Hellenic hideaway

Diethnes Greek Restaurant

336 Pitt Street

Sydney

Phone (02) 9267 8956

Admittedly their's not a great deal of exoticism within Greek cuisine. An influx of migrants from Greece and Cyprus post-World War II has served to popularise much of the local food, particularly dishes like moussaka and dolmades. On Pitt St sits Diethnes, Sydney's longest serving Greek restaurant since Phillip Ventouris opened over fifty years ago, in what was then the city's Greek quarter.

As we enter the restaurant down the staircase, we are lead to a marriage of the modern and rustic in a recreated Greek taverna. The dining room is a throwback to the 1970s with mustard table cloths and vinyl chairs. It's cosy and the chatter of the groups of Greek families reverberates. It's booked fairly solid, so we're thankful to receive a table at such short notice.

Given the friendship of some life-long Cypriot friends, I feel quite close to the Greek community; particularly through a common passion- Football. It was always a great reward to be invited around to their homes for dinner pre or post match. treasured memories for a variety of reasons.

In tribute to all things Hellenic, we order the banquet which inevitably covers all the bases and provides a flashback to previous home-cooked meals. Theday-long effort in preparation results in volumes of sumptuous food. Out comes Moussaka, Tzatziki, Taramasolata, ouzo-marinated octopus, incredible slow cooked lamb (just dabbed with lemon juice and a sprinkle of oregano, salt and pepper then into the oven for 4 hours) topped off with a Galaktoboureko custard slice and coffee.

Food - Homely, tasty and plenty of it! All the classic along with a few unexpected twists.

Service- Ticked all the boxes and that's saying something considering the constant demands of a few birthday parties.

Value - $40 per head which covered absolutely everything. I felt compelled to take the food home. Maybe we slightly over ordered but that's up to personal opinion

Verdict - You can't beat home cooking