Hats off: Six Greek-owned restaurants make Australia’s Good Food Guide for 2019

Australia’s Good Food Guide for 2019 is out and six of Neos Kosmos’ favourite Greek-owned restaurants have received the much-anticipated hats.

The annual audit of Australian dining has convened and come up with a verdict that saw many esteemed establishments drop a few places and lose hats this year, but restaurants the likes of Elyros, The Press Club and Apollo have been holding on to their accolades tightly year in year out.

Elyros’ sister restaurant, Epocha has not been included this year, however, new eateries such as Ipsos, Captain Moonlight and the newly opened Ble have gotten one hat amongst Australia’s creme-de-la-creme.

MELBOURNE

Elyros
Angie Giannakodakis and Disa Dimitrakakis’ Cretan cuisine inspired restaurant has once again garnered a hat. The wine and dine bar nested in the heart of Camberwell is undeniably one of the most loved in the area combining a unique setting – housed in a beautiful 1920’s bank building, where the old Magic City hailed back in the day – with healthy, traditional Hellenic flavours.

The two powerhouse ladies that hail from the island of Crete have been keeping the essence of their homeland’s cuisine alive in Melbourne using the best quality produce from land and sea, in keeping with the ethos of the Mediterranean diet.

Elyros is fully licensed and open Tuesday through to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and on Sunday only for lunch.

Where: 871 Burke Road, Camberwell, VIC 
elyros.com.au

The Press Club
George Calombaris’ flagship establishment has been around for a while but it was the MasterChef judge’s decision to move the restaurant next door and renovate it that has elevated it to the top.

Since moving next door, and being replaced by Calombaris’ more laid back brainchild Gazi, The Press Club may have shrunk in size but it has become one of the city’s degustation gems, offering the most intricate Greek inspired fusion cuisine.

Home to just 10 booths, it offers an eclectic culinary experience paying homage to classic Hellenic dishes with an ever evolving menu that combines old-world ingredients with new techniques. One more of TPC’s strengths lies within the contents of its wine list; one will experience one of the most mind-blowing wine pairings possible as every vintage and label is carefully selected to compliment the dishes.

Where: 72 Flinders St, Melbourne, VIC
thepressclub.com.au

 

LORNE

Ipsos 
A new in, but to no surprise, this regional Victoria restaurant is here to stay. With a name strongly connected to the Greek Australian community at its helm, this eatery reflects an edgy and fun take on Greek food executed the Aussie way.

Alex and Dominic Talimanidis grew up on the kitchen floor of this restaurant when the premises was operated as Kostas Taverna by the Talimanidis family from 1976 until 2003. The duo decided to follow the clan’s heritage but re-introduce Greek food with a more youthful outlook. With Alex in charge of the menu and Dominic looking after the floor and the overall experience, even the staunchest diner is guaranteed to leave satisfied.

Ipsos also offers an extensive range of local and overseas varieties, including Greek wines while it is open for lunch and dinner, serving drinks and cocktails from 12 noon till 11.00 pm.

Where: 48 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, VIC
ipsosrestaurant.com.au

Captain Moonlight
Anglesea is not only home to Victoria’s surfer’s paradise, but also houses one of the best seafood eateries in the state. With its motto “high tides + good vibes”, Captain Moonlite sits tucked into the cliff-edge overlooking the Anglesea surf coast all the way to Point Addis and Port Phillip Heads.

Acclaimed chef Matt Germanchis and his partner Gemma Gange have joined powers in providing coastal European food and some delicious traditional Greek mezedes in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
The fit-out is laid back and combines Greek island vibes with the Great Ocean Road views.

Where: 100 Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea, VIC
captainmoonlite.com.au

 

SYDNEY

The Apollo
Chef Jonathan Barthelmess in partnership with Longrain’s Sam Christie draw on the first’s heritage and their joint love for Greece. Since February 2012, The Apollo, dubbed “neo-Greek taverna” is one Potts Point’s main culinary attractions.

The popular MacLeay Street restaurant introduces Greek food to New South Wales foodies in a unique way that the Good Food judges agree is a winning formula for success.

Even though The Apollo identifies as a ‘taverna’ its elegantly deconstructed interior designed and built by interior architect George Livissianis, offers the option to casually dine at the bar and an inevitably buzzing atmosphere.

Looks aside, every flavour derives from the freshest ingredients and is placed on your plate with extra love and talent.

The Apollo is open Friday to Sunday from 12 noon through to 5.00 pm for reservations and offers all-day menu dining from 12.00 noon till late.

Where: 44 MacLeay St, Potts Point, NSW 
theapollo.com.au

Ble Restaurant
The newest eatery on the list, Ble Greek Kouzina led by The Chef’s Line’s Natalia Gaspari offers a modern Greek dining experience that feels like eating at your grandmother’s kitchen. The talented and imaginative executive chef brings over 15 years of experience in both Greece and Australia to the table, introducing the philosophy of sharing. On that note, the Ble menu has been designed around its share plates and different combinations to encourage coming closer together with family and friends and enjoying food as a common experience, an exchange.

Gaspari is dedicated to using the finest of ingredients, inspired by her memories of the classic Greek kouzina (kitchen). Ble Restaurant is pet friendly and open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 11.30 am till late, with many vegan and gluten free options.

Where: Shop 2, 203-207 Ramsgate Rd, Ramsgate Beach, NSW
blerestaurant.com.au