You are invited with open arms into the warmly lit establishment, complete with a rustic, exposed brick interior, polished floorboards, and a brick lined archway, charmingly touched up with soft lighting and the sweet whisper of old-style, Mediterranean melodies playing overhead. Crisp white table clothes and delicate black chairs add to the ambience with a simple twist of elegance. As the exceptionally friendly wait staff seats you, the scent of a home cooked meal greets your senses, as you eagerly await this love affair to begin.
The selection of dips with warmed, homemade pita bread is a classic must have entree, followed by the highly recommended pickled octopus, which is doused in lemon, vinegar, parsley and pepper, and splashed with a good lot of richly flavoured olive oil. Continuing on with the seafood, the lightly fried King George whiting fillets and natural, freshly shucked oysters are taste sensations to be reckoned with. From the grill, you can’t go past the spiced lamb off the spit, also known as Gyros. Cooked to tender perfection, this traditional treat melts in your mouth. Served best with a side of Greek salad and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
One of the chefs favourite dishes, and the stand out of the night, is the Yemista. A large red pepper stuffed with minced meat and rice, baked to deliciousness and served with a side of slow cooked, mixed vegetables, just like Yia Yia used to make. For dessert, and we all know there’s always room for dessert, the Galaktoboureko is a must do, a honey sweetened pastry filled with soft custard and best washed down with a shot of sweet Greek coffee. End your night with a healthy sip (or several healthy sips) of Ouzo, and both your heart and belly will be left full and a flutter – Yamas!
Words by Jess Gailitis
Image by Sara Tansy
