Brisbane’s best Greek restaurants, including Hellenika and Greca

Although Brisbane might not be Mount Olympus, our Greek restaurants sure do serve up the food of the gods. SEE OUR RANKINGS

Although Brisbane might not be Mount Olympus, our Greek restaurants sure do serve up the food of the gods.

Greek cuisine may not be ancient in Brisbane, but everyone in the River City has a favourite. The always-reliable and always tasty, rustic suburban bolt hole or somewhere inner-city, sleek and more up-market.

Despite the hefty menus and sometimes kitschy decor, great Greek restaurants know less is more. Fruity olive oil, a few minutes on the grill, a zing of lemon, fresh oregano and the impeccably fresh fish are beyond delicious.

Greek restaurateurs also know more is more; Platters of toasty pita with taramasalata, zesty tzatziki, briny olives, zingy dolmades and squeaky halloumi make way for mountains of slow-cooked souvla.

Or crispy but tender calamari or whole, local grilled fish. Masterful lemon potatoes are a signature dish that should never be missed, while each restaurant has a different take on the horiatiki or traditional village salad.

And, while plate-smashing may no longer make for a sustainable night-out, expect a big welcome and big Hellenic flavours at these top five. Yiasou.

1. Hellenika

Striking a pose on Brisbane’s most fashionable street, The Calile Hotel opened in 2018 with Hellenika headlining in this chic city resort.

At first, we thought the blush of pink-jacketed servers added the buzz to this opulent but restrained dining room. Or maybe it was the White Lotus-worthy pool deck.

Hellenika at The Calile Hotel is a popular spot.

Every night is Friday night, with guests ordering endless cocktails from the mammoth wine list while scooping red pepper feta dip with oregano-spiced Village Bread.

A Greek restaurant is only good as its namesake salad, and the horiatiki is sublime here. Likewise, the flash-fried calamari, silverbeet-wrapped veal dolmades and succulent Junee lamb cutlets.

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2. Greca

Looking just as much at home under the Story Bridge as it would on Mykonos, Greca reminds you of the sun-drenched Greek island’s party vibe. And, on a long, hot Brisbane afternoon or in the heat of the night that Karpouzi Spritz is a cool start.

Greca restaurant is a must-do if you love Greek food.

Greca takes Greek comfort food and elevates it with oomph. Saganaki certainly sizzles, and charcoal-grilled Swordfish cuts through. But the spoon-tender lamb shoulder with yoghurt and garlicky potatoes makes carnivores’ hearts sing.

When there’s no room left, sliced watermelon with ouzo is the best thing this side of Athens.

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3. Little Greek Taverna

Little Greek Taverna (LGT) is a BYO, family-run, West End spot that serves up good value.

The menu is filled with classic hits, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Lemon potatoes just like Yia Yia used to make? Absolutely. Some of the favourites are so popular that LGT advises you to reserve. So book your table and that Moussaka, lamb souvla or Florinian lamb you’ve been craving.

Little Greek Taverna in West End. Picture: Tara Croser

Throw in some halloumi or prawn saganaki, spanakopita and chargrilled calamari, and it’s a feast.

Vegetarian options come with Greek salad and chips. For small groups, there are platters and a Little Greek Banquet. Did I tell you LGT is BYO?

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4. Nostimo

South Brisbane’s Greek Club has been Aussie-Greek’s spiritual home since 1975. In 2018, after a swish $3m facelift and importing Sydney chef David Tsirekas from multi-hatted Perama, Nostimo was born.

Nostimo Greek restaurant in Brisbane.

The ceilings may be ornamented with worry beads, but there’s no need to worry. Greek for delicious, Nostimo certainly lives up to its name with feasts designed to share.

Head Chef Adam Carpenter’s has a fresh take on the classics - pastitsio stars slow-cooked pulled brisket, prawn saganaki comes with salsa, ouzo, feta and cherry tomatoes. FYI the halloumi chips are doused with honey and toasted sesame seeds.

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5. Lefkas Greek Taverna

In an age of pop-ups and ‘what’s the next big thing?’, Lefkas Greek Taverna (LGT) is a stayer. Beloved by locals since 1994 for authentic flavours, and Argiorgitiko on the wine list. ($8 BYO is Wednesday and Thursday nights).

Lefkas Greek Taverna in Brisbane.

Named after the island Lefkada, LGT transports you from the Brissy burbs to a sun-kissed Ionian beach where bouzoukis play. And they do at Lefkas on Friday nights.

From the extensive dips list to the Marides (dusted local whitebait) and sardines, starter choice can be challenging. Platters here are legendary, like the stifado, cabbage rolls and chef’s signature quails. Dessert? The home-style rice pudding never disappoints.

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