Esti is the restaurant you must visit in London when you want to mix Greek dining and British produce with Australian hospitality.
One can enjoy such an experience at a new six-month residency at TT Liquor in the East London district of Shoreditch as Esti is bringing its blend of fire-cooked casual Greek food (with bonus Aussie influences) to the Orangery on the bar’s first floor.
The name ‘esti’ is both an ancient Greek term that means ‘to do’ and a riff on ‘estiatorio’ (the Greek word for ‘restaurant’).
Kostas Vais, the founder, is bringing his Greek heritage along with food-and-beverage experiences (including The 3 Little Pigs souvlaki food truck) to the dining experience and is joined by head chef Sal Galasso, who has worked for over a decade in some of Australia’s best restaurants.
Galasso’s resume includes Sydney’s Rockpool Bar & Grill.
Most fascinating is that some indigenous Australian herbs that have been sourced – finger lime, lemon myrtle and forest anise – which are extremely rare in Britain.
Lovers of fire-cooked food will be happy this is the main draw, and you’ll find the following on the menu.
- Octopus braised in spicy bush tomato sauce, served with green salad
- Twice-cooked charred lamb ribs, dressed with tzatziki and ‘desert dust’ (an Australian spice mix)
- Fish (Cornwall catch of the day) served with macadamia skordalia and garlic-spiked Greek dip
- Paperbark-smoked carrots with British honey and cumin
- Fried ‘osso bucco’ with cornflakes, feta, avocado and pickled onions
- Iced parfait with Australian lemon aspen berries, Cretan olive oil, sprinkled with Murray River salt
As you’d expect from TT Liquor, the drinks will be on point, with a bespoke cocktail menu available alongside a selection of beer and wine. And the good news is the fun may not have to end after six months, with esti planning to open a permanent restaurant in the autumn.
More about Esti:
Where is it? 17B Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AA
When? 12 March 2023 for six months
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @esti.restaurant
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