Melbourne is the second-largest urban area in Australia after Sydney. It is also one of the most culturally-diverse cities and home to one of the largest Greek diaspora communities in the world; the largest Greek-speaking population outside Greece lives in the area.
All this can only mean one thing, Melbourne is home to a seemingly- endless range of Greek restaurants and tavernas! Here are some of the best of them.
Jimmy Grants
This place serves the kind of Greek food you actually wouldn’t expect. As they claim themselves: “Prepared slow. Served fast.” There are several Jimmy’s locations in the Melbourne area which serve real Greek street food, with very fresh and tasty ingredients.
Among their dessert selection, Vanilla Baklava with Salted Caramel Ice Cream is a deserved star on their menu, and it is not to be missed.
Stalactites
This eatery is well-known for its dishes of meat accompanied by dips. A family business which has been run by the same family the late ‘70s, Stalactites is nothing short of a Greek dining institution in Australia.
Loved for its traditional Greek dishes, Stalactites serves souvlaki, gemista, and moussaka as well as a delicious homemade spanakopita.
Hellas Cakes
The home of Greek sweets and pastry delicacies since 1962, Hellas Cakes serves an inviting menu of Greek breakfasts as well as quick lunches featuring spanakopita and tiropita (cheese pie).
ENA Greek Street Food
ENA specializes in innovative dishes inspired by the street food of Greece, made with simple, fresh and tasty ingredients in a very relaxed atmosphere. Their coffee is a custom in-house blend as well.
Yiannis
Yiannis is a family-owned taverna serving a variety of menu of charcoal-grilled meats and seafood. Appetizers, dolmades, dips, and fried zucchini are perennial best-sellers, but their Galaktoboureko is an absolute must.
The Press Club
This intimate and relaxed dining experience with only ten booths pays homage to the spirit of Philotimo and classic Hellenic dishes. The Press Club presents an ever-evolving menu which combines ancient ingredients with new culinary techniques.
Demitri’s Feast
A small café open for breakfast and lunches, Demitri’s Feast offers a contemporary Greek menu and some interesting proposals for breakfast as well.
Bahari
Bahari (the Greek word for spice) boasts an ever-changing menu with offerings that feature a perfect balance of spices. They say that Greek food is traditionally enjoyed with family and friends. As such, ‘Bahari’ embodies this philosophy and presents a shared menu, encouraging people to share an assortment of dishes throughout their dining experience.
Jim’s Greek Tavern
A unique space with no actual menu, at Jim’s Greek Tavern your waiter will craft your order for you based on your taste, and your pocket. There are many unique meat dishes, seafood and house-made dips from which to choose.
Plaka
Known as one of the best suburban Greek restaurants in Melbourne which is the choice of the locals for its amazing seafood. Plaka is a family restaurant which also offers a full a la carte menu available for takeout.
Hellenic Republic
“Keeping things simple,” as they like to state, just like Yia Yia did, the Hellenic Republic restaurant sources fresh, quality produce from Greece and Melbourne creating authentic Hellenic recipes, straight from Yia Yia’s recipe box.
Gazi
Sister restaurant to the Hellenic Republic as well as the Press Club, Gazi Restaurant serves wood-fired grill dishes, wood-fire spit-roasted meats, and what it calls its “Hellenic Dirty Food” selection of spicy pork and leek sausage stew, all in a very relaxed, informal atmosphere.
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