Greek venue ‘Mavs’ was crowned the best Greek restaurant in Victoria and Tasmania at the Restaurant Association Gala on Tuesday.

Located in Geelong, Mavs bills itself as the city’s authentic Greek restaurant.

Owner and head chef, Miltiadis Mavromoustakos says it is a massive honour to receive the award, especially after the challenges fronted early on.

“We opened the restaurant five years ago, and decided to do that because there weren’t any other Greek restaurants in Geelong,” he told Neos Kosmos.

“It was a bit of a risk because none of the other Greek restaurants that opened in Geelong have succeeded.”

Julia and Miltiadis with the award. Photo: @mavsgreekrestaurant/Instagram

Now after five years, you can say it was a risk paid off.

Mr Mavromoustakos is proud with his recognition, especially with the stiff competition.

“The award is a big honour, there are so many nice Greek restaurants in Victoria and Tasmania. And I’m saying that because I’m a person that wherever I go, I eat Greek.”

“As a chef my expectations are very high, so I do know there are many nice Greek restaurants in Victoria.”

Photo: @mavsgreekrestaurant/Instagram

Mavromoustakos is from Rhodes, where the family had a business and over the last 40 years, he has worked in a number of kitchens.

Mavs got its name from the family name, which means ‘black moustache’, hence the restaurant logo.

The award is sure to bring more people to Mavs, and Mr Marvromoustakos hopes it can bring some forgotten customers as well.

Photo: @mavsgreekrestaurant/Instagram

This week has seen a big response, with the weekend booking out.

“The response from the local people was unbelievable.”

Mavs is located at 73A Little Malop Street, Geelong, and has a sister restaurant called Souva Bar, located in Belmont, Victoria.