Authentic Greek nosh, get in our bellies.
Authentic Greek nosh, get in our bellies.
Fancy a trip to Greece? Of course you do, and put your passport away coz we’re not about to go full Oprah #soz. We are, however, here to pass on some very valuable intel – particularly for those partial to a gutsy Greek nosh up.
The Coast houses its fair share of south-eastern Euro eats spots, but if you’re a genuine Greek food enthusiast, it’s all about Xenia….and we don’t mean the Warrior Princess coz there’s a sneaky ‘i’ in there for a start. We’re talking about the new showstopping Xenia Grill restaurant in Main Beach, loaded with more Greeky goodness than you can poke a souvlaki skewer at.
Casuarina and Cooly residents have been privy to the Xenia Grill experience for several years and finally, it’s the northerners’ turn. Like its siblings, the Main Beach noshery dishes out plate-smashingly good Xenia hospitality, which is kinda like saying “ATM machine” seeing as Xenia is Greek for hospitality. And if you’re wondering where we’re going with this, to be fair, so are we.
The mouthwatering menu is inspired by Kastellorizo Island, a small Greek island near the Turkish coast. Serving truly authentic, traditional cuisine and Grecian inspired killer cocktails, founders Kate and Dino Georgakopoulos are proud partners in life and the workplace, proving that you can mix business and pleasure.
Delivering the ultimate Greek experience outside of actual Greece, their lip-smacking recipes hail from Dino’s family kitchen. In fact, they have created an environment where customers feel like they’re part of “the family” with a plethora of delicious food, laughs and good times to share. Plus, they believe “a life without feasts is like a long road without taverns” and this speaks to us on so many levels.
Appointing Space Cubed Design Studio for the Greek Islands inspired interior and Matt Holt Building and Construction for the build, the result is a modern classic. With a tasteful blue and white colour scheme, on-fleek pendant and festoon lighting, vertical VJ panels, contemporary arch features, and a splash of foliage, it gives a nod to its traditional homage but with a very ‘now’ aesthetic. Accommodating 70 people, you can dine at the indoors banquet style seating or in the outdoor undercover area. A special shout out must go to the loud and proud “Eat, Drink, Love, Greek” wall feature and quite frankly, we’ve never heard better advice.
With Executive Chef & owner Dino Georgakopoulos and Group Head Chef Dileep Palouse in full command of the kitchen, you are in spectacularly competent hands. If you have ever sat down at a Greek family’s table you will know they enjoy a feast to share. Xenia is no different. Their Mazi banquet is a crowd favourite and features, the signature dish Arni Sto Fourno, sovereign lamb shoulder with lemon potatoes, kale and potato crisps, and tzatziki. If something a little smaller to start tickles your fancy, or you’d like to order some small mezze to share, look no further than the Oktapodi. This local chargrilled octopus with fava and toursi is as Greek as it gets and so (tenta)cool.
Stopping by for lunch? The trusty souvlaki is spectacular! Lamb, chicken, pork or vegan option with revithopites is everything we want from our Souv and more, as is the Baklava for dessert with filo, almonds and walnuts, citrus syrup, and kataifi, served with ice cream. All made onsite with the utmost of Greek Love!
For refreshments, we strongly recommend their most popular signature cocktail, the Mastiha Sours with Greek Mastiha, grapefruit, lemon, and aquafaba. If you’re feeling more like a classic, a Coconut Margarita will guarantee you a great time.
There is also a selection of quality Greek wines, beers and spirits, plus mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks for those who had a big one the night before.
Looking to be transported to the bustling streets of Greece? Don’t miss Xenia’s famous Taverna nights. With Greek dancing, plate smashing and live music, it’s an experience unmatched elsewhere on the Gold Coast. Head to the events section of Xenia’s website for details on their next Taverna night.
So north side peeps, don’t say we’re not good to you. Head to Xenia Grill at Main Beach to experience your new fava-rite authentic Greek restaurant.
Where: 30 Peak Avenue, Main Beach & 52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Main Beach: From 5pm Monday, Wednesday & Thursday. From 12pm Friday – Sunday
Coolangatta: From 12pm Wednesday – Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY XENIA GRILL
Psst, want to be the ‘oh-so-now’ one in your crew who can name-drop all the hot-off-the-press eats spots? Stick with us kids – we’ve got you. In fact, here’s one we prepared earlier, and it has all the makings of a hit. For a start, the cuisine is a crowd fave and here’s a song-based clue: “Well this food is aromatic. It’s charismatic. It’s yumomatic. Why it’s GREECE-d lightening!!” Ok, that was fun, and yes it’s Modern Greek goodness for the win at Homeworld Helensvale’s newest restaurant. It’s called Oh My Greek Kitchen and Bar and OMG, we’re greeking out over here!!!
This place just ‘ouzos’ amazing food, drinks and feels, with everything – even the sauces – made fresh on-site. Bringing innovative Greek nosh to the northside using local produce and fresh ingredients, how did we get ‘souvlaki’? We’ve also got a sneaky bit of intel and all we can say is you should definitely watch this space as there are soon-to-be belly dancers every Friday and Saturday night and we don’t think we could be any more excited.
Now let’s took looks, with an aesthetic capturing the traditional vibe of its homeland, executed tastefully with modern and a-la-mode highlights. The colour palette is blue and white which is exactly how we like our Greek restaurants, but with lashings of yellow and beautiful wood accents. The bar area is adorned in stunning mosaic tiles with eye-catching floating wood panels overhead. There’s dining both indoors and outdoors with a mixture of marble tables, chairs and an extended canary yellow booth-style couch and yellow subway tiles underneath. The main feature wall is white with Greek archway outlines, and there are clear pendant lights creating ambient lighting. Just blue-tiful.
Owner Mirza Sheraz Sarwar, an experienced Greek restaurateur, has enlisted the culinary prowess of Head Chef Arno Olliver to ensure his patrons leave with happy bellies. And there’s certainly a lot to be happy about here…and we haven’t even made it onto the cocktail list yet!
Our recommendation is the Porn Star Martini (insert girly giggle) with vanilla vodka, passionfruit and passoa. Or, if you’re doing the whole Dry July thing, you simply MUST have a Seabreeze mocktail with Blue Curacao, Mint, Pineapple and Orange. They look and taste sensational so we’re ordering two and make no Apollo-gies for this because #boozefree.
Now it’s time to eat, and isn’t it always? We’re kicking things off with the pinky creamy dreamy goodness of their Taramasalata, made from traditional fish roe, garlic, lemon and EVOE served with house made Greek bread. Then, we’ll move into an entrée (or “Mezedez” coz when in Rome…or uh, Greece…), and we’re going with the Solomos Kai Halloumi which is grilled salmon with halloumi and apple chutney. I mean, who could resist?
For the main (literally) event, as if we could go past the Meat Moussaka because there is nothing more satisfying than layers of potato, eggplant, beef ragu and Bechamel sauce, served with Greek salad and pita bread. And finally for dessert, it’s a tough call but the Trigona Panormatos have it in the bag. We’re talking crispy, golden, buttery phyllo triangles soaked in syrup and filled with the most rich and creamy custard, served with coffee ice cream and excuse us while we wipe the drool from our mouths.
One thing’s for sure, you’ll definitely be baklava.
Where: Homeworld Helensvale, 59/503 Hope Island Road, Helensvale
When: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5pm – 9pm Wednesday – Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
There’s no denying that Main Beach is one of those postcodes that has everything going for it. Surrounded by million dollar surf views and sprawling green space one way and the Broadwater the other – you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why locals are so frond of flocking to this breezy, palm-flanked suburb.
Bursting at the seams with boutique shopping, dining, luxury accom and entertainment options (heck, it even boasts its own theme park), there is never any shortage of things to do, see, or eat.
The sky – or, more accurately, your credit card – is the limit.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
We’re not sure if it’s the salt air, but clearly something magic in the air happening here. One of the many mainstays in Main Beach’s strip – Sheraton Grand Mirage has been going strong as our go-to for all things pampering since well before we were old enough to pay for our own seafood buffet (#tear). Recently refurbed and looking more luxurious than ever, whether it’s treating ourselves to a staycay or simply perching up poolside for a few hours with the famous Pearls Bar high tea, Sheraton never misses.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Winey Cow
Just when we thought brunch couldn’t be any more perfect – its boozier, bottomless iteration entered the chat. Regardless of your enthusiasm for Croissant chilli scramble chased with several Spritz to start your day, Winey Cow does both with pizzazz. Bursting onto our brunch late last year, Mornington Peninsula’s famed crew of brekkie moo-vers and shakers arrived with awards out the wazoo and mimosas in hand. Next time you roll out of bed craving a Bagel Benny, Lobster Bao, or Bloody Mary, Main Beach’s bright and breezy brekkie gem has got you.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
Imperial Hotel
Another luxury jewel in Main Beach’s crown, the Seaworld Dr landmark formerly known as the Palazzo Versace has housed many a high roller in its time. Of course, locals are equally welcome to swing by and soak up its spoils and waterfront views for a weekend or a few hours. If you’re in the mood for the latter, Le Jardin’s signature bubble-studded Imperial High Tea is an excellent starting point, or if you’re a sucker for a buffet, the opulent surrounds of Il Barocco Restaurant never disappoint.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Sea World
Not merely a fixture of the Main Beach skyline and our childhoods, no matter how many birthdays pass us by, a trip to Sea World will always slap. Particularly so, because locals have the added perk of knowing the strategic times to sashay by (hello off season) for maximum thrillage and spillage (also hello, Storm Coaster front carriage #IYKYK). Swing by, spend a few hours chillin’ with the ocean critters, hit up a few rollercoasters, then bail with an ice-cream in hand. Happy days.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Holy Ship
What do you get when you take two fishing trawlers in need of some sea-rious TLC and a trio of swashbuckling restauranteurs? Main Beach’s swell new eats and sips concept, Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant… obviousea! Teaming up with co-owner Jake Ruttley, the brains behind former local gem, Tonic on Chirn, Kane and Yvette McCarthy, have certainly moved on to bigger and berther things. Launching twin floating venues earlier this year – the team has set their sights on bringing their signature grazing-style eats and sips to the sea! You even might spy the distinctive duo – decked out in cobalt blue and white – milling about the Broadwater on private function business when they’re not at home in their Marina Mirage mooring. Good times, ahoy.
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Peter’s Fish Market
Can you really call yourself a Gold Coaster ‘till you’ve bookended your spit hangs (or failed fishing expedition) with a pit stop at Peter’s Fish Market? Another absolute Seaworld Drive staple, this place has been churning out the fresh seafood, fish and chippies just a stone’s throw from the Broadwater for some 30 years now. Often heaving but always worth the wait, next time you feel the Sunday scaries coming on, pack a picnic rug and head here for a feed of famously crispy chippies, fresh prawns and some of the tenderest calamari going (or, BYOB for a chip butty by the sea – bliss).
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Marina Mirage
Another of Main Beach’s long-standing draws, Marina Mirage has long been a local haven of all things fancy and foodie. The produce-packed farmers markets every Saturday are always fave, as are the stellar array of eateries and boutiques. Home to international and local labels such as Sonia Stradiotto Couture, when we’re in need of designer threads, Marina Mirage never fails to hook us up. When it’s world-class waterfront wining and dining we’re after, the likes of La Luna Beach Club, La Luna, Glass and Omeros Bros have got you sorted.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
That Beach Entrance
In addition to the more obvious allure of spectacular beaches, this saltwater blessed suburb just so happens to also be home to one of the GC’s most insta-famous beach entrances. Tucked just behind Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, you’ll find the particularly picturesque beach access path framed by its synonymous and oft-papped swaying palms. Even the most seasoned locals could never tire of being greeted by that view (or snapping just one more pic on those days when the weather is really turning it on).
Where: Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and look for the giant palms.
Rosé Gelateria
Dishing up dreamy interiors every bit as delicious as its artisanal ice-based confections, it’s little surprise this upscale ‘hood is now home to one of three boutique Rosé Gelateria locations. Joining its dusty pink-bathed big sis in Sanc Cove, head here to be greeted by swoon-worthy interiors and grab a scoop (or three) of house-made gelato or freshly brewed specialty coffee. With gourmet flavours like Passionfruit Pavlova and Fig and Mascarpone, gracing its rotation, there’s always something lush and lick-worthy with your name on it.
Where: 19/21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Tedder Ave
Spanning the length of the suburb’s residential end, Main Beach’s ever-bustling Tedder Ave strip is an icon that needs no introductions. Packed with boutique shopping, dining and sipping spots galore, it is nigh on impossible to ever be bored or hungry here. If you’ve got time to kill post beach walk, perch up and people watch one of the cute cafés, or swing by Main Beach Bakery for your sweet treat fix. In the latter half of the day, must-visit foodie hotspots like Greek gem Xenia, Domanis and fine dining seafood destination, Shuck help this lively hotspot really come into its own.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Words by Kellie Leader
