Richmond's Bahari Has Opened a New Upstairs Space with Greek Cocktails and Moussaka Toasties

The Modern Greek restaurant has expanded.
Marissa Ciampi
September 28, 2018

Richmond's Modern Greek restaurant Bahari has been slinging its popular 'Gringlish' (Greek and English) eats along Swan Street for the past four years. Now, it's extending that offering upwards to reveal a new cocktail bar and courtyard space.

Upstairs at Bahari has been designed by owner Philip Vakos' wife Heleena Vakos and built by co-owner Stell Kaponas. Key design elements include white walls offset by navy murals, an opulent copper bar and a doorway made out of komboloi (Greek worry beads).

Along with the new space comes a brand new cocktail offering. Expect Mediterranean twists on classics like with an Aperol spritz mixed with mastiha (Greek liqueur), an espresso martini that uses Greek coffee and a boozy 'mountain tea' concoction that'll be served in cast iron tea pots.

The current Bahari food menu extends to the second level, including the venue's signature shared banquet dinners. Though it's an ever-changing menu, some of the items that have stood the test of time include the chargrilled octopus with ouzo, lemon and oregano for starters; slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic for mains; and orange blossom baklava with pistachio and walnuts for dessert.

These will be accompanied by regular weekend specials — at the moment, that's moussaka toasties, dagwood dogs using loukaniko (Greek pork sausage), Greek-style fried chicken and haloumi sliders.

Upstairs at Bahari is now open at 179 Swan Street, Richmond. Opening hours are Friday and Saturday from 5–11pm. It's also able to be booked for events on Sundays.

Published on September 28, 2018 by Marissa Ciampi
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