Photo credits: Anastasia Savvas | Eat Me Social & Alexander Mogavero – Interstellr
Get ready to say “Opa!” because Elliniko Eatery is about to spice up Unley Road with a fresh twist on Greek cuisine! Officially opening its doors today, Friday, 10 April, at 12pm, this new hotspot is bringing the heart and soul of Greece to Adelaide with a delicious mix of tradition and modern flair.
Think warm, welcoming Greek hospitality paired with a contemporary vibe, perfect for a meal full of flavour. Whether you’re here for a casual bite or a special celebration, Elliniko promises to deliver an unforgettable Greek dining experience that will have you feeling like you’re on the charming streets of South Aegean.
“The location wasn’t even on the market. When they say, stop looking and it finds you, that’s exactly what happened,” loannis laughs.
“We were lucky to be in the right place at the right time, and from the moment we saw it, we knew it captured the essence of what we wanted, a ‘small shop, big flavour’ vibe, just like those hidden gem food spots tucked away on the side streets of Greece.”
“The space just felt right, with plenty of parking and a neighbourhood that perfectly fits our vision.”
“It was one of those moments where you stop looking, and everything falls into place. We knew instantly that this was the space we were meant to have.”
Forget the usual blue and white decor you might expect at a Greek restaurant. At Elliniko, the design takes inspiration from modern eateries in Athens, blending natural textures, earthy tones, and subtle Mediterranean influences.
loannis and Anthony use the word “filoxenia” to explain their passion for this new restaurant. In Greek it is φιλοξενία and it translates to “hospitality,” but its deeper meaning refers to the ancient Greek concept of showing kindness and generosity to guests or strangers, treating them as if they were family. It’s a core value in Greek culture and a key element of the Elliniko Greek dining experience.
“From a friendly greeting to hearty portions and thoughtful touches, we’re creating an experience that feels just like dining in Greece, where strangers quickly become friends and everyone is treated like family.”
“We want every guest to feel truly welcomed, from the moment they step inside,” says Anthony.
The menu at Elliniko is where the real magic happens, offering a mix of traditional Greek dishes with a little something extra.
“Makaronia me kima will definitely be a crowd favourite,” says loannis.
“It’s one of those comforting dishes that take us all back to our childhood. And of course, our traditional yiros always wins over the crowd, but don’t forget the calamari. You really need to try it.”
One thing to love about Elliniko is their commitment to sourcing only the best, freshest ingredients.
“We source our meat directly from local farms, ensuring we’re serving only the highest quality cuts, fresh, ethical, and full of flavour,” says Anthony.
“This approach brings an authenticity to our dishes that really reflects the heart of Greek home-style cooking.”
And of course, no Greek restaurant would be complete without an epic yiros.
“Our yiros stands out with perfectly cooked pita, premium farm-sourced cuts, and house-made dips that are bursting with flavour,” loannis explains.
“It’s the kind of yiros you’d find on the streets of Athens—no lettuce, just delicious, herb-marinated yiros meat served with tomato, onion, chips, and your choice of dip. We recommend tzatziki for the full experience.”
The owners’ deep connection to the Dodecanese Islands, a group of Greek islands in the South Aegean, is reflected in many of the dishes at Elliniko.
“We wanted to honour our roots and share the flavours of our families’ homeland,” says Anthony.
The menu celebrates the rich, vibrant ingredients of the islands, with dishes that are simple yet full of flavour. And there’s more to come, as the restaurant will be introducing more Dodecanese-inspired dishes in the months ahead.
“Right now, our motto is simple: have fun and enjoy the journey,” says loannis.
“People come to restaurants to celebrate, and we want to amplify that experience with great food and genuine service.”
Elliniko Eatery
Where: 6/283-285 Unley Rd, Malvern
For more information >> elliniko-eatery.com.au
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