Has your social media feed been full of friends on fabulous, European adventures lately?

Have you been supportively sitting in jealousy while scrolling through picture after picture of serene sunsets, crisp white wines on equally crisp white tablecloths, piles of fresh seafood and salty sea views?

We feel your FOMO and so, now that we’re seeing some warmer sunshine, we’ve scoured our neighbourhoods to find our very own little pockets of Greece and the Mediterranean. Now’s the time to book that table, sit back and let the aromas of saganaki, souvlaki and sizzling seafood create your very own Santorini Sunset by Port Phillip Bay.

Get To The Greek

Overlooking the gorgeous Port Melbourne beach (arguably a strikingly similar view to that over the Aegean Sea) sits ‘Get to the Greek’. This welcoming and warm restaurant offers traditional Greek dishes, bringing fresh, wholesome cooking from all regions of Greece. They offer an extensive à la carte menu, three set banquets to match your level of hunger, and a takeaway menu offering the full restaurant menu plus a selection of Souvlaki and Gyros packs.

Open 5 pm to 11 pm Tuesday to Saturday and 12 pm to 10 pm Sunday (Hours vary in the cooler months so check the website to confirm).

WHERE: 100/49 Beach Street, Port Melbourne.

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The Lady Of St Kilda

The Lady of St Kilda offers a Mediterranean fusion menu that celebrates the fresh flavours of this beautiful part of the world. Start your day with the Pita Sunrise, the classic Shakshuka (served mild or spicy) or the full Mediterranean Breaky. The main menu offers Kingfish cooked in a herby, garliccy tomato sauce, eye fillet with cream, garlic mushrooms and tomato, chicken with flavours of Casablanca plus burgers, pizza, fresh salads and plenty to share, all washed down with classic cocktails and a simple selection of wines and beers.

Open for lunch and dinner daily from 12 pm. Breakfast available Tuesday to Sunday.

WHERE: 204 Barkly Street, St Kilda

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Odyssey Restaurant

Just a short stroll up from Elwood beach sits Odyssey Restaurant. This gorgeous and intimate venue offers delicious Greek specials like slow cooked octopus in red wine and spiced tomatoes with pasta, starters and share plates like grilled stuffed calamari, a selection of Gyros and Souvlaki and sensational salads, fries and ‘Epic Platters’ to share. Time it right and you might also catch some live traditional music to really transport you to your Greek island fantasy - the perfect way to finish a day on one of Melbourne’s most beautiful beaches.

Open seven days a week. Opening hours vary so check the website to find out more.

WHERE: 100 Ormond Road, Elwood

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Theodora's Bar and Grill

Theodora’s offers old Greek village charm right in the heart of South Melbourne. The menu boasts a wide selection of authentic flavours, including pickled octopus marinated with fresh chili, garlic and herbs, chargrilled haloumi with chilli raisin sauce and pistachio, grilled meats, delicious dips and more. The family run restaurant offers friendly and welcoming service, great food and a fabulous drinks menu that includes a selection of Greek spirits, beers and inspired cocktails.

Open Tuesday to Sunday. Check the website for opening hours.

WHERE: 270 Park Street, South Melbourne

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Golden Fleece Hotel

If you are looking to step into your white sandstone Santorini fantasy, The Golden Fleece Hotel is sure to check your boxes! Recently renovated with a chic Greek island aesthetic, the hotel boasts various spaces to dine and dance, with an open-air rooftop offering up city views and the perfect spot to soak up the sunset. This is an energetic and fun venue that offers a mouth-watering Mediterranean inspired menu, fresh cocktails and an extensive wine list served with summer beats and good vibes.

WHERE: 120 Montague Street, South Melbourne

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Stavros Souvlaki

Located on the boardwalk at the Sea Baths on St Kilda Beach, Stavros Souvlaki is your seaside dining Greek experience. Using only the best lamb and chicken (and seasoned to perfection), they offer traditional gyros and souvlaki with freshly made hummus, eggplant, tzatziki, tahini, and garlic sauces, with chips, pita and salads – to be enjoyed in the al fresco dining area or right on the beach with the sand between your toes. After a sweet treat? They also have a selection of homemade Greek sweets and ice cream for those warm summer days.

Open seven days a week.

WHERE: 8H 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

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Greek'n Out

If you're a fan of Greek street food you're in for a treat at Greek'n Out. Flavourful salads topped with either haloumi or lamb gyros carved straight off the spit and topped with a dollop of zesty tzatziki or even a traditional Greek Salad laced with creamy fetta. Gyros are a staple here and you'll find delicious lamb and chicken numbers or Haloumi if you'd prefer. Stuffed with salad, hot chips and tzatziki you'll be instantly transported to Santorini.

Open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am.

WHERE: Stall 97, South Melbourne Market, Cecil Street, South Melbourne

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