Best of the West: Is this Sydney’s best Greek restaurant?

An escape to the Mediterranean doesn’t require a passport if you trot on down to Thaleia Greek Taverna in southwest Sydney. And this traditional Greek restaurant offers more than just tasty cuisine.

World travel may be off the cards but diners at Thaleia Greek Taverna can still escape to the Mediterranean.

Tucked away in the southwest Sydney suburb of Beverly Hills, the traditional taverna named after the Greek goddess of music and banquets brings diners a little slice of Greece impervious to international travel bans.

Restauranter Joseph Devcic bought out Thaleia from the previous Greek owners after falling “headfirst” in love with the taverna.

Thaleia Greek restaurant owner Josip Devcic pictured with an entree of octopus and main course of lamb. Picture: Toby Zerna

Despite being of Croatian heritage himself, Mr Devcic was determined to keep Thaleia as authentic as possible to its roots, doubling as chef to serve up banquets of traditional recipes.

“We keep things simple but quality, I might be Croatian but I feel I’m an adopted Greek, a lot of our food is similar,” Mr Devcic said.

“From day one its been about tradition but also doing our best to keep our customers happy.”

Thaleia Greek restaurant’s entree of octopus. Picture: Toby Zerna

While Thaleia gives western Sydney diners the Greeks’ love of banquet with a menu equally full of mains and entrees, music is another key part of the experience at the taverna.

Every Friday and Saturday live bands perform Greek and other Mediterranean based music at the restaurant.

Thaleia Greek restaurant’s main course of lamb. Picture: Toby Zerna

“I think that’s what sets us apart, the music and the food,” Mr Devcic said.

“You can get Greek food elsewhere in Sydney, but you get the full experience of Greece right here.”

But beyond his own restaurant, he said he was “proud” of what western Sydney has to offer for foodies and families alike.

Owner Josip Devcic (L) pictured with an entree of octopus and waiter Lambros Kortikis (R) with a main course of lamb. Picture: Toby Zerna

“The dining experience is different out here, there’s no hustle or bustle, you come out to a local place and you eat good food,” Mr Devcic said.

“It’s more relaxed, more friendly, people are more open and you get so many different groups coming together to celebrate. It’s the best thing about the west.”

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