Food of the Gods: Great Greek Restaurants in Sydney

An abundance of fresh seafood, a warm climate by the sea, a people who love to relax, a culture that loves to eat and drink… Are we in Greece? Or are we in Australia?

It goes without saying there’s some parallels between these two laid-back countries when you think about it. Considering this, it also makes sense that the competition to be Sydney’s number one Greek restaurant is hella tough.

But it’s not just the appreciation amongst the dining crowd that’s of note. So too is the quality of Greek food in Australia, as a whole. It’s nothing but high and flavours range from authentic and comforting (just like Yia Yia would make) right down to inventive and contemporary.

This is clearly apparent in Melbourne’s dining scene, but the standard can also be applied in Sydney. Just take one look through our curated list of restaurants and you’ll quickly agree.

It appears the Sydney CBD is particularly rich with Greek restaurants, but we’ve also featured some neighbourhood gems like Xenos in Crows Nest and Enigma in Castle Hill. Enjoy!

Top Greek Restaurants in Sydney

1. Greek at the Belverdere

Around since 1823, The Belvedere Hotel is a Sydney institution that just keeps on giving. This three-storey boutique bar and restaurant precinct offers quite the culinary fix in the CBD district, especially at Greek at The Belvedere located on the upper level. This relaxed yet sophisticated Mediterranean restaurant prides itself on its sharing-style menu, which happens to be perfectly designed for feasting. Our tip? Come hungry and come as a group!

Open Monday to Saturday from 12 – 9pm. Located at 482 Kent Street, Sydney CBD, Sydney 2000.

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2. The Apollo

One Greek restaurant in Sydney you’ll definitely want to add to your dining destination list is The Apollo. Located in Potts Point, this one-hatted restaurant is all-round elegant in terms of food, drinks, hospitality and atmosphere. And with a menu driven by seasonal produce, there’s always a reason to keep coming back as daily specials and new dishes pop up left, right and centre on a regular basis. Wood and charcoal fuel the cooking here, so expect dishes like BBQ quail, charred calamari and baked snapper. One more tip from us – order the signature saganaki cheese in honey and oregano. If you want to impress next February 14, this is a must for Valentine's Day dinner in Sydney.

Open Monday to Thursday from 6 – 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 – 11pm, Sunday from 12 – 10pm. Located at 44 MacLeay Street, Potts Point, Sydney 2010.

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3. Xenos Restaurant

Another stronghold in Sydney’s Greek restaurant scene, Xenos Restaurant has been around since 1969. This family-owned and operated eatery perfectly balances the best of refined Mediterranean cuisine with modern Australian influence, hence why it’s so popular. Another reason for its popularity is the fact it’s open all day, meaning locals can snap up Greek-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Located in the heart of Crows Nest, Xenos’ al fresco dining along Burlington Street is also a drawcard. We’re all about the cumin spiced lamb salad with roast pumpkin and a lime greek yoghurt.

Open Monday from 7am – 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 7am – 10pm and Sunday from 8am – 5pm. Located at 7 Burlington Street, Crows Nest, Sydney 2065.

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4. alpha

Chic, spacious and currently with a stunning waterside location down at Circular Quay, alpha serves the kind of modern Greek fare which excites and surprises. It seems head chef Peter Conistis can continuously craft his menu in a way that’s truly original, giving staple Greek dishes a contemporary twist. We’re talking creations like eggplant moussaka with seared sea scallops, twice-cooked octopus with pickled chillies, slow roasted lamb and galaktoboureko milk pie with lime syrup.

Open Monday to Sunday from 12 – 10pm. Located at 7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks, Sydney 2000.

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5. Enigma

Enigma is a contemporary restaurant in Castle Hill winning over foodies thanks to eloquent cooking and top-quality produce. It’s a Sydney eatery that likes to keep things within the family, meaning recipes have been passed down from generation to generation within the Psaroudis clan. Yet there’s also a modern twist evident throughout the menu with mouth-watering highlights including the wood-fired and slow cooked salt bush lamb, and swordfish steak with roasted almonds. As one of Quandoo’s most popular restaurants, we highly suggest you get amongst!

Open Monday to Friday from 11:30am – 2:30pm and 5 – 9pm, weekends from 11:30am – 9pm. Located at 274 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, Sydney 2154.

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6. Medusa Greek Taverna

In Greece, nothing quite compares with a local taverna. It’s the embodiment of neighbourhood eating, a place where locals come together to dine and drink amongst leisurely comfort and warm hospitality. Medusa Greek Taverna on Market Street endeavours to replicate that very vibe, using fresh local produce to bring to life the best of Greek cuisine. Their menu is extremely authentic in terms of dishes, perhaps more so than any other restaurant on our list. So if tradition is what you’re after, check out this inviting spot in the Sydney CBD.

Open Monday to Friday from 12 – 3pm and 6 – 10pm, Saturday from 6 – 10pm. Located at 2 Market Street, CBD, Sydney 2000.

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7. EAT GRK

Located in Beverly Hills and Parramatta, EAT GRK are two sister Greek restaurants in Sydney which pay attention to three things in particular – family, food and coffee. With this in mind, it’s clear to us that EAT GRK have their priorities exactly right. The food here is all about authentic cooking over charcoal, resulting in drool-worthy dishes like flame-cooked souvlaki and chargrilled seafood. Meanwhile, the dining vibe is down-to-earth and casual just like you’d expect in your Mum’s own kitchen. As for the Greek-style coffee, we promise it’s strong and just what you need after a filling meal.

Check with individual branches for opening hours. Locations in Beverly Hills and Parramatta.

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8. Diethnes Greek Restaurant

Fancy some traditional Greek dining in the heart of the Sydney CBD? If so, Diethnes Greek Restaurant is exactly what you’re looking for. This much-loved establishment has been around since 1952 and folks not only love the food here, but also the authentic hospitality. Atmosphere is important to the owners and the team at Diethnes endeavour to create a dining experience full of fun, also known as kefi in Greek. Take note, there’s particularly tasty and affordable set banquet menus available both during lunch and dinner.

Open Monday to Saturday from 12 – 3pm and 5:30 – 9:30pm. Located at 336 Pitt Street, CBD, Sydney 2000.

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