A La Grecque Aireys Inlet: a sensational Greek restaurant on the Great Ocean Road
Words: nicole van cuylenburg
Greek favourites straight from a matriarch’s kitchen await at this impeccable Aireys Inlet restaurant.
A La Grecque, a beloved Greek restaurant in the coastal town of Aireys Inlet is a masterclass of artfully combining Australian produce, respectful preparation and treasured family recipes. The result is flawless – it’s authentic, honest and joyful.
Walk into A La Grecque and you’re greeted with the relaxed merriness of Mediterranean string melodies. The coastal Greek restaurant’s paired back decor and sea views allow you to take a beat, before poring over the menu that poses the delightful dilemma – what don’t you want? The menu comprises delectable small sharing plates from seafood to olives, mains of Australian lamb and seafood, warm salads, and a sprinkling of desserts. Each section features just a few carefully chosen options, and the menu changes seasonally.
Beautifully prepared Greek dishes and treasured family recipes shine at A La Grecque in Aireys Inlet — a restaurant worth the Great Ocean Road drive.
Savoury heaven
Is there anything quite like freshly caught South Australian king prawns? They were chargrilled to perfection, juicy sweet flesh in a smoky crispy shell, and swirling them in the puddle of burnt butter first was sublime.
A well seasoned rack of lamb on a bed of warm grains with a sharp twist of coriander made a perfect main course. Accompanied by lemon roasted potatoes that were salty, crunchy, fluffy and zesty all in good balance, and a moreish grain salad with crunchy almonds and pops of raisins and pomegranate; it was the perfect example of less is more when it comes to complementing flavours.
Desserts
My palate was wistfully clinging to the savoury indulgence now sadly concluded, but dessert was still an inevitable necessity. Affogato was the perfect balanced ending. The silky vanilla ice cream bathed in bold espresso and liqueur was rich and refined, and just slightly sweet. A La Grecque’s classic Greek dessert rotation does include a rich chocolate cake, chocolate ouzo mousse, meringue and baklava.
