The 5 Best Greek Restaurants in Hobart for a Taste of Yiayia’s Cooking
From lively restaurants to cult-favourite takeaway shops, the best Greek restaurants in Hobart are well loved by locals.
Greek cuisine has been present in Hobart ever since the city’s first milk bars were opened by immigrant families in the 1930s. While the original shops have been shuttered, you’ll find Mediterranean fare all over the city, from busy restaurants offering shared dishes and good vibes to neighbourhood takeaway joints evoking the milk bars of yesteryear.
Although Greece and Tasmania are worlds apart, the local produce of the Island State – think lamb, seafood, olives and fresh vegetables – lends itself beautifully to Greek cuisine. We’ve rounded up five of the best Greek restaurants in Hobart to satisfy your craving for souvlaki, saganaki and spanakopita.
Urban Greek
One of the most-loved Greek restaurants in Hobart, Urban Greek is hugely popular with visitors and locals alike. Sit amongst the dramatic wall murals of Greek gods and enjoy traditional Cretan fare like the pelagos (marinated tuna ceviche with silverbeet, fennel and pistachio) and bifteki (herbed meat patties).
Urban Greek is perfect for larger gatherings and has several banquet options on the menu giving diners a range of lamb, chicken, seafood and mezze dishes. You’ll be so stuffed by the end you will hardly have room for dessert – but if you do, try the galactoboureko, a delicious creamy custard and filo pastry concoction.
103 Murray Street, Hobart
Filoxenia
North Hobart gem Filoxenia (which roughly translates to “friend to a stranger”) offers just that: typically friendly Greek hospitality as well as mouth-watering Mediterranean food.
The family-owned restaurant’s whitewashed walls are a nod to the Greek islands and the atmosphere is as warm and inviting as the Aegean Sea in summer. Fill up on the lamb gyros, pair it with a few glasses of ouzo and you’ll leave feeling like you’re part of the family.
322 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart
Mezethes Greek Taverna
Located right in Salamanca Square in a historic bluestone building, Mezethes is a must-visit for lovers of mezze (small plates). The menu is centred around smaller dishes designed for sharing, combining local Tasmanian produce with the traditional Greek method of cooking over a bed of charcoal.
The best way to get a taste of everything is the $70 banquet which offers all the classics: breads, dips, saganaki, dolmathakia and huge meat and seafood platters. On a warm day, sit outside in the beer garden and team your lush lunch with a local wine or a Greek beer.
77 Salamanca Place, Battery Point
Europa Taverna
Just one door down from Mykonos is Europa Taverna, a slightly more elevated but still casual dine-in/takeaway joint offering all the best Greek fare – chargrilled octopus, calamari, spanakopita and moussaka – cooked personally by the friendly and welcoming owner, Con. As a bonus, it’s open later than other restaurants in the area and is perfect for a night-time bite and glass of well-priced wine.
163 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay
Parthenon Souvlaki Bar
Go searching for Parthenon Souvlaki Bar in the northern suburbs of Hobart and you certainly won't be disappointed - it's simply one of the best casual Greek restaurants in Hobart.
Feast on the authentic taste of Greece with their legendary souvlakis, meticulously prepared using Tassie's finest ingredients that pay homage to traditional Greek recipes.
From succulent marinated meats to crisp, fresh vegetables, the souvlakis here are so good you'll want to make it your go-to. The space is also welcoming and vibrant, where you'll be greeted by friendly staff eager to guide you through the menu - and help you discover your new favourite Greek food.
That's right, more than just souvas, the menu at Parthenon is extensive - and features a delightful array of Greek-inspired sides, salads, and desserts. We love the refreshing Greek salad, plus their delicious Hellenic Snack Packs are the ultimate comfort food.
9 Springfield Avenue, Moonah