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MELBOURNE | Hellenic Hotel Williamstown is the newest restaurant from George Calombaris and, after 2 years in the making, has finally opened. Taking over the space formerly occupied by the Hobsons Bay Hotel, this branch of Hellenic Republic has completely transformed the space. Most of the roof that separated the pub from the upper story hotel has been cut out and large windows installed. This makes for a much more open space with lots of natural sunlight during the day. White and blue feature prominently, as with the other 2 Hellenic Republic branches. Downstairs is the restaurant and kitchen, while what remains of the upstairs has in a bar, balcony and TVs showing sports, providing a nod to the venue’s pub past.
The kitchen is headed up by Josh Pelham (ex Estelle, Press Club), with the menu instantly recognisable to anyone who has dined at either of Calombaris’ other Hellenic Republic restaurants. It’s all about simple Greek food designed to share, with modern flourishes here and there. Crowd favourites like pita bread with dips like taramasolata (white cod roe dip), tzatsiki (cucumber and yoghurt dip) and melizanosalata (smoked eggplant dip) make an appearance as do saganaki (in this case with an apple and clove puree rather than figs) and the famous lamb shoulder. It’s not all the same though, the HH grain salad mixes up the usual grain combination while the souvlakakia list contains an very enticing crispy lamb’s brain option. The always popular risogalo (rice pudding) meanwhile swaps out the familiar caramel and crumb for a rhubarb and candied pistachio topping.
Drinks contain a range of Greek and local beers, wines and spirits with which to whet your whistle and if you don’t feel like eating you are free to pop upstairs to the bar for a drink. Just like the other Hellenic Republic restaurants, Hellenic Republic is fun and casual, with food that’s guaranteed to please. A great addition to this part of town.
Hellenic Hotel
28 Ferguson Street
Williamstown
Victoria 3016
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9393 1000
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://hellenicrepublic.com.au/
Open
Mon – Sun: 12:00pm to late