Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar Yarraville
Melbourne’s love for Greek cuisine runs deep, but few places are as soul-warming as this gem in Yarraville’s dining precinct.
Words: nicole van cuylenburg
With its longstanding reputation as the cultural and hotspot of Australia, Melbourne’s love affair with Greek cuisine has stood the test of time since the first waves of Greek immigrants began to arrive here in the mid to late 1800s, peaking in the 1960s to 70s.
While you won’t find a shortage of fabulous Greek restaurants scattered across Melbourne ranging from everyday to fine dining, there’s nothing like a genuinely soul-warming experience that ticks all of the boxes for fresh produce, a well-crafted menu and of course warm hospitality that could easily take you back to your Mediterranean escape – or make you feel like you’re away on one.
And that is precisely where Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar in Yarraville makes its mark as outstanding traditional Greek food not just in Yarraville’s dining enclave, but arguably, one of the most authentic Greek restaurants in Melbourne.. Here, you won’t find a common default to a modern Australian angle on the menu. Instead, Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar is honest, full of soul, and transports you to yiayia’s kitchen where all are welcome whether it’s a weekend meal or special celebration.
Step through the wooden exterior of Eleni’s and you’re immediately welcomed with citrusy, chargrilled aromas and cozy surroundings. Live music often plays, and family photos grace the walls. Your eyes will almost immediately fall on the tempting display of sweets, but that will be savoured only if you have room afterwards, or have some willpower and make your selections wisely. (Spoiler alert: this takes practice over many fabulous visits.)
- Blue Vodka Cocktail
- HALLOUMI (GF) 19 Grilled Cypriot cheese served with lemon
- Fried Calamari, Char Grilled Octopus, Bass Strait Scallops
- MIXED DIPS – 4 DIPS (GFO • DFO) 22 Tzatziki, Tarama, Melintzanosalata and Tyrokafteri Served with house made bread
Start with one of Eleni’s signature tender saganaki (the fig jam gets our vote).
One of Eleni’s must try offerings and easily something you’ll repeatedly enjoy, is their chargrilled octopus. It is always cooked to perfection and does the South Australian catch, delicious ‘Greece on a plate’ justice every time.
Team it with the Bass Strait seared scallops and chargrilled calamari and you have yourself a lemon-infused seafood treat.
Of course, no Greek feast is complete without lamb. Whether it’s the gyros with tzatziki or cutlets with lemon potatoes, you won’t be disappointed.
If you have managed to save room for dessert, we applaud you.
You can’t go wrong with the baklava ice cream or burnt basque cheesecake, and the flourless chocolate cake is also a perfect way to round out a feast.
It’s safe to say that whatever you choose, you’ll be blown away by head chef Christos Katopodis’ authentic creations.
Put Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar on your list for a Greek dining escape, and thank us later.
- Eleni's Kitchen and Bar
- 28 Anderson Street, Yarraville
- + 61 0467508991
- info@eleniskitchen.com.au