Greek at The Belvedere

The Verdict

This Greek restaurant in Sydney is big on generosity. Greek at The Belvedere will have you falling back in love with traditional favourites, and cursing yourself for missing out on dishes you wish you'd known about sooner. The menu is crafted to please both the person who wants every bite to be different, and the person who wants every bite to be theirs. Who are we kidding though, sharing is awesome, and Greek at The Belvedere do it so well. Head upstairs from The Belvedere for some relaxed-yet-refined feasting, and make sure to wear your most forgiving of pants.

You'll also want to bring a big hungry crowd even for the sharing plates. Let's start with the cheese, where delectable pan seared saganaki cheese competes with haloumi with ouzo, lemon and oregano for attention. If two cheeses aren't enough, the four cheese stuffed zucchini will set you straight, with a super creamy filling that oozes perfectly from its crispy shell. And, of course, what Greek meal would be complete without grilled octopus? This smoky yet surprisingly tender dish is packed with flavour, with the umami balanced by refreshing fennel and perky tomatoes. Soon you'll be wondering if you're just imagining that sea breeze. 

We hope you've saved some room for mains, because they don't get much bigger than this! Unbuckle your belts for their epic lamb shoulder, beautifully slow cooked so you (and what we hope is a large group of friends!) can tear into it easily, with soft lemony potatoes and tzatziki. 

Of course, there are plenty of traditional Greek dishes to call your own if you don't like to share. The moussaka is meltingly tender and rich with a nice crunchy top, while the saganaki prawns in tomato salsa and crumbed feta are a tangier, lighter option. 

All too much to make a decision? Go for Greek Banquet option - at $40 per person for a group bigger than four (and trust us, you will need a group bigger than four!), you can't go wrong. For only $15 extra you will be generously supplied with matching wines, beer or ouzo. And yes, both include dessert (phew, because that galaktoboureko is definitely one of those desserts we wish were on more Greek menus!).

Image credit: Federica Portentoso