what really appealed were the mezes. These were presented as vegetarian, meat, fish and special mixed, each with a selection of hot and cold appetisers followed by a selection of main dishes, described quite fairly as "the ultimate epic journey of excitement and discovery". They might have added "and exceptional value".

Frankly the starters alone would have sufficed, but Greeks insist you eat well and fully. The wine list has way to go and the neighbouring off-licence has outrageously just been closed. Delightful and friendly proprietors.