It was with abit of trepidation we set out for Hellenic Republic, I have never been to a Greek style restaurant and the food seems very ‘foreign’…..The Operator was keen and after all, we had booked five weeks in advance! http://www.hellenicrepublic.com.au/
The mission was actually getting there from Melbourne CBD. The Operator was all for taking the tram, Rosie compromised, taxi there, tram home. TAKE A TAXI – Lygon Street is sssooooo long, its numbers repeat itself over two suburbs, the restaurant is in East Brunswick and you keep going and going into what seems quite a salubrious out of the way suburb in the dark.
When we arrived the place was pumping! The atmosphere was loud, brash and fun, with more large groupings seated rather than couples, it is a fun place to be and the Greeks love sharing food with friends!
The decor is Greek fishing village simplicity, large windows, whitewashed walls, subtle lighting and feature light shades in large wicker cray pot style. The kitchen is open in the back and the Head Chef operates facing the kitchen from the restaurant side of the pass…he saw and was watching everything!
The wine list included a large ouzo selection, but, I was totally distracted by the fact we could by wine by the carafe, something I cant remember being able to do since the late 80s! My how things have changed…instead of plain ole red or white options, the choice was Sav, Pinot Noir or Shiraz. $24 dollars for a three glass carafe of mellow good quality house wine, The Operator was in heaven!
The menu is extensive for a la carte choices, the Greek name for the delicacies unpronounceable but, they had excellent dish descriptions following so no ordering mistakes can be made there. With Rosie and The Operator being Greek virgins we opted for a Trapeze menu, a six course set menu which fully represented Greek dining at its best. All can say is for the $58 per head, it was the best value I have had for my dollar in Melbourne. TIP go there with a loose belt and not having had lunch!
Everything presented was freshly cooked from scratch and made with high quality meat and seafood. The salads were made per order as well and were crunchy, mouthwatering and zingy. The Cypriot Green Salad, full of grains, pulses and nuts was my pick of the night and teamed with the crispy skinned salmon and prawn tails will feature and (hopefully) be replicated by The Operator this summer at home.
This restaurant totally lived up to and exceeded the hype! Hellenic Republic is a great night out! Rosie and The Operator will definitely go back there again…..if we remember to book in advance.
PS the tram stop is right outside the restaurant and the number 1 or 8 will take you right back into the middle of town.
