The enduring appeal of Greek cuisine lies in its balance of simplicity and soul. Whether you’re devouring a smoky skewer of lamb fresh off the charcoal, or scooping tzatziki onto warm pita, the cuisine speaks of generations gathered around tables - sharing, celebrating and eating well. In today’s bustling dining scene, a wave of Greek restaurants is keeping tradition alive while dialling up the atmosphere.
From laid-back souvlaki joints to Mediterranean lounges with seafood platters that would make Poseidon proud, we’ve rounded up four essential venues where Greek food shines bright.
Flame Greek Tavern – Surrey Hills, Vic
Step inside Flame Greek Tavern and you’re instantly embraced by a familiar, familial warmth - like you’ve been invited into a Yiayia’s kitchen during Sunday lunch. Hidden in the suburban folds of Surrey Hills, this venue is anything but flashy. Here, the mood is lively, the decor unpretentious and the crowd loyal. Sophie Christou has been crafting traditional Greek fare for nearly three decades and it shows in the intimate hospitality and robust aromas floating out from the kitchen. With its glowing charcoal grill and rustic tables piled with shared plates, Flame feels like a slice of the Aegean, minus the airfare.
The real draw is in the generosity - both in spirit and serving size. A standout is the Flame Special: a mixed grill piled high with spit-roasted lamb, pork and chicken, served alongside a traditional Greek salad brimming with olives, cucumber and feta. There’s no reinvention here, just reverence - hearty moussaka layered with béchamel, housemade spanakopita in golden filo and sweet baklava with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to round it off. This is the kind of place you leave full in every sense of the word.
Secure your table soon - it’s a local treasure that books out quickly.
Stix and Pita is what you get when Greek street food is reimagined with a punch of urban cool. Sitting just off Enmore Road, this lively eatery hums with character. Brick walls, timber counters and the irresistible scent of charcoal-grilled meats form the backdrop to a dining experience that’s as energetic as the neighbourhood itself. Whether you’re perching on one of the outdoor seats or grabbing a pita to-go, there’s a constant sense of movement here - a fitting tribute to the on-the-go lifestyle that birthed souvlaki.
If you’re after big flavours wrapped in tradition, the Achilles Plate hits all the right notes. Choose between chicken, pork or lamb souvla, cooked over charcoal until tender and flame-kissed. Each plate comes with chips, Mediterranean slaw or Greek salad, tzatziki and housemade pita - generous, balanced and unapologetically satisfying. For something more indulgent, the Teras burger stacks double beef and pork belly with a side of smoky drama. This is street food made epic.
Drop in or plan ahead - this cult favourite earns its queues.
Riverside Bar & Dining – Jamisontown, NSW
There’s a certain magic to riverside dining and Riverside Bar & Dining in Jamisontown captures it effortlessly. Nestled in the East Bank Precinct, the venue blends Mediterranean flair with a touch of coastal cool. By day, it’s a relaxed destination for classic bites and riverside views. Come nightfall, the lights twinkle, the live music kicks in and the crowd settles into a rhythm of slow, delicious indulgence. The alfresco setting under string lights offers a dreamy atmosphere perfect for date nights or long, wine-fuelled dinners.
While the menu is broadly Mediterranean, there’s enough Greek inspiration to warrant its place on this list - especially in the signature cooked seafood platter. Think salt and pepper squid, King prawns, octopus, scallops, Moreton Bay bugs and Tasmanian salmon, all artfully arranged with sides of aioli, cocktail sauce and golden chips. It's a modern homage to the kind of coastal feasting Greek islands are known for.
Book your table to enjoy the catch with a side of live music.
Tucked along Langtree Avenue in Mildura, Souvlaki Inn brings the humble souvlaki back to its charcoal-cooked best. Its blue-accented façade nods to Santorini, while inside it’s all clean lines and warm lighting. With deep blue walls and hanging pendent lights, the vibe is casual yet considered - perfect for a quick bite that doesn’t compromise on quality. Locals and travellers alike stream in for the unmistakable aroma of meat on the spit and the comfort of food that doesn’t try too hard.
The hero dish is simple: charcoal-cooked souvlaki, wrapped in toasted pita and layered with tomato, onion, lettuce and your choice of sauce. The meat - whether chicken, lamb or beef - is juicy with just the right amount of char. Beyond that, you’ll find comforting burgers and generous packs with housemade salads, but it’s the souvlaki that draws you in and keeps you coming back.
Plan your visit and treat yourself to Mildura’s best-kept culinary secret.
Whether you’re after a long, louche seafood feast or a handheld pita packed with punchy flavours, Greek cuisine offers something for every appetite and occasion. These venues prove that staying true to tradition doesn't mean staying stuck in the pas - it means cooking with heart, honouring the old ways and delivering every dish with a healthy dash of filoxenia.
