ENA

ENA Greek Street Food is the latest exciting addition to Southgate Melbourne’s ever evolving restaurant precinct. 

Translating to number one in Greek, ENA serves up innovative, rustic offerings that are inspired by the streets and beaches of Greece. Passionate foodie and TV show star Chris Stavropoulos (Reno Rumble and House Rules) has joined forces with Sean Cheshire and Funky Food Group (Lavezzi Gelati, Billy’s Kitchen, Billy Barista) to bring Greek street food to Melbourne.

ENA is an evolution of simple, fresh and flavoursome ingredients that Chris has experienced in southern Kalamata. His family have been producing olive oil and wine for hundreds of years.

The restaurant offers quality dining with a relaxed atmosphere and alongside a great wine list which incorporates both Australian drops and an inspired variety of Greek wines. The use of communal dining spaces and a focus on share plates nods to the venue’s strong roots in Greece, where meals are a fun, social and a celebratory affair. A combination of blues, whites, natural timbers and glossy tiles transport diners to the beautiful islands of Mykonos and Santorini.

The kitchen is led by Co-owner and Executive Chef Mathew English who has honed his craft for over 8 years at some of Melbourne’s finest hatted restaurants. Mathew is also the mind behind talked about restaurants Romulus and Remus and SUD.

Utilising authentic Greek cooking techniques, the meats are cooked over a coal fire pit - the same tradition used in Greek homes and street stalls. Their slow rotisserie over coals gives their lamb, chicken and pork a smokier, crispier and more succulent flavour than the traditional gyros vertical spits.

We loved eating our way through the mouth-watering menu. To start the Soutzoukakia meat balls are beautiful. Boasting a wonderful depth of flavour from the use of cumin, garlic and parsley it was a glimpse into Chirs' Yiayia's kitchen. For mains the grilled octopus is a winner. The octopus was incredibly tender while retaining a robust structure courtesy of being expertly cooked. Having been chargrilled with olive oil, lemon and oregano it delivered a luxurious salinity and balanced tartness which further enhanced the flavours of the octopus.

Our dinner concluded on a wonderfully sweet note with the Loukomades - Greek donuts with warm honey, walnut and almond crumble. Yum!

Location: Shop 4-9 Southgate Shopping Precinct, Southbank

Phone: (03) 9690 6205

Link: http://www.enagreekstreetfood.com.au/

Cuisine: Greek