Feta Late than Never – 7 Restaurants to Celebrate Everything Greek

Get ready to smash some plates…Monday, March 25 is Greece’s National Day!

Blending Independence Day with the Feast of Annunciation, this is the perfect chance to get your Greek on at restaurants and venues around the country - whether you devour souvlaki, slow-cooked lamb or succulent and tender octopus.

Here are seven of our favourite venues to celebrate all things that make this country one of our favourite Mediterranean holiday and culinary destinations:

For Greek street food full of flavour, head around the corner of Enmore Road to Stix and Pita Greek eatery and join a crowd of loyal Enmore locals already there. Rustic inside with timber and rough brown bricks, this lively eatery is filled with the aroma of succulent meats spit-roasted over charcoal to send mouths watering.

 

A handful of chairs and tables can be found outside for those in need of a sit-down, otherwise grab a bite to eat and go, exploring with a flavoursome snack in hand. To create a pita wrap, choose a meat like pork belly and fillings such as special mayo and Mediterranean slaw or char-roasted capsicum, spicy feta dip and chips.

For a modern Greek infusion cuisine experience head to Eos Greek Tavern on Grimshaw Street in Greensborough. This iconic Melbourne restaurant has been a family business for more than 22 years, cooking on open charcoal and specialising in mezze, meat and seafood, along with friendly service.

 

Enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed environment while an all-weather courtyard is available for private functions; start by sharing BBQ octopus, oysters Kilpatrick, grilled halloumi and lamb gyros, paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio. Move on to mains like charcoal-grilled pork belly, Greek salad, housemade BBQ sauce and chips.

 

Tsindos Greek Restaurant in the heart of Melbourne offers an authentic Mediterranean dining experience for those after a feast of flavours. With friendly staff who can converse in Greek for guests ordering in the native tongue, comes a cultural authenticity, matched by cuisine full of tempting tastes sure to delight the whole family.

 

Founded in 1970, Tsindos continues to thrive, now offering two banquet-style menus for larger groups and a collation of thoughtful dishes prepared by a passionate team. Dive right in with Santorini fried sardines, or seafood saganaki and rice; before wrapping your hands around lamb gyros, shaved from the spit roast, or chicken souvlaki and tzatziki.

Set on the historic waterfront Jones Bay Wharf, enjoy classic Greek cuisine and smashing plates at Mediterranean Magic Greek Restaurant on Pirrama Road in Pyrmont. This stylish and relaxed Sydney dining destination boasts sparkling chandeliers, white-clothed tables and water views as guests peruse an authentic menu of Greek temptations.

 

Owned and operated by father and daughter, Dimitri and Konstantina whose roots are Corinthian and Peloponnesian, the cuisine and atmosphere draw inspiration from such regions; think dishes like char-grilled octopus marinated in olive oil, vinegar and lemon, served on baked potatoes.

Experience the idyllic and rich culture of the island of Crete without leaving Hobart at Urban Greek restaurant on Murray Street. Be transported to Greece with stunning wall murals of Gods and an authentic blue and white vibe at this warm and welcoming dining destination, where softly glowing pendents hang from exposed ceiling beams and a lively buzz of conversation fills the air.

 

Food isn’t just about nourishment, it is an embrace and a moment cherished, as every dish carries a whisper of time-honoured family recipes; yellowfin tuna ceviche and citrus sauce entices to start, followed by charcoal grilled chicken, lemon roast potatoes, tomatoes, onions, pita bread and a side of tzatziki.

Find yourself transported to a traditional and authentic Greek table at Opa Echuca on High Street in Echuca-Moama. Eat like a Greek at this corner taverna where you can dine on the upstairs alfresco verandah, or indoors where a charcoal and white palate offers a stylish vibe and white-clothed tables beckon for memorable meals shared with family and friends. 

 

Twice-cooked calamari with whipped feta, dill sauce and charred bread makes for an ideal starting point; then devour marinated lamb cutlets cooked over charcoal and served with oven-baked Greek potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Don’t go past traditional baklava and ice cream to finish.

Those seeking authentic Greek fare with flair in Geelong head down Little Malop Street to find Mavs Greek Restaurant. Named after the owner’s family name, Mavromoustakos, which means ‘black moustache’, this stylish dining destination oozes Mediterranean charm with a blue and white colour palette, covered alfresco area and open kitchen, giving glimpses of hard-working Chefs in action.

 

Be lured by char-grilled prawns and taramosalata to begin, or share a tasting platter of dolmades, halloumi, loukaniko and keftedes; then devour oven-baked chicken breast stuffed with scallops, prawns and saganaki cheese, served on a bed of lemon potatoes and vegetables, topped with housemade sauce.