Greek Food Restaurants

What Are The Best Greek Food Restaurants In Melbourne?

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    According to legend, European and Mediterranean cuisines came together one night and had a XXXperience, giving birth to Greek cuisine. The result of this union is Greek cuisine. When I'm in the mood for something sweet and savoury, I can't go wrong with this one-of-a-kind combination of flavours.

    From pita flatbread to souvlaki, from slow-cooked lamb to rotisserie chickens, from seafood to dolmades, and from cheese to baklava, you'll find it all at Melbourne's top Greek restaurants. It's time to chow down on all of these delectable dishes.

    During the 1960s and 1970s, the city of Melbourne's gastronomic identity was shaped by waves of immigration from Greece.

    It's no surprise that our city is brimming with family-owned Greek taverns and restaurants, given that we have the city's largest Greek population outside of Athens.

    Despite the challenges, we have compiled a list of Melbourne's top Greek restaurants. Options for those who prefer soul food or seafood, dairy queens or vegetarian cuisine are plentiful.

    Greek Food Restaurants

    Your Guide To The Best 23 Greek Restaurants In Melbourne

    The state capital of Victoria is home to a large number of Greek restaurants that are open from the wee hours of the morning until the wee hours of the night. This allows you to begin your day or end your night with a variety of Greek goddesses!

    Restaurants in Melbourne with the best Greek cuisine can be found here.

    Jimmy Grants

    This restaurant serves a style of Greek cuisine that you probably wouldn't anticipate, given what they say about themselves: "Prepared slow. "Served quickly." There are multiple Jimmy's locations in the Melbourne area, each of which serves authentic Greek street food made with ingredients that are both very fresh and very flavorful.

    Vanilla Baklava with Salted Caramel Ice Cream is a deserving star on their menu, and it is strongly recommended that customers order it if they are looking for something sweet to finish off their meal.

    Stalactites

    Serving a variety of sauces and dips, this eatery is known for its meat dishes. Stalactites, a Greek restaurant in Australia, has been open since the late 1970s. The company has always been run by the same family and is still family-owned today.

    One of the most popular dishes served at Stalactites is the homemade spanakopita, which is served alongside traditional Greek fare like souvlaki and genista.

    When it comes to being a Melburnian, does it even matter if you haven't visited Stalactites yet? One of the most popular Greek restaurants in Melbourne's CBD, this establishment is run by a warm and welcoming family. Everything about this place is unique, from the stalactites adorning the ceiling to the lightning-fast service. Waiting in line for dinner is worth the effort, even if there is a long wait time.

    If you're hungry for sandwiches or gyros, start with some pita and hummus. As an additional perk, they have a fantastic children's menu that includes a wide range of options beyond the usual burgers and fries selection.

    Stalactites, a Greek diner in Melbourne, has been voted the city's best. Souvlaki, tzatziki, traditional dips, and baked goods are all on the menu at this well-known Greek restaurant, which opened in 1978.

    There are a variety of flavorful dips, lamb gyros, chicken and their moussaka is a must-try for meat-lovers who are in the mood for a filling dinner. You should definitely order the Tsitsipas souvlaki, which consists of lamb gyro, tomato, tzatziki, fresh basil and mint, crumbled feta, chips and a little bit of chilli in it; it's absolutely delicious.

    Hellas Cakes

    Hellas Cakes, which has been in business since 1962 and specialises in Greek desserts and baked goods, offers an enticing menu of Greek breakfast dishes as well as speedy lunch options, such as spanakopita and tiropita (cheese pie).

    ENA Greek Street Food

    ENA specialises in creating unique dishes that are influenced by the food found on the streets of Greece. These dishes are prepared with straightforward, fresh, and flavorful ingredients in a setting that is very laid-back. Additionally, they make their own unique blend of coffee in-house.

    Yiannis

    Taverna Yiannis is run by a family and serves a selection of meats and seafood that have been grilled over charcoal. Galaktoboureko is an absolute necessity, but their appetisers, dolmades, dips, and fried zucchini are perennial best-sellers.

    The Press Club

    This cosy and laid-back dining experience is a tribute to the spirit of Philotimo and traditional Hellenic cuisine. There are only ten booths in the restaurant. The Press Club features a menu that is constantly being updated and incorporates both traditional ingredients and innovative cooking methods.

    Demitri’s Feast

    Demitri's Feast is a cosy eatery that serves breakfast and lunch, and it is known for its contemporary Greek cuisine as well as its interesting breakfast suggestions.

    According to the advertisement, it is Greek food prepared by a Greek man. This spot is a laid-back eatery and bar that is famous for serving food in the style of tapas, as well as for its devotion to ouzo and the Richmond Football Club. But putting the football to one side, Dimitri's is a welcoming establishment where one can enjoy a few drinks or settle in for a Greek feast. Try some grilled calamari and chicken skewers that have been marinated before being grilled. You are free to thank us at a later time.

    Bahari

    bahari

    The menu at Bahari is constantly evolving, and each dish features a flavour combination that strikes the ideal balance. They say that the traditional way to enjoy Greek food is with one's family and close friends. As a result, the restaurant "Bahari" embodies this philosophy and features a shared menu, which encourages patrons to share a variety of dishes throughout the course of their dining experience.

    Philip Vakos, a former contestant on MasterChef, has been serving his interpretation of Hellenic cuisine at his restaurant Bahari, which is located on Swan Street, since 2014.

    What began as a restaurant has expanded into so much more; in addition to their in-house service in the restaurant, cocktail bar, and upstairs dining room, they now offer take-home feasts, picnic hampers, catering services, masterclasses, and grazing boxes. What began as a restaurant has grown into so much more.

    The dishes on the menu are meant to be shared, and feature Vakos' signature "Gringlish" style, which can be found throughout the menu. It's impossible to make a mistake with the saganaki sliders and the moussaka toastie, so take our advice and order them.

    In Melbourne, there is a Greek restaurant called Bahari, The Hellenic Palate, which is unlike any other. The restaurant's interpretation of Greek food and lifestyle, which is embodied in their irresistible menu, lends the establishment its distinctive atmosphere.

    Because the specials menu is updated frequently, patrons have the opportunity to sample something new each time they pay a visit. A dish called moussaka, which is layered with a copious amount of potato and based with hearty ground meat, has been a consistent customer favourite over the years. Other mouthwatering options on the menu include the chicken meatballs topped with spanakopita sauce and the prawns from Kataifi served with aioli.

    Jim’s Greek Tavern

    With no actual menu, your waiter at Jim's Greek Tavern will craft your order for you based on your tastes and the amount of money you have. Inventive meat and seafood preparations, as well as house-made dips, are all available.

    Because it has been a mainstay of the Melbourne dining scene for decades, dining at Jim's Greek Tavern has become something of a rite of passage for many of us. After experiencing it for yourself, you will understand why it is so popular with so many.

    This Melbourne Greek tavern has long been regarded as one of the most authentic in the city, in large part because of its adherence to traditional service methods and lack of menus or set prices for its food offerings.

    Despite the fact that it is always crowded, loud, and occasionally perplexing, individuals have come back for decades because of the food. This is something you should do if you haven't done it already.

    Some of Jim's Greek Tavern's distinctive features include the abundance of Greek goddess statuettes, the appearance of palace-like walls, and waiters who yell out orders in the ancient language of the cuisine. Traditional Greek fare like souvlaki and meze can be found in a lively brick tavern with an open fire that's been around for a long time.

    In keeping with its roots, this venerable eatery continues to serve up extravagant interpretations of traditional favourites. You'll sample a wide range of grilled meats and seafood, as well as a variety of homemade dipping sauces. Galaktoboureko, seafood, and lamb are some of the restaurant's most popular dishes (a dessert).

    Plaka

    It is well-known for being one of the best suburban Greek restaurants in Melbourne and is the restaurant that the locals choose to go to because it serves such delicious seafood. Plaka is a family restaurant that provides an extensive menu that can be ordered a la carte and is also available for takeout.

    Hellenic Republic

    "Keeping things simple," as they like to state, just like Yia Yia did, the Hellenic Republic restaurant sources fresh, high-quality produce from Greece and Melbourne in order to create authentic Hellenic recipes, which are taken directly from Yia Yia's recipe box.

    Gazi

    Gazi Restaurant is a sister restaurant to both the Hellenic Republic and the Press Club. It is known for its wood-fired grill dishes, wood-fire spit-roasted meats, and what it refers to as its "Hellenic Dirty Food" selection of spicy pork and leek sausage stew. All of this is served in a very laid-back and informal setting.

    Gracie Greco

    Camberwell's Gracie Greco is one of Melbourne's latest Greek restaurants. Family-owned and operated, it serves traditional dishes at this family-run tavern.

    The sons are in charge of the bar and the front of the house while their grandparents whip up a flurry in the kitchen. Honey and sesame seeds that have been toasted on top of the grilled halloumi cheese make this dish absolutely scrumptious to eat.

    Genesita, or meat- or vegetable-filled peppers are delicious and come in both vegan and beef options. Tonight, no one will go to sleep hungry. For dessert, you can't go wrong with the Greek doughnut-like loukoumades.

    Venus and Co

    Venus and Company is one of the best Greek restaurants in Bayside, New York. The semi-à-la-carte banquet menu at Albert Park's restaurant is a big draw for both dine-in and takeout clients.

    Dips are a good place to start, followed by small plates, larger sharing plates, and finally the main courses. Look out for the ice cream sandwich with kaftifi and baklava kataifi.

    A Melbourne Greek restaurant with Cypriot flavour is Venus & Co. Cypriot cuisine combines the best of both Greek and Mediterranean flavours, making it a unique culinary experience.

    The restaurant serves traditional fare and drinks made with only the finest ingredients. However, be cautious! Lamb shoulder with honey, pomegranate glaze, preserved garlic and mint yoghurt should not be taken for granted when it comes to slow-roasting. In addition to the Halva Sundae, sesame ice cream with salted caramel and sesame brittle on top is also enticing.

    Tsindos Greek Kitchen

    Tsindos, which first opened in 1975 and is still run by the same family, is widely regarded as one of Melbourne's best Greek restaurants. In addition to genista and souvlaki, they continue to serve traditional dishes such as dolmades and put resources, which have been in the family for three generations.

    There are numerous options for both meat eaters and vegetarians in their salads, which are also well-deserving of praise. There are Greek wines and spirits available to pair with your meal, if you want an evening that is truly Greek in flavour.

    On Melbourne's famous Lonsdale Street, there are a number of excellent restaurants, and Tsindos Greek Restaurant is no exception. For more than four decades, Tsindos has served customers with traditional Greek fare. Tsindos' laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal for deep conversations among close friends over a leisurely meal.

    The third best Greek restaurant in Melbourne serves mixed dips, saganaki, grilled octopus, dolmades, Greek salad, seafood platters, meat platters, souvlakis, and desserts. These include fried zucchini, halloumi, artichokes topped with cheese, and many other Greek delicacies!

    Yassa's

    Since the area is crammed with tourist attractions, Yassas stands out as one of the best in Southbank. Since then, they've opened two more restaurants, one each in Eastland and Docklands, to bring the deliciousness of Greek food to the suburbs.

    The calamari is excellent, as well as the yemista is worthy of a kiss on the cheek from the chef himself. We invite you to join us for a meal if you're particularly peckish. In addition to a children's feast and platters that can be shared, they offer two different kinds of feasts.

    As a result of the success of its three successful locations, Yassas is unbeatable when it is open. You'll get a taste of Greece's vibrant culture while savouring a modern twist on traditional Greek street food. You'll get a taste of Melbourne with this.

    For a truly memorable meal, order one of their signature dishes from their wide-ranging menu. It's the original Skepasti, made with cheese, tomato, and onions between two pita breads served with a side of chips or salad (or both). Snack packs of gyros are also available at this restaurant.

    Salona

    Richmond

    High tea, anyone? Salona in Richmond, Virginia, is about to change your perception of high tea by serving Greek cuisine. It's possible to book a table for the standard or bottomless Athenian High Tea, and you'll be served a plate stand of Mediterranean delicacies.

    For lunch or dinner, you can choose from a simple but flavorful selection of entrees, or you may opt for a cocktail flight and a selection of mezes. At Salona, you'll get an extra helping of opulence with your meal.

    Salona is known for its gyros, calamari, and creamy dips, all of which are served in a small, cramped space decorated with ancient Greek murals. Authentic Greek cuisine and warm service are the highlights at Richmond's Salona, a stately mansion turned restaurant. The food served at the restaurant is authentic to Greek cuisine. Additionally, the restaurant's proprietors have done an outstanding job of honouring regional cuisine and preserving traditional recipes.

    And banquets are the norm at this location!! There is a $35 lunch banquet option that includes chips topped with oregano, house-made dips, pita bread, seed-crusted saganaki croquettes, zucchini and smoked Feta Kofte, chicken gyros, and a Greek Salad for those who prefer a more substantial meal.

    Melina on the Rooftop

    CBD

    The breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea are often the first thing that comes to mind because once we think of Greece. Melbourne's central business district can be seen in all its glory from Melina on the Rooftop, even if the views aren't as breathtaking as those from Santorini.

    As a tribute to Melina Mercouri, the former Greek actress who went on to become a politician, this rooftop bar and restaurant has been named after her. It's not just the drinks that are mouthwatering, but the grazing boards that are inspired by meze that they have on offer. Perfect for a romantic dinner or afternoon tea.

    Greek Food Restaurants

    Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar

    Yarraville

    If you're in the mood for authentic Greek fare, head to Eleni's Bar and Kitchen in Yarraville. When it comes to authentic Greek cuisine served in a homey atmosphere, there's no better option in Melbourne than Eleni's. For the past half a century, the Yarraville establishment has been owned and operated by the same family.

    In addition to ongoing plate-smashing events and weekend live music, the venue, named after the family patriarch, boasts a stunning outdoor terrace. The restaurant's desserts, which are made to order by the restaurant's in-house pastry chef, are equally impressive.

    Ambrosia

    Hawthorn East

    If you are in feelings for some charcoal grilled food, head over to Ambrosia. The charcoal kebabs and steaks are a delight for any meat eater who visits, even if the dishes is more accurately described as "Mediterranean" than as strictly Greek.

    There are plenty of meatless options on the restaurant's extensive starter menu if you don't want to eat there anyway. From Italy and France to our own backyard, there's something for everyone on the wine list.

    Mediterranean Greek Tavern

    Elsternwick

    Fresh ingredients are the focus at John and Angelo's Mediterranean Greek Tavern. The food on your plate will be as fresh as possible because it is hand-picked from the market evey morning before it is served to you that evening.

    Seafood such as fish, calamari, prawns, and oysters are among the many options available daily. In addition, there are a wide variety of main dishes, Greek wines, and platters that can be shared at the restaurant. It's a hidden gem in the neighbourhood that's well worth the money you spend.

    Philhellene

    Moonee Ponds

    The Good Food Guide-listed restaurant Philhellene pays homage to regional Greek cuisine, emphasising the region's Cretan influence. The menu at Philhellene is dominated by family recipes, and the owners, Susie and John, let their mothers do all of the cooking in the restaurant's kitchen. Eating there is like eating in a Greek home.

    Everything from the dips to the souvlakis shows that the owners and staff are passionate about Greek cuisine and culture.

    Olive Oil and Butter

    Yarraville

    We couldn't leave out Olive Oil and Butter, even though it's a restaurant. This brunch spot in the neighbourhood serves Mediterranean-inspired pastries and cakes.

    Filo pastries, like the rest of the menu, are made in-house using only fresh ingredients. Also available for purchase are a wide range of gourmet food items, as well as a cabinet brimming with mouthwatering pastries that are hard to resist. It's the perfect meal to share with a friend for lunch or dinner or a morning out.

    Conclusion

    Melbourne's gastronomic identity was shaped in the 1960s and 1970s by waves of Greek immigration. There are numerous family-owned Greek restaurants and taverns in our city. It's been nearly 40 years since the Greek restaurant Stalactites opened in Australia. It has been determined that Stalactites Greek Diner, located in the heart of Melbourne's business district, is the best in town. Taverna Yiannis is a family-run establishment that specialises in grilled meats and seafood.

    Hellas Cakes is a bakery that specialises in Greek desserts. Bahari, The Hellenic Palate, is a Greek restaurant in Melbourne. The menu reflects the restaurant's take on Greek cuisine and culture. Vakos' signature "Gringlish" style is evident in the dishes on the menu, which are meant to be shared. Many people consider going to Jim's Greek Tavern to be a milestone in their lives.

    There is a wide variety of meat and seafood dishes, as well as homemade dips, to choose from. Greek Republic uses fresh, high-quality ingredients from Greece and Melbourne to create authentic dishes. Hellenic Republic For its wood-fired grill dishes and wood-fired spit-roasted meat, Gazi Restaurant is renowned. Honey and sesame seeds drizzled over grilled halloumi cheese make it a delectable snack. Food at Venus & Co. is inspired by both Greek and Mediterranean cuisines, with a Cypriot twist.

    Tsindos has been serving traditional Greek cuisine to its customers for more than four decades. One in Eastland and the other in Docklands have been opened since. A new high tea spot in Richmond, Virginia, Salona, will feature Greek fare, changing the way you think about high tea. Its gyros, calamari, and creamy dips have made Salona famous throughout Greece. Mercouri's former Greek actress Melina Mercouri is the subject of Melina on the Rooftop.

    At Eleni's Kitchen and Bar, diners can enjoy traditional Greek fare in a relaxed setting. In John and Angelo's Mediterranean Greek Tavern, freshness is a top priority. With its emphasis on Cretan cuisine, Philhellene pays tribute to local Greek cuisine. All of Olive Oil and Butter's baked goods are made in-house using only the finest, freshest ingredients.

    Content Summary

    • From pita flatbread to souvlaki, from slow-cooked lamb to rotisserie chickens, from seafood to dolmades, and from cheese to baklava, you'll find it all at Melbourne's top Greek restaurants.
    • During the 1960s and 1970s, the city of Melbourne's gastronomic identity was shaped by waves of immigration from Greece.
    • Despite the challenges, we have compiled a list of Melbourne's top Greek restaurants.
    • One of the most popular Greek restaurants in Melbourne's CBD, this establishment is run by a warm and welcoming family.
    • Stalactites, a Greek diner in Melbourne, has been voted the city's best.
    • Philip Vakos, a former contestant on MasterChef, has been serving his interpretation of Hellenic cuisine at his restaurant Bahari, which is located on Swan Street, since 2014.What began as a restaurant has expanded into so much more; in addition to their in-house service in the restaurant, cocktail bar, and upstairs dining room, they now offer take-home feasts, picnic hampers, catering services, masterclasses, and grazing boxes.
    • In Melbourne, there is a Greek restaurant called Bahari, The Hellenic Palate, which is unlike any other.
    • Because it has been a mainstay of the Melbourne dining scene for decades, dining at Jim's Greek Tavern has become something of a rite of passage for many of us.
    • This Melbourne Greek tavern has long been regarded as one of the most authentic in the city, in large part because of its adherence to traditional service methods and lack of menus or set prices for its food offerings.
    • Gazi Restaurant is a sister restaurant to both the Hellenic Republic and the Press Club.
    • Camberwell's Gracie Greco is one of Melbourne's latest Greek restaurants.
    • Venus and Company is one of the best Greek restaurants in Bayside, New York.
    • For more than four decades, Tsindos has served customers with traditional Greek fare.
    • Salona in Richmond, Virginia, is about to change your perception of high tea by serving Greek cuisine.
    • Authentic Greek cuisine and warm service are the highlights at Richmond's Salona, a stately mansion turned restaurant.
    • If you're in the mood for authentic Greek fare, head to Eleni's Bar and Kitchen in Yarraville.
    • Fresh ingredients are the focus at John and Angelo's Mediterranean Greek Tavern.
    • This brunch spot in the neighbourhood serves Mediterranean-inspired pastries and cakes.

    FAQs About Melbourne Restaurants

    When Greek immigrants flocked to Australia after World War II, little did they realise how warmly their food would later be embraced? 

    Australia, with its plentiful seafood, propensity for olive growing and rich and fertile soils, clearly lent itself to the so-called “Mediterranean diet”. But for many years, Greek immigrants were instead synonymous with milk bars and burger joints.

    Souvlaki, loukoumades, moussaka, spanakopita and taramasalata were soon introduced, and many Greek dishes remain a staple of milk bar culture across Australia. 

    Once Greek immigration took off in the 1950s, so did the demand for Greek food. Fib pastry delicacies were soon supplied to restaurants across the cities and industries for Greek yoghurts, feta, halloumi, and kefalotyri. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that restaurants serving exclusively Greek food began opening.

    The first Greeks came to Australia in the early 19th century, but most arrived here between the end of World War II and the 1970s — and most came to Victoria. Melbourne is the epicentre of the Australian Greek community, but that community extends across the country and into major aspects of our culinary lives.

    The Greek influence on Australia's dining scene today is clear. Dishes such as souvlaki, taramasalata, loukoumades, saganaki, moussaka, spanakopita and more are part of the national diet. The restaurant scene offers various Greek food experiences, from street food to high-end fine-diners.

    But the embrace of Greek cuisine is a relatively recent phenomenon. Restaurants serving Greek food became visible in the 1970s and '80s, but there were generations of Greek-run places before then, stretching as far back as the gold rushes of the 1800s.

    A typical Greek breakfast usually consists of a wide variety of bread, pastry, fruits, and Greek yogurt. These foods are high in nutritional value and a great source of energy — an excellent way to begin your Greek food adventures!

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