Salona
The oldest Greek restaurant owned and operated by the same family in Melbourne still manages to feel fresh, exciting and vibrant.
Overview
Salona is a Greek eatery that has been run by three generations of the same family for nearly six decades. It is a beacon of heritage and history, community and convivality, and generosity and growth. It may be the oldest Greek restaurant owned and operated by the same family in Melbourne, but in the hands of the next generation, Salona still manages to feel fresh, exciting and vibrant.
Stavros Konis, of Kafeneoin, took over the reins in 2006 with his wife, Alexandra, making them the third-generation family members to run Salona. This changing of the guard saw the reimagination of the venue, with Konis expanding the restaurant into the former travel agency next door and freshening up the fit-out.
While walls may have been painted, and an al fresco area added, the heart of Salona — its traditional Greek menu — has largely remained true to its original iterations. There are dips, olives, pickled veggies and complimentary bread to start. Meze range from spicy cheese croquettes and pork and leek sausage, to pickled octopus and grilled kefalograviera cheese with apricot jam.
Mains are hearty and rich, and while undoubtedly Greek in flavour and technique, they focus on Australian produce where possible. There's wild-caught, fresh fish of the day, baked goat with potatoes in parchment paper, Australian wild king prawn Greek Pasta, and lamb cutlets sold by the half kilo.
It's no mean feat to have existed as a prominent member of Melbourne's hospitality landscape for over half a century, and it's even more impressive for a venue to maintain the energy, focus and loyal following of customers to be able to look ahead to the next however many decades with the same confidence.
Images: Dan Castano Dazey Studio.
Information
- Where to Find the Best Ice Cream and Gelato in Melbourne
- CP Picks: The Best Gifts for Arts Lovers — From Gallery Prints to Music Gigs
- The Best Private Dining Rooms in Melbourne
- CP Picks: The Best Gifts for People Who Are Never Home — According to Travel Writers
- CP Picks: From Hot Sauce to Handblown Glasses — Small-Batch Gifts for Big Foodies
- The Best Seafood Restaurants in Melbourne