Melbourne boasts a thriving food scene that caters to a diverse range of culinary tastes from around the world. Among its many culinary offerings, Greek cuisine holds a special place with the locals.
It’s not surprising, given the city accommodates more people of Hellenic origin than most others in the world outside of Greece. But notwithstanding, Melbourne’s Greek dining establishments have long been celebrated for their warm hospitality, convivial ambience, and mouthwatering dishes that instantly transport diners to the sun-drenched shores of Athens, Patras, Thessaloniki and Larissa.
Blessed with succulent gyros, traditional moussakas and perfectly grilled octopus, the menus at these restaurants deliver an authentic and memorable dining experience that will make your taste buds sing. But which venues stand out the most?
Through meticulous research and firsthand exploration, we have come up with this list of the 10 best Greek restaurants in Melbourne for 2023. Each of them represents the culmination of generations-old family recipes, skilled chefs’ expertise, and a commitment to showcasing the finest ingredients that embody the essence of Greek gastronomy.
From the bustling streets of Richmond and the heart of the CBD to the vibrant precincts of Fitzroy and South Yarra, these are the places to go for your next Greek meal.
Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar
Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar is one of the best Greek restaurants in Melbourne.
Established in 2018, it is located in the heart of Yarraville and was named after its family matriarch. It prides itself on offering delicious, authentic meals with home-cooked Greek flavours made with the flair of professional chefs.
Their menu specialises in chargrilled seafood and gyro dishes made with high-quality and seasonal ingredients. Hearty in size, they are served by friendly staff who provide excellent hospitality. Thus making every meal a pleasant experience.
Address: 28 Anderson Street, Yarraville VIC 3013
Phone: 0467 508 991
Hours: Mon – Closed, Tues to Sun 12 pm – 3 pm & 5.30 pm to 9 pm
Stalactites
Stalactites on Lonsdale Street is a renowned Greek restaurant in Melbourne that has been serving customers since 1978.
The restaurant is owned and operated by the same family and is a favourite among the Greek community who come here in their droves. (Don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table).
The restaurant’s exposed stone walls and striking stalactite ceiling – hence their name – create an unforgettable dining atmosphere. But it’s really the food here that steals the show.
They offer a variety of classic Greek dishes, including gyros souvlaki and delicious homemade tzatziki, which is just as good as anything you can get in Athens. In addition, Stalactites is known for being one of the best gluten-free Greek restaurants in Melbourne. So, this is the perfect place for you to come if you suffer from that intolerance.
Address: 177/183 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9663 3316
Hours: Sun – Thurs 11 am – 12 am, Fri & Sat 11 am – 2 am
Mediterranean Greek Tavern
At the Mediterranean Greek Tavern in Elsternwick, freshness is their top priority.
They carefully select their meat, fish, and produce from the market daily to serve traditional Greek cuisine that is always fresh and delicious.
Seafood enthusiasts are particularly well catered for, with calamari, prawns, and oysters served in generous sized platters and shared plates for you to enjoy.
Just like the food, the restaurant’s interior also impresses, featuring a traditional white and blue design that wouldn’t look out of place in Amorgos, Santorini or Thessaloniki.
Address: 511 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick VIC 3185
Phone: (03) 9530 0396
Hours: Mon Closed, Tues – Thurs 6 pm – 10 pm, Fri & Sat 5.30 pm – 10.30 pm, Sun 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Agapi
Agapi in Richmond is a restaurant that truly embodies the essence of Greek cuisine.
With its name meaning ‘love’ in Greek, the restaurant focuses on the idea of sharing food with friends and family, offering a huge variety of meat and salad dishes for you all to enjoy.
Enhanced by its unique and charming coastal Athenian ambience and rustic interior design, Agapi provides a fantastic dining experience.
Given the portion size, a meal here also represents outstanding value for money.
Address: 262 Swan Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Phone: (03) 9428 8337
Hours: Sun to Thurs 12 pm – 10.30 pm, Fri & Sat 12 pm – 11.30 pm
Yassas
Located in the Eastland shopping centre, Yassas is a Greek-inspired eatery in Melbourne that offers a unique dining experience.
Their menu features authentic Greek street food skilfully made from the freshest produce and locally
sourced ingredients. Some of their popular menu items include Greek salads, souvlaki, and a variety of dips that you won’t be able to get enough of.
With locations in Docklands, Southbank, and Eastland, Yassas brings delicious Greek cuisine to every corner of Melbourne. It’s a great lunchtime choice during the working week and as your evening meal.
Address: Shop R06/171-175 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood VIC 3134
Phone: (03) 9017 5003
Hours: Sun to Wed 12.30 pm – 8.30 pm, Thurs 12 pm – 9 pm, Fri & Sat 12 pm – 9.30 pm
Bahari
Bahari is a standout Greek restaurant in Melbourne that offers a contemporary twist on traditional Greek cuisine.
Their Gringlish-inspired menu showcases their Hellenic roots with inventive dishes like Haloumi Cigars, Prawns Kataifi, and Pomegranate and Cauliflower Salad that will titillate your taste buds.
Despite this innovative approach, Bahari maintains the spirit of communal dining that is central to Greece’s culture. So, it is the perfect place to head to with your friends for a fun evening of delicious and unique Greek fare.
Address: 179 Swan Street, Melbourne VIC 3121
Phone: (03) 9427 7898
Hours: Mon Closed, Tues to Thurs 5 pm – 10 pm, Fri to Sun 12 pm – 3 pm & 5 pm – 11 pm
Demitri’s Feast
Demitri’s Feast, located in Richmond, prides itself on offering some of Melbourne’s most authentic Greek cuisine.
This cosy cafe combines traditional Greek dishes with modern updates to present such wonderful dishes as low-roasted goat with lemon potatoes and ouzo-infused salmon. Beautifully presented, they burst with flavour and aroma that is so good, you’ll want to order more!
Set within a space with a blue and white interior that enhances its Mediterranean atmosphere, your meals can be paired with a robust selection of Greek wines and ouzos. Many of which are imported from the mother country.
Address: 141 Swan Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Phone: (03) 9428 8659
Hours: Mon & Tues Closed, Wed & Thurs 4.30 pm – 11 pm, Fri to Sun 12 pm – 11 pm
Tsindos
Tsindos, a renowned Greek restaurant located on Lonsdale Street, has been serving traditional Greek
dishes since 1975. So they have well and truly passed the test of time.
A top choice for authentic Greek cuisine when in Melbourne’s CBD, their menu offers a variety of mouth-watering options, including sumptuous lamb cutlets, traditional Greek salads, moussaka, and their signature eggplant dip.
Another restaurant with warm, courteous staff and an excellent selection of Greek wines, reservations are recommended as it does get very busy here.
Address: 197 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9663 3194
Hours: 11 am to 10 pm every day
Theodora Bar and Grill
If you find yourself in South Melbourne and are craving delicious Greek cuisine, Theodora Bar and Grill is the perfect spot to head to.
Priding itself on traditional Greek hospitality, the restaurant encourages and is often full of large family gatherings.
They are particularly known for their seafood offerings, which include octopus, mussels, calamari and a range of fish cooked in the most delectable way. However, they also dish up a terrific selection of skaras, gyros and other grilled options.
Bring your loved ones and enjoy a relaxing evening of delicious food and drinks at this warm and buzzy venue.
Address: 270 Park Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Phone: (03) 9041 5701
Hours: Mon Closed, Tues to Fri 5 pm – 10 pm, Sat 12 pm – 3.30 pm & 5 pm – 11 pm, Sun 12 pm – 3.30 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm
Jim’s Greek Tavern
No, Jim’s Greek Tavern is not an extension of the successful franchise that also covers mowing, dog washing, fencing and termite and pest control. It is, in fact, a superb Greek restaurant in Collingwood that has been around for over 55 years.
Since 1967, Leonidas Panagopoulos and John Georgopoulos have managed this renowned Greek establishment, providing customers with simple yet flavourful meals and generous portions. Staying true to their Hellenic roots, their classic home-cooked style dishes hail from various parts of the Greek archipelago.
Undoubtedly one of the best Greek restaurants in Melbourne, the venue’s interior design reflects the same simplicity, with white walls and blue accents, of the Greek flag, creating a distinct and straightforward dining experience.
The restaurant also operates under a BYO policy. So you can pair your meal with your favourite tipple.
Address: 32 Johnston Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Phone: (03) 9419 3827
Hours Mon 6 pm – 12 am, Tues 12 am – 12 pm & 6 pm – 11.30 pm, Wed to Sun 6 pm – 11.30 pm