Melbourne is full of Greek restaurants that shine as bright as the sun-kissed shores of Santorini. Any one of these vibrant establishments will make you feel at home, with traditional recipes and authentic flavours. From sizzling souvlaki to delectable dolmades, there is a whole tapestry of flavours to discover. So, grab a glass of ouzo and embark on a gastronomic odyssey, because these Greek restaurants in Melbourne are worthy of myth and legend. Here are some of our favourites to get you started.
1. Stalactites
There’s no doubt about it. Stalactites is a Melbourne staple. Run by the same Greek family since 1978, this beloved corner venue on Lonsdale Street is one of Melbourne’s longest established Greek restaurants. Feast on their range of famous souvlaki, enjoy generous platters to share, and stay comfy with their assortment of home style dishes, like homemade cabbage rolls or moussaka. Open from 11am to midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and 11am to 2am on Friday and Saturday, Stalactites is the place to be at any time of day.
đź“Ť177/183 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Tsindos
Find Tsindos in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant Greek Precinct. Run by the same family over three generations, this intimate and relaxed venue will make you feel at home. Begin your feast with some appetisers, like homemade dips and pita bread, and small sharing plates like saganaki. For traditional homestyle cooking, you can’t go wrong with the moussaka. For meat lovers, try a bit of everything with a meat platter, or go all out with a banquet. End on a sweet note with classic loukoumades or baklava.
đź“Ť197 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Jim’s Greek Tavern
Jim’s Greek Tavern has satisfied hungry Melburnians for 40 years. This laid-back venue with no-frills dĂ©cor is all about classic and flavoursome dishes. You won’t need to look at a menu here. Instead, let the attentive staff guide you through their dishes, and trust in the process. Start with appetisers and move on to seafood and meat. If you have any room for dessert after feasting on the generous portions, there’s delicious treats like galaktoboureko and halva to enjoy. You can also BYO!
đź“Ť32 Johnston St, Collingwood VIC 3066
4. Bahari | The Hellenic Palate
Enjoy a modern and ‘Gringlish’ take on Greek food and drink at Bahari | The Hellenic Palate. Created by Chef Philip Vakos in 2014, this Richmond venue celebrates share-food with bountiful banquets filled with platters, meats, salads and sides. There’s also an Ă la carte menu, and daily specials made with seasonal produce. Pair your meal with a unique cocktail or two for a great time out.
đź“Ť179 Swan St, Melbourne VIC 3121
5. Salona
Established in 1969, Salona has enchanted Melbourne diners for generations. This venue uses seasonal and local produce to serve up traditional Greek flavours with a twist. While the menu changes with the seasons, you can look forward to mouth-watering dishes like grilled octopus, lamb riganato and beef stifado. There’s also an extensive drinks menu, with plenty of cocktails, spirits, wine and beer to go around.
đź“Ť260A Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121
6. Agapi
At Agapi in Richmond, you’ll feel like you’re in a home away from home, thanks to the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Find traditional Greek food and rustic creations inspired by the beaches and streets of Greece. You’re encouraged to try their share plates, including their exquisite seafood platter, which has a tantalising blend of calamari, prawns, fish and more. Otherwise, there’s plenty of other aromatic dishes to enjoy, like souvlaki and moussaka.
đź“Ť262 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121
7. Theodora’s Bar & Grill
Head to South Melbourne and find delicious food and an incredible atmosphere at Theodora’s Bar & Grill. For the ultimate night out, treat yourself to a banquet, with a classic meat, classic vegetarian or seafood deluxe option to choose from. These banquets will give you a bit of everything, starting with dips and ending with loukoumades. Otherwise, pick and choose something from the menu, like vine leaf dolmades, lamb cutlets, homemade spanakopita and more.
đź“Ť270 Park St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
8. Lemnos Taverna
Feel enchanted by traditional Greek cuisine at Lemnos Taverna. Step into the cosy setting and enjoy fresh seafood and quality meats prepared on a flamed charcoal grill. Seafood is their specialty here, with baby snapper, blue-eye fillet, calamari and more on the menu. But if seafood isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of flavoursome meat dishes to try, seasoned with home grown spices. End on a sweet note with desserts like baklava, yalaktobouriko and halva.
đź“Ť445 High St, Prahran VIC 3181
9. Florina’s Greek Tavern
On the bustling street of Glenferrie Road, you’ll find Florina’s Greek Tavern. This welcoming space has as vast menu for you to choose from, and if you’re having trouble deciding, there’s a set menu that covers popular dishes, like dips and saganaki, seafood, meat and dessert. Or, choose your own culinary adventure from the extensive Ă la carte menu. Feel delighted by marinated lamb that melts in your mouth, tender grilled fish, dolmades and more.
đź“Ť209 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern VIC 3144
10. Triakosia
Triakosia is a vibrant Greek bar and dining destination in Melbourne’s north. Step into the warm and inviting space, and delight in Athenian street food. Enjoy an array of small and large dishes, from zucchini fritters to epic platters with a selection of meat or seafood. Sink your teeth into some meat skewers or pita souvlaki, and pair it with a drink or two. If you’re looking a bright and spirited atmosphere, be sure to pop by on Wednesday nights for some live music sessions.
đź“Ť300 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North VIC 3068