Greek restaurants and eateries throughout Melbourne reopened today to seated dining for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown began in April.

Neos Kosmos visited the famous Greek precinct of Eaton Mall, in Oakleigh, today, between 12.30pm and 1pm.

Despite the cold, wind and persistent rain, people came out to experience seated eating inside restaurants and outside in enclosed areas as per the government regulations.

And the restaurants didn’t disappoint patrons.

Establishments had their outside shop banners and “open” signs on display, the kitchens were rich with food and beverages, videos were being beamed on screens and music was being broadcast from speakers.

There were hand sanitisers, floor markers instructing patrons where to stand, and posters outlining social distancing rules everywhere. Patrons were constantly being reminded to “Be COVID-19 Safe”.

READ MORE: Oakleigh restaurants get ready to reopen on 1 June – and owners get creative to make it work

For now, this is the new normal for dining.

Here is a photo compilation of Oakleigh’s Eaton Mall, this lunchtime.

Do you have photos from your dining experiences now that seating is slowly becoming available at restaurants? Send these to editor@neoskosmos.com.au and we’ll include them in our photo gallery.

Photo: K. Deves
Vanilla has seating inside and outside. Photo: Dora Houpis

READ MORE: Lockdown in Oakleigh – a Melburnian Greek girl returns to her roots

Niko’s Quality Cakes has seated dining inside and outside with its plastic enclosed area. Photo: Dora Houpis
Eaton Mall restaurants have laid out outdoor table settings under plastic enclosures and umbrellas. Photo: Dora Houpis