Kali órexi! Hellenika unveils its impressive new space
When Greek eatery Hellenika closed for renovations back in May, lovers of its traditional generation-old dishes were left a little lost. How were we going to survive without zucchini chips, slow-roasted lamb shoulder and hirino (salty pork belly) for the next few months? Well, saganaki-lovers, let’s all breathe a collective sigh of relief – Hellenika is back.
The details
So, let’s crunch some numbers to put all of this into perspective. Around $2.4 million was spent to create the new Hellenika. Now, that includes the new restaurant (downstairs) and the soon-to-open upstairs rooftop bar area, which will be completed around November (hint – it’s massive). The cellar list has grown from 120 wines to around 480, with around 50 wines from Greece alone. So, there are around 5000 bottles of wine ready to go at any one time. Impressive, right? Well, we’re used to Hellenika raising the bar. When Simon Gloftis opened it seven years ago, the Gold Coast was fairly green to the whole idea of share food, split seatings and late-night dining. In essence, Hellenika acted as a catalyst in introducing the city to the notion of feasting as a group, and slowly but surely steered us all into the mindset that it’s totally fine to have dinner later than 7:30 pm.
The space
Those familiar with the former venue would remember its cosy, dimly lit fit-out, large timber tables and walls of intriguing artwork. The major works has seen the restaurant area reduce its seating from 140 to 110, but the front of the space is now opened up with floor-to-ceiling glass, bright white walls featuring some impressive plaster work, a fabulous marble bar, and (in true form) new eclectic artwork – this time it’s a colourful portrait of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, which overlooks a semi-private dining table for six. At the entry you’ll notice the brilliant white stairs, reminiscent of the tavernas and residences of the Greek Islands, which lead up to the rooftop. The impressive open-air space, complete with one darn fancy retractable roof, will seat another 130, with a delicious bar menu and a lifetime’s supply of wine and ouzo. Once the rooftop opens in November, the downstairs restaurant will extend its trading to include additional lunch-time hours, with classic Greek lunch platters to be added to the menu.
The food
We like to save the best ’til last. Hellenika’s key dishes that we have come to know and love, like the before-mentioned classic 1.2-kg baked lamb shoulder, the dolmades, the saganaki, the pork belly with leeks, and the whole fish with horiatiki salad (to name a few) are all still on the menu. Though, a number of regional Greek dishes have been introduced, with the Oven & Pot section of the menu brimming with deliciously simple flavours. Simon’s personal favourite is the Corfu Bianco – an uncomplicated dish of kingfish, potatoes and herbs. Or, opt for the Hilopites – a traditional square pasta with tender braised beef shank and tomato. The popular banquet menu remains (a no-brainer for groups), and you can finish on a sweet note with the galaktoboureko (baked filo custard), halva ice-cream, or a sneaky serving of bougatsa.
Keen to check out the new Hellenika? Head over to our Stumble Guide.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
