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Greek Quarter

Greek food on Lonsdale Street

Highlights

  • Dining
  • Antipodes Festival.

Melbourne boasts the world’s third largest Greek-speaking population, a fact that won’t seem so surprising when you visit the area around Lonsdale and Russell streets.

From chargrilled meats to sumptuous seafood, dips, olives and fetta, you’ll find enough authentic Greek food to satisfy any Greek-loving gourmand. Coffee addicts will find a good traditional brew but brace yourself as the Greeks make their coffee strong and bitter. As you walk along this brief stretch of Mediterranean Melbourne, linger in the Greek grocery stores, listen to the strains of Yanni being played at full blast on the outdoor speakers or chat to the old men playing ‘tavli’ in the outdoor cafes.

Alternately you can discover the Greek-Australian experiences as you browse bookstores, music shops, specialist travel agents and at least one shop that sells nothing but elaborate christening gowns.

In March-April the award-winning Antipodes Festival takes over the precinct, and is one of Australia’s biggest ethno-specific events.