Authentic Greek nosh, get in our bellies.
Authentic Greek nosh, get in our bellies.
Fancy a trip to Greece? Of course you do, and put your passport away coz we’re not about to go full Oprah #soz. We are, however, here to pass on some very valuable intel – particularly for those partial to a gutsy Greek nosh up.
The Coast houses its fair share of south-eastern Euro eats spots, but if you’re a genuine Greek food enthusiast, it’s all about Xenia….and we don’t mean the Warrior Princess coz there’s a sneaky ‘i’ in there for a start. We’re talking about the new showstopping Xenia Grill restaurant in Main Beach, loaded with more Greeky goodness than you can poke a souvlaki skewer at.
Casuarina and Cooly residents have been privy to the Xenia Grill experience for several years and finally, it’s the northerners’ turn. Like its siblings, the Main Beach noshery dishes out plate-smashingly good Xenia hospitality, which is kinda like saying “ATM machine” seeing as Xenia is Greek for hospitality. And if you’re wondering where we’re going with this, to be fair, so are we.
The mouthwatering menu is inspired by Kastellorizo Island, a small Greek island near the Turkish coast. Serving truly authentic, traditional cuisine and Grecian inspired killer cocktails, founders Kate and Dino Georgakopoulos are proud partners in life and the workplace, proving that you can mix business and pleasure.
Delivering the ultimate Greek experience outside of actual Greece, their lip-smacking recipes hail from Dino’s family kitchen. In fact, they have created an environment where customers feel like they’re part of “the family” with a plethora of delicious food, laughs and good times to share. Plus, they believe “a life without feasts is like a long road without taverns” and this speaks to us on so many levels.
Appointing Space Cubed Design Studio for the Greek Islands inspired interior and Matt Holt Building and Construction for the build, the result is a modern classic. With a tasteful blue and white colour scheme, on-fleek pendant and festoon lighting, vertical VJ panels, contemporary arch features, and a splash of foliage, it gives a nod to its traditional homage but with a very ‘now’ aesthetic. Accommodating 70 people, you can dine at the indoors banquet style seating or in the outdoor undercover area. A special shout out must go to the loud and proud “Eat, Drink, Love, Greek” wall feature and quite frankly, we’ve never heard better advice.
With Executive Chef & owner Dino Georgakopoulos and Group Head Chef Dileep Palouse in full command of the kitchen, you are in spectacularly competent hands. If you have ever sat down at a Greek family’s table you will know they enjoy a feast to share. Xenia is no different. Their Mazi banquet is a crowd favourite and features, the signature dish Arni Sto Fourno, sovereign lamb shoulder with lemon potatoes, kale and potato crisps, and tzatziki. If something a little smaller to start tickles your fancy, or you’d like to order some small mezze to share, look no further than the Oktapodi. This local chargrilled octopus with fava and toursi is as Greek as it gets and so (tenta)cool.
Stopping by for lunch? The trusty souvlaki is spectacular! Lamb, chicken, pork or vegan option with revithopites is everything we want from our Souv and more, as is the Baklava for dessert with filo, almonds and walnuts, citrus syrup, and kataifi, served with ice cream. All made onsite with the utmost of Greek Love!
For refreshments, we strongly recommend their most popular signature cocktail, the Mastiha Sours with Greek Mastiha, grapefruit, lemon, and aquafaba. If you’re feeling more like a classic, a Coconut Margarita will guarantee you a great time.
There is also a selection of quality Greek wines, beers and spirits, plus mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks for those who had a big one the night before.
Looking to be transported to the bustling streets of Greece? Don’t miss Xenia’s famous Taverna nights. With Greek dancing, plate smashing and live music, it’s an experience unmatched elsewhere on the Gold Coast. Head to the events section of Xenia’s website for details on their next Taverna night.
So north side peeps, don’t say we’re not good to you. Head to Xenia Grill at Main Beach to experience your new fava-rite authentic Greek restaurant.
Where: 30 Peak Avenue, Main Beach & 52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Main Beach: From 5pm Monday, Wednesday & Thursday. From 12pm Friday – Sunday
Coolangatta: From 12pm Wednesday – Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY XENIA GRILL
Psst, want to be the ‘oh-so-now’ one in your crew who can name-drop all the hot-off-the-press eats spots? Stick with us kids – we’ve got you. In fact, here’s one we prepared earlier, and it has all the makings of a hit. For a start, the cuisine is a crowd fave and here’s a song-based clue: “Well this food is aromatic. It’s charismatic. It’s yumomatic. Why it’s GREECE-d lightening!!” Ok, that was fun, and yes it’s Modern Greek goodness for the win at Homeworld Helensvale’s newest restaurant. It’s called Oh My Greek Kitchen and Bar and OMG, we’re greeking out over here!!!
This place just ‘ouzos’ amazing food, drinks and feels, with everything – even the sauces – made fresh on-site. Bringing innovative Greek nosh to the northside using local produce and fresh ingredients, how did we get ‘souvlaki’? We’ve also got a sneaky bit of intel and all we can say is you should definitely watch this space as there are soon-to-be belly dancers every Friday and Saturday night and we don’t think we could be any more excited.
Now let’s took looks, with an aesthetic capturing the traditional vibe of its homeland, executed tastefully with modern and a-la-mode highlights. The colour palette is blue and white which is exactly how we like our Greek restaurants, but with lashings of yellow and beautiful wood accents. The bar area is adorned in stunning mosaic tiles with eye-catching floating wood panels overhead. There’s dining both indoors and outdoors with a mixture of marble tables, chairs and an extended canary yellow booth-style couch and yellow subway tiles underneath. The main feature wall is white with Greek archway outlines, and there are clear pendant lights creating ambient lighting. Just blue-tiful.
Owner Mirza Sheraz Sarwar, an experienced Greek restaurateur, has enlisted the culinary prowess of Head Chef Arno Olliver to ensure his patrons leave with happy bellies. And there’s certainly a lot to be happy about here…and we haven’t even made it onto the cocktail list yet!
Our recommendation is the Porn Star Martini (insert girly giggle) with vanilla vodka, passionfruit and passoa. Or, if you’re doing the whole Dry July thing, you simply MUST have a Seabreeze mocktail with Blue Curacao, Mint, Pineapple and Orange. They look and taste sensational so we’re ordering two and make no Apollo-gies for this because #boozefree.
Now it’s time to eat, and isn’t it always? We’re kicking things off with the pinky creamy dreamy goodness of their Taramasalata, made from traditional fish roe, garlic, lemon and EVOE served with house made Greek bread. Then, we’ll move into an entrée (or “Mezedez” coz when in Rome…or uh, Greece…), and we’re going with the Solomos Kai Halloumi which is grilled salmon with halloumi and apple chutney. I mean, who could resist?
For the main (literally) event, as if we could go past the Meat Moussaka because there is nothing more satisfying than layers of potato, eggplant, beef ragu and Bechamel sauce, served with Greek salad and pita bread. And finally for dessert, it’s a tough call but the Trigona Panormatos have it in the bag. We’re talking crispy, golden, buttery phyllo triangles soaked in syrup and filled with the most rich and creamy custard, served with coffee ice cream and excuse us while we wipe the drool from our mouths.
One thing’s for sure, you’ll definitely be baklava.
Where: Homeworld Helensvale, 59/503 Hope Island Road, Helensvale
When: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5pm – 9pm Wednesday – Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Over the last few years, a lot of attention has been cast around our city by way of new up-and-coming eating precincts and suburbs with hospo prowess to rival our southern neighbours. One such stretch of the Gold Coast which has always been a hotspot for good dining experiences is Main Beach. Sure, it may have been a little in the shadow of other areas in recent times, but we certainly believe there is still a serious collection of great restaurants deserving of your hard-earned eating-out budget! Plan ahead, people: start blocking out next weekend and booking tables, as we run through our picks of the suburb.
Omeros Bros Seafood
If you’re in the market for fresh, first-class seafood, Main Beach is where it’s at: and more specifically, it’s at Omeros Bros Seafood at Marina Mirage. A multi-award-winning venue with the most fabulous to-die-for seafood platter around. It’s called Omeros Indulgence, and it’s a mix of hot and cold seafood and possibly the most decadent dish you’re likely to find in the city. Do you know what else goes well with quality seafood? Quality beverages. You’ll find a superb drink offering here to match the food also.
Where: Shop 55/74 Marina Mirage, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Main Beach Fish Grotto
New to Tedder Avenue dining scene is this luxe adaptation of a humble fish and chip shop worthy of anyone’s attention. This nautical-themed and whitewashed eatery serves only the best seafood alongside crispy chips and a wisely sized selection of wines and beers. There’s ample reason to stay and dine in with comfort, but if you do decide to takeaway, a drink or two can’t hurt whilst you wait.
Where: 20-22 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Terraces – Sheraton Grand Mirage
Should a 5-star experience be on the cards for your break from the kitchen, then strip off your apron and make a beeline for this Main Beach culinary gold mine. You’ll be spoilt with a luxurious setting overlooking the renowned Sheraton Grand Mirage swimming pool and grounds before you even take your first glance at the food. A deluxe buffet-style arrangement means you’ll have a sophisticated ocean to plate favourites hand-delivered to your table, so you can focus on all the coastal tranquillity this fantastic property has to offer.
Where: 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Shuck
This Main Beach institution has been around since 2001, and affection for the cleverly named venue has only grown in that time. The team pride themselves on sourcing the outright freshest seafood; so much so their Crab Lasagne is absolute proof, and out of this world! Take in the tranquil tree-lined street of Main Beach while you enjoy your dishes and wash it all down with an icy glass of Chardonnay — or two.
Where: 20 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
Another Main Beach restaurant, another mind-blowing view. Glass Dining & Lounge Bar is found at Marina Mirage overlooking the water and serving up fine dining treats and some pretty sweet cocktails too. The menu uses only the best quality produce, meats and fresh local seafood, and it’s long been a local favourite. We highly recommend the Tempura Battered Bugs marinated in garlic and chilli served with mayo and grilled lemon. Just wow.
Where: Level 2, Marina Mirage, 74 SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach
Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern
Picture the scene: the sun is dipping behind the hinterland, the last light is caressing the still water over the Broadwater, and you’re sat soaking it all in with some fantastic food. Sounds too good to be true, but, at Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s yours for the taking. Right on the water, the casual setting is unflawed when it comes to relaxing over eats whilst enjoying drinks and taking in some wonderful regular live music.
Where: Shop 40, 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Southport Yacht Club
Overlooking the sparkling Broadwater, Southport Yacht Club is the ultimate in epic views and affordable eats for not just you but the entire family. It’s a casual eatery open for breakfast (weekends only), lunch and dinner! Or why not just head in for a drink to overlook one of the most beautiful stretches of water (and yachts of course) you’re going to find in Australia.
Where: 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach
Vanitas
An utterly remarkable European dining experience is found behind the golden doors of Palazzo Versace by way of Vanitas. A five-star dining setting with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make up some of the most stunning dishes you’ve ever sampled. If you needed any more convincing, Vanitas has won a multitude of awards over the years and can boast of A-list celebrities, from far and wide, enjoying the deluxe dining experience regularly.
Where: Palazzo Versace, 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Domanis Café Restaurant & Bar
For nearly a staggering 30 years, the team at Domanis have been serving up good times and even better food — and it shows in the hordes of people constantly streaming in and out. Their pizzas are award-winning and putting it simply: epic. Perched on the corner of Tedder Ave, it’s the perfect spot for a frosty cold ale and relaxing lunch or dinner. Try it for yourself, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.
Where: 1/19-21 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
