Australia’s Mediterranean dining scene is flourishing—and for good reason. From vibrant Greek tavernas filled with music and mezze to elegant Italian eateries offering housemade pasta and rich, rustic sauces, these venues don’t just serve food—they serve a sense of escape. If you're craving lemon-drenched seafood, olive oil-soaked appetisers or a long meal with friends that rolls deep into the night, these five spots will deliver your European fix without the need for a passport.
Here are five venues where you can eat like you’re in the Mediterranean.
Mezethes Greek Taverna – Hobart, TAS
Positioned in the heart of Salamanca Place, Mezethes Greek Taverna brings the spirit of the Mediterranean to Hobart’s historic waterfront. Housed in a charming bluestone building in the Salamanca Arts Precinct, the restaurant exudes warmth and character. Inside, you’ll find whitewashed walls dressed with Grecian imagery and traditional sculptures, while the alfresco garden is perfect for a lazy lunch under the sun. Whether you're settling in for a special occasion or a relaxed family meal, Mezethes offers a vibrant and welcoming space to dine.
This is a place where sharing is essential. Start with golden zucchini fritters laced with fresh herbs and spring onion, or indulge in flaky spanakopita stuffed with spinach and feta. The star of the table is undoubtedly the signature seafood platter—a generous spread of grilled ocean fare paired with lemon potatoes and tangy tartar sauce. Or, for those craving meat, the char-grilled eye fillet served with a creamy mushroom sauce hits all the right notes. Round things off with syrup-soaked baklava and a strong Greek coffee.
Reserve your table now and enjoy an authentic taste of the Aegean.
There are restaurants, and then there are institutions—Steki Taverna in Enmore is proudly the latter. With decades of history and a loyal following, this venue feels more like a Greek village gathering than a standard night out. The stone-clad walls, rustic timber furnishings and tiled floors create an atmosphere that’s both homely and electric, often enhanced by live music and impromptu dancing. It’s the kind of place where a dinner booking turns into a celebration, and no one’s checking their watch.
On the plate, expect dishes as bold as the vibe. Begin with plump King prawns chargrilled and doused in olive oil, garlic and lemon, or tender octopus dressed in vinegar and garlic. Mains like the seafood spaghetti—a brimming bowl of prawns, mussels, calamari and scallops swirled through a rich tomato-based sauce—capture the coastal charm of the Med. For traditionalists, the moussaka with layers of potato, eggplant, beef and creamy béchamel is a must. Finish with baklava and a shot of ouzo, if you’re game.
Make a booking and experience Greek hospitality at its finest.
Mythos GR Gyros Bar – Oakleigh, VIC
Oakleigh’s Greek precinct is legendary, and at the heart of it lies Mythos GR Gyros Bar—a bustling eatery that channels the sun-drenched islands of Greece with ease. From the whitewashed walls and pops of azure blue to the warm lighting and open-air seating, the décor instantly sets a Mediterranean tone. The casual vibe makes it ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely weekend feast, and the kitchen delivers comfort food that speaks straight to the soul.
Start strong with grilled octopus accompanied by silky fava dip, or prawns flambéed in ouzo and served in a rich tomato and feta sauce. From there, dig into sticky pork belly ribs slathered in tzatziki, or try a classic gyro bursting with charcoal-grilled meat. For something truly spectacular, share the Aegean platter for two—it’s a seafood lover’s dream, stacked with everything from scallops and soft-shell crab to gauros, oysters and a scattering of fresh fruit and crunchy fries.
Secure your table now and feast like a local in the Greek islands.
Semola Sydney – Marrickville, NSW
Italian refinement meets inner-west charm at Semola Sydney, an elegant dining destination that offers a refined slice of the Mediterranean in Marrickville. Inside, the ambience is low-lit and moody, with dark timber furnishings, art-lined walls and a gentle hum that encourages long, wine-fuelled dinners. Pantry-style shelves stocked with imported pasta and sauce hint at the authenticity behind every dish on the menu.
The journey begins with crisped Fremantle octopus paired with potatoes and a subtle celery crunch, or an artful octopus mayo that adds unexpected richness. But the hero here is the pasta—especially the reginette with slow-braised Wagyu beef, caramelised onions and a dusting of aged Parmesan, balancing deep umami with silky ribbons of dough. Prefer something lighter? The ricotta gnocchi with roasted cherry tomatoes, burrata and ricotta salata delivers fresh, clean flavour in every bite.
Book now for a refined Mediterranean escape, no flight required.
Dom on Burelli – Wollongong, NSW
Sleek, modern and effortlessly cool, Dom on Burelli brings a contemporary twist to Mediterranean dining in the heart of Wollongong. The interiors are stylish but never cold, with warm lighting, minimalist furnishings and a welcoming buzz that makes the space feel lively but relaxed. Whether you're dining midweek or celebrating the weekend, this is the kind of place that feels like a treat without trying too hard.
The food is creative yet familiar, paying homage to Mediterranean classics with a fresh edge. Think charred octopus plated with olives, nduja and a zing of parsley, or truffle mushroom arancini sitting atop whipped ricotta. The handmade gnocchi, folded through pork and fennel sausage with a white wine and garlic butter sauce, is equal parts rich and comforting. And when dessert arrives—perhaps their take on tiramisu—it’s hard not to feel like you've just stumbled across a hidden gem on a cobbled street somewhere in Europe.
Plan your next night out and indulge in Mediterranean flavours with flair.
From smoky grilled octopus to silky handmade pasta and seafood platters that demand sharing, these restaurants prove that a Mediterranean state of mind is just a booking away. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back taverna vibe or an elegant dining experience, these venues serve up sun-soaked flavours and good times in equal measure.
