Why Marrickville’s Corinthian Rotisserie Restaurant is Albo’s favourite local

Corinthian Rotisserie Restaurant hasn’t changed its menu in 40 years. Why would it when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the lamb at his unassuming family-run local is “to die for”?

PM Anthony Albanese at the Corinthian Rotisserie Restaurant in Marrickville with George Giannakelos, whose family has run the eatery for 43 years.

For more than 43 years, on the main street of Marrickville, marked by Aegean blue tiles and the scent of lamb, there is an unassuming family run Greek restaurant that’s attracted the attention of the leader of Australia.

Corinthian Rotisserie Restaurant is owned by Frank Giannakelos, who at 80, is still working in the kitchen with wife Marie, 70. Their sons George, 49, and Chris are also involved, working the front of house and the kitchen respectively.

Six days a week, for lunch and dinner, dine in or takeaway, they’ve served the community of Marrickville, and its surrounds, traditional Greek food.

The menu consists of slow cooked lamb, souvlaki and moussaka and has been the same ever since they opened. The only thing that’s changed is the prices.

This unassuming restaurant has long been a favourite of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Speaking on Triple M’s Mick and MG, Mr Albanese told listeners that Corinthian is “the best Greek in Marrickville” and the Marie’s lamb was, “to die for”.

“I heard by word of mouth from customers that Anthony Albanese highly recommended visitors to come and eat here. It makes me feel really good that we’ve been recognised as a well established restaurant because we’ve been here for years,” George Giannakelos said.

“Sydney is lacking in surviving restaurants.”

Corinthian Rotisserie Restaurant in Marrickville is a favourite of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Before he was PM, Mr Albanese, whose offices are across the road from the restaurant, would pop in for lunch. That hasn’t changed since he’s taken office. The only thing that has changed is the length between visits.

And the leader of the country is offered no special treatment nor is the restaurant swept by security days before he’s due to arrive. He simply walks into the restaurant like any other customer.

Frank Giannakelos, 80, owns the restaurant and still cooks.

“He will sit down like a normal customer,” said Frank.

“He doesn’t have a special table.”

The lamb is the signature dish at Corinthians.

The family bought the restaurant in 1980, having always been in hospitality and coming to Australia in 1968.

George Giannakelos has been working in the business since he was eight.

Marie still cooks, saying, “the customers love me. I can’t stop”.

“My parents started the business to keep their heritage and also the family together,” George said.

“There is no social life. Your life is the restaurant. But I work with passion and I enjoy what I do.

“The food is simple, home cooking but full of flavour. I’m proud of my family, because we work together and achieved a lot over the years.

“We’ve been for 43 years and my parents are ready for retirement. But my brother and I will take over and we will be here for another 43 years.”