Now Open: This Toorak Road Terrace House Is Home to the New Greek Restaurant Astoria Bar Kè Grill
This South Yarra spot servies up traditional Greek fare with contemporary flair.
It's no secret that Melbourne has benefited from a wave of recent Greek restaurant openings. It was about time, considering its huge Greek population. Astoria Bar Kè Grill was one such opening, from hospo veteran Nik Pouloupatis (Grossi Florentino, Attica, Vue de Monde). He's worked in the industry for a good 35 years, but struck out on his own, opening Astoria in the former Shadowboxer venue on Toorak Road in 2024.
If you're familiar with Shadowboxer, you'll see that the space's design has not changed much. The Victorian terrace house got a good lick of paint and new furniture, and that's about it. Most importantly, the front terrace remains, which is ideal for sipping and snacking sessions or long lunches in the sun.
And what will you be feasting on? Here, classic Greek fare gets a contemporary twist — without straying too far from tradition. You'll tuck into familiar small dishes like house-made spanakopita, zucchini fritters with tzatziki, pan-seared saganaki, prawns with oven-baked tomatoes and feta, and pickled Fremantle octopus.
Then you've got the mains, which are really easy to share. Get around a chargrilled fish of the day, a vegetarian Moussaka or a lamb shoulder with tomato. Greek and Aussie wines and beers are up for grabs as well, plus all your usual cocktails and mocktails.
The welcoming spot has introduced Meze Afternoons just in time for summer. For just $40 for two people, you can enjoy a meze plate loaded with dips, olives, pickled octopus, warm bread and a drink per person.
You'll find Astoria Bar Kè Grill at 302 Toorak Road, South Yarra, open 4–10pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and 12pm–late from Friday to Sunday. For more details, you can visit the venue's website.
Images: Kit Edwards.
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