
08 Feb 2023
… because food from the Hellenic Republic really is the food of the gods. You don’t have to go to heaven to try it though, just the Gold Coast! So whether you’re after souvlakia or spanakopita, baklava or moussaka, here are The Goldie’s top Greek restaurants.
If it’s traditional Greek food you’re after, you’d be well advised to head to On Fire Broadbeach Greek Taverna.
You’ll find all of the Greek classics here from the mixed souvlaki platter to a hearty moussaka. If you’re really hungry, go for the 1.2kg slow cooked lamb shoulder. It comes on the bone with lemon potatoes, tzatziki dip, Greek salad and plenty of pita. Sure, it’s designed to share, but the friendly staff won’t take offence if you eat it all yourself!
Also, there’s a couple of little-known Greek wines on offer, or for a distinctly Hellenic experience, try the vodka-based Achilles’ Heel cocktail. Opa!
Dish Cult’s top pick: Spanakopita ($24.90)
If live music, warm Greek hospitality and local organic produce sound good to you, make a reservation at
Grounded in Miami.
While you can take away or dine in, we recommend that you book a table and settle in for the evening. You can expect staples like pastitio and yemista, stuffed capciscum and tomatoes with rice and a rich beef bolognese sauce, but Grounded in Miami makes a real effort to offer something for everyone. That means you’ll also find a gluten-free yemista, as well as a vegan one which features caramelised onions, tomato, parsley, dill, mint and sultanas.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Greek style marinated chicken souvlakia ($14)
Waterfront views and good food are a dreamy combination and Carrara’s Athenia ticks off both. The restaurant is also much loved by Tripadvisor peeps, having picked up a slew of awards, so enjoy your dinner safe in the knowledge that it’s very popular.
Tuck into chicken souvlaki or moussaka next to the Emerald Lakes and appreciate skyline views of Surfers Paradise. Or, opt for a more social dining experience with the mezedakia or mezze banquet. Just make sure you leave room for baklava at the end!
Dish Cult’s top pick: Chef’s Creation, with chilli marinated chicken, pan-fried with mushrooms and wine ($30)
Xenia Grill in Coolangatta believes in the ancient Greek tradition of philoxenia, that is welcoming strangers into your world, which is exactly how you’ll feel at this philosopher-quoting eatery.
It’s no accident that the menu at Xenia starts with a quote from Democritus warning that “a life without feasts is like a long road without taverns” before launching into four different sharing menus, one especially for vegetarians.
You don’t have to go for a banquet though, as there’s plenty to satisfy including flash fried baby squid, crispy eggplant chips and heaps of souvlaki options like the Texan barbecue with meat fries and bacon. Sure, that doesn’t sound very Greek, but as another philosopher said, c’est la vie!
Dish Cult’s top pick: Oktapodi, chargrilled octopus with fava and pickled vegetables ($28)
Sea and Shore Restaurant goes beyond Greece for its inspiration, but with its waterfront location it makes sense to embrace more of the Mediterranean. The menu is dependent on local produce availability, meaning you’re guaranteed the freshest dishes.
Keep things traditional and start with kalamata olives and halloumi. The range of Italian and Greek dishes creates somewhat of a battle of cuisines, so brace yourself for indecision. But a few Mythos beers will help you decide!
Dish Cult’s top pick: Baklava ice cream ($12)