As the weather is getting warmer, we start looking for the best by-the-water short escapades that will make us feel closer to home, and by home we mean Greece.
One of the most cosy establishments only a 15 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD serving authentic and contemporary Greek food is Santorini in Williamstown.
The Old Williamstown Post Office constructed in 1859 has been transformed into a warm and welcoming traditional Greek restaurant.
Santorini has a beautiful outdoor area, ideal for large groups and families, overlooking Commonwealth Reserve by the water, with views all the way into the city.
When the temperature drops, there’s a warm fireplace at the centre of the stylish interior with carefully organised seating arrangements.
Santorini also has a private dining area available for functions and events while the service is always spot on with the staff taking into consideration all dietary requirements.
The menu caters for all tastes and budgets offering traditional Hellenic flavours with emphasis on fresh produce, seafood and rotisserie goods as well as contemporary Mediterranean food with a twist.
The regulars love the fasolakia with beans, spinach, feta and toasted almond slivers, the fava, the dolmades, and the simple but mouthwatering chicory wild horta drizzled with olive oil and lemon.
The marinara and mussels are also very popular, second only to Santorini’s grilled octopus and the special Kefalograviera saganaki recipe.
Meat lovers will not leave unsatisfied either with the restaurant’s marinated chicken cooked over charcoal, the marinated lamb shoulder shaved off the spit, and the lamb gyros. The souvas are slightly larger than usual, cut in half served with lemon potatoes.
In terms of desserts, their loukoumades are smaller and crunchier but exploding with flavour, the galaktoboureko being a must-try with the semolina custard sandwiched between homemade filo pastry.
Santorini is located at 1 Parker St, Williamstown, VIC. For enquiries or to book, call (03) 9399 8520.
