Xenia Grill

MAIN BEACH, GET READY TO GREEK OUT OVER XENIA GRILL

Authentic Greek nosh, get in our bellies!

Fancy a trip to Greece? Of course you do, but 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 southeastern 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 times and given the word Xenia is Greek for hospitality, it certainly delivers on that front too.

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, onfleek 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 and 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.

Words by Bianca Trathen

FOLLOW THEM HERE

Don’t miss Xenia’s famous Taverna nights…

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MAIN BEACH 30 Peak Avenue 0480 384 535 COOLANGATTA 52 Marine Parade 07 5536 5688 CASUARINA 130/685 Casuarina Way 02 6674 3123