Celebrity chef George Calombaris is back in Melbourne with Auto Greek, a one-month pop-up at Ovolo South Yarra. Showcasing neoclassic Greek cuisine with dishes under $30, the former MasterChef Australia judge reconnects with the city’s vibrant inner-city dining scene.
DINING/DRINKS
Greek Restaurants, Greek Bars, Greek Eateries and Greek Drinks.
At midnight or on New Year’s morning, the “lucky” first-footer smashes a pomegranate against the doorstep—the more seeds that scatter, the more luck, health, and prosperity the household will enjoy in the new year. Families then cut the Vasilopita, hunting for the hidden coin that brings blessings to its finder.
Cyprus celebrates! Commandaria – one of the oldest named wines in the world – is now officially UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A proud moment for the island’s 14 Commandaria villages and centuries-old winemaking tradition
On Saturday night, George Calombaris closed the doors to Gazi Sydney for the last time. What was supposed to be a three month pop up ended up being six months of what the chef describes as a beautiful and humbling experience that has cemented his future in the harbour city.
In the lead up to Christmas, a once rowdy wharfie pub on Sussex Street has quietly re-emerged as a five-level world of Greek feasts, rooftop sunsets, disco balls and dark velvet lounges. At The Bristol, you do not just book a table. You plan an entire night under one roof.
Athens is raising the global bar—literally. In the 2025 World’s 50 Best Bars rankings, three innovative Athenian spots secure elite status: Line climbs to No. 8 with its farm-to-glass, zero-waste ferments; Baba au Rum holds No. 27 while earning the Rémy Martin Legend award for its epic rum collection; and The Bar in Front of the Bar bursts in at No. 47, slinging sustainable street sips from scraps. Plus, Barro Negro shines at No. 62 in the extended list. These accolades highlight Greece’s thriving mixology scene, blending tradition, experimentation, and eco-smarts to draw cocktail aficionados worldwide.
Greek producer Kir-Yianni has acquired a majority stake in iconic Santorini winery Domaine Sigalas, further strengthening its position as a leading ambassador of premium Greek wines worldwide.
The Alpha Omega Honors Gala 2025 set records with 400 attendees in Boston, celebrating Harry Agganis and awarding Greek American sports leaders.
The Greek-Australian Society 5th Anniversary Ball in Sydney brought together dignitaries and community members to honor five years of service, featuring awards, speeches, and cultural highlights.
Australian Senator Ralph Babet’s viral X post claiming Greek and Italian cuisines as the world’s best sparked a global debate. With TasteAtlas ranking Greece #1 and Italy #2 in 2024-2025, Greek City Times explores why these Mediterranean flavors captivate food lovers worldwide. From souvlaki to pizza, dive into the culinary showdown!
In celebration of International Chefs Day, Greek City Times honours the top chefs transforming Greece’s culinary scene — from Michelin-starred innovators to beloved icons of Greek home cooking.
The 2025 Alpha Omega Council Gala honorees spotlight sports icons and leaders honoring Harry Agganis. Mark your calendar for Nov 1 at InterContinental Boston—celebrate legacy and excellence.
Greek-Australian owners Central Element and Boston Global have revived Oxford Street’s historic Olympia Theatre, now reopening as 25Hours Hotel The Olympia. Featuring heritage design, Studio Paskin dining, and a rooftop bar with city views, the hotel marks a new chapter for Sydney’s Golden Mile.
In her grandparents’ kitchen, Andrea Fatouros found more than recipes. After years of infertility and loss, the founder of The Traditional Plate discovered that preserving her family’s Cypriot heritage was also a way of healing herself.
Monash University study finds that one daily can of artificially sweetened soft drink may increase type 2 diabetes risk by 38%, surpassing the 23% risk from sugary drinks. The 14-year study of 36,000 Australians challenges the safety of diet drinks and calls for broader health policies.
George and Thalia Dardamanis are breathing new life into the classic Elliniko coffee.
Greek coffee prices have surged by 18.5% over the past year, reaching a 45-year high due to global supply issues, climate change, and domestic taxes. More hikes expected.
Carved into the cliffs of Megalochori, Venetsanos Winery combines history, architecture and wine tasting with unforgettable caldera views.
Maria Boumpa, a young sommelier from Metsovo and Head Sommelier at London’s two-Michelin-starred Da Terra, has won the UK Sommelier of the Year 2025 title, showcasing her talent, resilience, and passion for wine on the international stage.
In a key trademark ruling, the Greek Administrative Court of Appeal sided with international vodka brand Belvedere, overturning a prior decision and rejecting the registration of the ‘Belvedere Mykonos Club’ trademark. The court found that alcoholic beverages and nightclub services are complementary, supporting the likelihood of consumer confusion.
This summer, on Greece’s stunning Peloponnesian coastline, the beachfront of W Costa Navarino has become the ultimate destination for electronic music lovers.
Kazzi Beach Greek has brought the soul of Kastellorizo to Bondi’s shoreline, with whitewashed walls, cascades of bougainvillea and a menu drawn from generations of island recipes.
Greece is pushing to exempt key exports like olive oil and feta cheese from US tariffs under the EU-US trade agreement, while exploring new markets in India and the Middle East. The government aims to mitigate the impact of a 15% tariff rate and address intra-European market barriers.
With Travel Mazi Mou, Greek-American Chef & Cookbook Author Krystina Kalapothakos offers a fresh take on culinary travel & adventure in Greece.
He pioneered modern Greek dining, cooked for the Athens Olympics and shaped Australia’s culinary palate, yet chef Peter Conistis finds his truest expression at a table by the sea at Ammos.
In the midst of COVID-19, driven by her deep love for Greece, Krystal Katsenos embarked on a journey to bridge the gap of authentic, gourmet Greek produce in the Australian market.
This love has exploded into ‘The Greek Providore’, a flourishing gourmet retailer providing a curated selection of Greek artisanal delights.
“The Bean Cartel, led by Greek Australian Melissa Glentis, clinched Double Gold at the 2025 Golden Bean Awards, the world’s largest coffee roasting competition. Their Apricot Delight (Espresso) and Colombia Maypop (Filter) shone among 800 entries, reflecting dedication and community spirit. Visit https://www.thebeancartel.com.au.”
One of the world’s most recognisable chefs, George Calombaris returns not with fanfare, but with fire – rekindling his love for food, family, and filoxenia at Gazi Sydney, a Greek supper club where the past is honoured, ego is left at the door, and transformation is always on the menu.
Coffee and chocolate prices in Greece are expected to rise by 10–12%, driven by global commodity cost increases, according to Trade General Secretary Sotiris Anagnostopoulos. While olive oil prices may drop by 25%, the government is promoting tools like the e-katanalotis platform and a new mobile app to enhance price transparency and combat profiteering.
Christos Lentzos, the beloved creator of Greece’s most famous frappe, has passed away at the age of 93. Known for his legendary café in Pagrati, Athens, Lentzos crafted the irresistible frappe that became a cultural institution. His recipe, which remained a well-kept secret, continued to charm locals and visitors alike, even after his café closed in 2013. His legacy lives on through the rich memories of his patrons and the immortalization of his café in Greek music.
