Tzaki
Meaning fireplace, Tzaki showcases modern Greek cuisine cooked over the woodfired oven.
Overview
Tzaki is Alex Xinis' ode to Athens, which brings woodfired food, Mediterranean drinks, and the essence of lively Greek dining to Yarraville. This walk-in-only hotspot is open seven days a week and serves Greek coffee, mezze and contemporary Athenian dishes.
From living and working in Athens to being instrumental to some of Melbourne's most well-known Greek restaurants of the past (Hellenic Republic, The Press Club), Alex Xinis knows a thing or two about modern Greek hospitality. For his first independent venture, Xinis set his sights on Yarraville, envisioning "the suburban bustle of Yarraville [to] fit the mould perfectly for Tzaki; an all-day hangout, evoking nostalgia from my lengthy stints living and working in Athens."
Part of its attraction is its size, or lack thereof. With only 16 seats indoors and 15 outside, landing a table is an accomplishment you'll feel proud of. Once you're in, celebrate with wines sourced from Greece, Mediterranean beers, or a glass of Ouzo.
About the menu, Xinis says Tzaki "showcases Grecian specialities presented in a Melbourne way." With a name meaning fireplace in Greek, it's no surprise the menu relies heavily on the smoky, charry goodness of the woodfired oven. The seasonal Grecian plates change often, but may include the likes of smoked cheese with honey peppered figs, tiger prawns with horseradish dressing, sand crab mousaka and lamb shoulder with lemon thyme potatoes.
The allure of the blistered flatbread, served with whatever creation the kitchen has come up with that week (could be whipped cheesy butter, kalamata olive and feta butter, or even kumquat and fennel butter), is enough to draw visitors from all corners of Melbourne to the inner West. And even if you don't snag a table, you can still get a taste of Xinis' Greek fare, with his new takeout chicken shop, Kokoras, just next door to Tzaki, now open.
Images: Supplied.
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