By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Sydney’s obsession with Greek dining is nothing new. Whether it’s old-school milk bars or modern mezza bars, classic souvlaki stands or the more sophisticated spots of late, the Harbour City has never hidden its passion for the fresh, punchy, sunshine-soaked flavours of the Hellenic.
However, if your cravings are the kind that will likely only be satisfied by the sunshine of a warm Mediterranean escape, but you find yourself stuck in Sydney’s mid-year chill, don’t sweat it - figuratively!.
Ikaria Bondi is smoothly slotting in to serve up a flavour-filled Euro Summer-inspired feast right on our doorstep…all the way from the legendary island of Ikaria itself.
Laid back, communal and authentically Aegean, this Blue-Zone-inspired establishment has long been a Bondi favourite. With its new menu, it’s about to become your passport to Greek island bliss - without the airfare - this Winter.
Run by a passionate husband-and-wife team and helmed in the kitchen by Executive Chef Ivan Sanchez - whose impressive resume includes stints at some of Sydney’s top eateries like Porteno - Ikaria’s new menu is all about bold, share-friendly dishes that bring people together around the table.
Ivan’s Spanish roots bring a refined edge, but the focus of Ikaria’s feasts is to offer elevated tastes that are less tourist and more local legend.
Starters that shine
Kick off your Euro Summer in Sydney with a selection of classic Greek dips. Standouts include the whipped feta with confit tomatoes; or, for the perfect fusion of Aussie and Aegean flavours, try the taramasalata - salted fish roe dip dressed with native finger lime - all mopped up with fresh, fluffy pita bread.
Mezza magic
Ikaria’s new menu’s heart beats strongest in its meze - those glorious little plates meant for sharing and savouring. Start by feasting on the honey-drizzled saganaki - a crispy, golden fried cheese that’s draped in sweet honey and fresh lemon. It’s Yia-yia-approved comfort food turned cool and a dish that perfectly balances salty, sweet and tangy notes.
Next, keep it classic with fried calamari topped with tzatziki. Indulge in Ikarian’s iconic octopus salad, version 2.0 - this one featuring tender morsels swimming in a zesty mix of tomatoes and olives - because did you even go to Greece if you didn’t try the olives?
The main event
If you’ve ever watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’ll know that lamb is non-negotiable. Ikaria's slow-cooked shoulder with whipped tahini is a must-order. Tender, rich and fragrant with Mediterranean spices, the meat falls apart while the whipped tahini adds a nutty creaminess that’s almost enough to persuade a plant-eater to indulge!
For seafood lovers, the King prawns with labneh and salsa verde offer a fresh and vibrant punch, pairing juicy prawns with creamy, tangy labneh and a herbaceous kick from the salsa verde, for a vibe that channels the freshness of cool island sea breeze on a hot day.
Vegetarians need not miss out either, with Ikaria’s take on souvlaki - made with meaty mushrooms - sure to satisfy.
Sweet spot
The desserts at Ikaria are a dreamy finale to a Mediterranean feast, each one a playful yet refined nod to Greek flavours. There’s fruity watermelon, lime and ouzo popsicles - offering a refreshing hit of citrus and a cheeky nod to the island’s love of local liqueur in icy form - or, a lemon gelato delicately infused with ricotta, olive oil, and sea salt - a creamy, tangy twist on tradition.
For something indulgent, the loukoumades arrive golden and crisp, generously dusted with pistachio and crowned with cream, while the brûlée gets a Greek makeover with caramelised figs adding deep, jammy sweetness.
For the coffee lovers? The kafe affogato is a bold, bitter-sweet treat, made even better with the option of an additional splash of Frangelico!
Honourable, off-menu mention
What really sets Ikaria apart, aside from the food, is its setting. Nestled along Bondi’s shimmering (albeit currently crispy) shoreline, the venue boasts sweeping ocean views that transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
Combine that with the warm, welcoming vibe and you’ve got the perfect place to while away a balmy Sydney evening and make like you’re in the Med.
