5 Greek Restaurants in Melbourne to Get Excited About

Just like their Italian and French counterparts, Greek restaurants in Melbourne are a big deal.

Thanks to the city’s massive Greek community, Melbourne is home to arguably Australia’s finest gyros, souvlakis and taramasalata.

The closure of The Press Club on Flinders Street means the stage is now set for Melbourne’s up-and-coming Greek restaurants to break through.

Putting together a list of the best Greek eateries in Melbourne may seem like a Herculean task. However, as we simply love Greek food, we don’t need a second invitation. In fact, it was such a good time that we headed north to discover Sydney’s top Greek restaurants too. Παρακαλώ (you’re welcome)!

Showtime – The Interview GIF from Theinterview GIFs

5 Must-Visit Greek Restaurants in Melbourne

Stalactites

Melbourne institution & leading light on the city’s dining scene

Ask a passer-by on Bourke Street or Collins Street for directions to the best Greek restaurant in Melbourne and they’ll probably point you towards Stalactites. A successful eatery that doesn’t rest on its laurels, Stalactites excels at bringing traditional Greek dishes to life. From soups and souvlakis to gyros and biftekia, the food here is as authentic as it is amazing. Open 24 hours, Stalactites – like a good friend – is there for you whenever you need it most.

Address: 177-183 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Elyros

An authentic taste of Crete in Camberwell

A sophisticated restaurant and wine bar, Elyros fully embraces the island lifestyle. Its stylish decor and warm hospitality make a wonderful first impression, and the plus points don’t stop there. Sensational meat and seafood dishes take centre stage on the menu, with the slow-cooked lamb and cured kingfish particular highlights. A hatted eatery with a great sense of community, Greek eateries in Melbourne don’t come much better than this.

Address: 871 Burke Road, Camberwell VIC 3124Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00pm – 3:00pm and 5:30pm – late

Triakosia

Exciting Greek eatery with a passion for creativity

Flying the flag for Greek restaurants in Fitzroy North, Triakosia is a venue that greets its guests like family. Specialising in Athenian street food and epic sharing platters, Triakosia’s chefs are true masters of their trade. Wanting to take diners from Queens Parade to the ancient land of the gods, Triakosia even offers a culinary-inspired Greek dictionary for guests to consult. Named after the Greek word for 300, Triakosia’s Mediterranean food and specialty coffee are most definitely box office hits.

Address: 300 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North VIC 3068Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 5:00pm – late; Friday to Sunday: 12:00pm – late

Reserve a table

Bahari | The Hellenic Palate

Chic Richmond restaurant where sharing is caring

Owned by MasterChef Australia alumnus Philip Vakos, Bahari is hands down one of the best Greek restaurants in Melbourne. Well-known for its ‘banquet’ meals for four or more people, Bahari’s salads, desserts and house-marinated olives are legendary. The specials board – updated weekly – is also a star attraction, with seasonal ingredients to the fore. If you’re looking to make a good impression on a first date or special Valentine's Day, dinner and drinks at Bahari | The Hellenic Palate should do just the trick.

Address: 179 Swan Street, Melbourne VIC 3121Opening Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm; Thursday to Sunday: 12:00pm – 3:00pm/3:30pm and 5:00pm – 10:00pm/11:00pm

The Greek Spot

Casual neighbourhood taverna with a sterling reputation

Capping off our list of best Greek restaurants in Melbourne is The Greek Spot. A big player on Hawthorn’s dining scene, this family-run venue’s food is unpretentious and unbelievably tasty. Locals regularly fall head over heels for the kitchen’s King George whiting, prawns and succulent lamb cutlets. Perfect for a get-together with friends or an intimate dinner for two, this Burwood Road spot really does tick every box.

Address: 559 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 6:00pm – 10:15pm; Friday & Saturday: 6:00pm – 11:00pm; Sunday: 6:00pm – 10:15pm

Reserve a table

Bonus round!

We’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t fill you in on a couple more Greek dining destinations. For an extra hit of souvlakis, tzatziki and cheesy saganaki, give well-established restaurant Tsindos a try. If sweets and Mediterranean flavours are your thing, dessert paradise awaits inside Lukumades (we’re talking Greek donuts).

One thing is becoming increasingly clear: when you’re craving food of the gods, the heavens above Melbourne open up and deliver.