The best saganaki I've ever tasted and trust me I'm seasoned saganaki taster, I know what I'm talking about. Warm and authentic atmosphere with delicious generous serves. A local winner that I will be returning to again very soon.
Finally, a REAL Greek restaurant in Melbourne! With the characteristic feeling of a taverna but clean and hospitable. The food is what I used to eat in Greece 50 years ago, superb in quality and with a very good presentation. The service is excellent and warm as well as non obtrusive. Fresh made beautiful meze and dips to make you leak your fingers and octopus charcoaled to perfection.... as a retired chef, I really appreciated the place. I can highly recommend it and I will go back soon. WELL DONE! Keep going like this, please..
Fantastic! Great food, great atmosphere and wonderful service! Catered for gluten intolerance and provided an excellent range of truly Greek food. Highly recommended!
NellyBelly In Melbourne
+5
Stavros Tavern is a hidden gem for the gluten-free and dairy-free. The restaurant doesn't specifically market its GF&DF offerings, but once you ask the friendly and attentive staff, you'll learn that much on the menu is or can be made GF&DF friendly. Afterall, the heart of traditional Greek cuisine centres around grilled or slow-cooked meats and veggies; hearty and healthy with little or no need of wheat flour or dairy.
On its menu and rotating specials board, several GF&DF dishes stood out for me: the lamb and rice dolmathes, spit-roast lamb, spit-roast chicken, whole-baked fish, slow-baked lamb and slow-baked rabbit. I ordered the spit-roast chicken (kota souvlas) and it arrived with GF pita and hummous in lieu of tzatiki dip. Imagine my surprise! I knew the staff was aware of my dietary intolerances, but I didn't ask for substitutions. I find omitting an item entirely rather than asking for substitutions makes life easier for both the kitchen and myself. I was beyond surprised and delighted to find the additional GF pita and hummous were all initiatives from the owner and proprietor Mister Stavros himself and they were complimentary. Mister Stavros and his kitchen really do look after their customers. I ate away heartily, happily and worry free.
For more than thirty years, Stavros Tavern is highly regarded for keeping with its roots in authentic Greek cuisine. I am very impressed with the restaurant, the gentleman restaurateur Mister Stavros (and his character moustache), his kitchen and wonderful staff. I highly recommend GF&DFers to check the place out and get your Greek food fix!
I came here alone while my partner was away on a business trip. I cannot tell you how amazing the serve was. The restaurant was quiet and the staff spent more time explaining the dishes and their recommendations. The servings were large and offered to cater to the fact I was dining alone. It is it very often you experience this in a restaurant and it absolutely made my night. I had wonder experience.
With such amazing customer service it does baffle me as to why they are so quiet. I would definitely return with company!
Take me home to Greece! Just up from the beach at Albert Park is a little piece of Mediterranean heaven. Decoration is a lovely balance of a greek Taverna without feeling OTT or cheesey! The staff are lovely and welcoming and they have Brown Brothers Prosecco by the glass! The menu is fresh and fantastic classic Greek with all the faves, dips, calamari, moussaka and saganaki! I love that salt and pepper comes with a lemon ready to squeeze! There is a really nice buzz about the place with plenty of happy groups of friends and family enjoying hearty plates of grilled meats and fish and some of the best dips I have ever had! Super fresh taramosalata, baba ganoush and tzatziki with a basket full or different warmed breads – heaven!!! For mains I ordered the ‘Kalamaraki Pikantiko’ – grilled calamari, olives, and salsa…. it’s huge!! The most succulent perfect calamari, so fresh and the perfect bite to it – no rubber bands in sight! The dressing was not something I had had before and it was a
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Generous serves. Will be back.. Wandered in on a weekday night - restaurant was pretty empty at 7:30.... this may be related to the difficulty finding a parking spot in Albert Park. 1/2P until 10pm? Really? Are the restaurants in the area just for those who live nearby?
Anyway... the restaurant itself is fairly small and a bit rustic looking. We were shown a list of special "sharing plates" on a portable white board by a friendly waiter.
My friend had the chicken gyros (gluten free) - a decent sized platter of chicken, bread and tzatziki that made for a good, hearty meal. The chicken was very nicely cooked.
I couldn't decide so I had the grilled lamb ribs and baked goat (both "share plate/entree size"). Both were very tasty.
The goat was two pieces (including bone) in a nice stew with large chunks of parsnip (which I really like).
The lamb ribs came as one piece (which makes me wonder how you'd share it) with some big wedges of potato. Very nicely cooked, the meat came away from the bone very easily.
I have to comment on the value here. Both my "entree size" dishes could have easily passed for mains elsewhere (we had to clarify that the appropriate size portion had been supplied) and for $16 each represent very good value.
We also ordered a greek salad (maybe a little on the small side for the price - but that would be quibbling) and were supplied with a fair amount of bread (for two people).
Good coverage for the gluten-free diner - they even have GF pita bread. It's a bit solid, but that's pretty much the deal.
My only complaint is that I found the gap between the chair and the table a bit tight for my legs. Larger people might struggle.
All in all, a nice place, good value, nice people... just a pain in the butt finding a park.
Love it. Gold beautiful Greek food...
My absolute favourite local Greek. Not quite as good as Seagulls in Frankston (which has recently changed hands after 28 years and is no longer worth the trip) but a good vibe, friendly staff, and delicious, traditional flavours. Can be expensive though.
Went here about a week ago and it was GREAT! The staff were happy, attentive, interactive and helpful. The food was great, and well priced. There were 6 of us, and we had the $55 set menu; we couldn't eat another bite after all that!
Def will return at some stage. Thanks Stavros!
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Opa !!!! What a night !. I have been to Stavros Tavern a few times over the past few years and have yet to be disappointed.. I had a chance to visit again a couple of weeks ago and to no surprise, the food was exceptional ....and very Greek ( I am Greek after all so I should know).. All Greek meals differ as they are influenced by the province from which the chef originates. Stavros' flavours have a hint of middle eastern.. And though I may love my mum's cooking, Stavros just nails it!
We booked a table for 3 and ordered a la carte and shared our selection.. And let me tell you ....
The dips were great, as was the bread (the home made olive bread is the best).
The Kouba was more-ish .. Mmmmm .. I want some more now :)
The Kalamari Pikantiko was divine with spices and sensational aroma.
The Lamb Paidakia were tender and perfectly grilled
The staff were wonderful and accommodating.. What more could a diner ask for,
Thank you again Stavros and staff
P.S. .. The authentic Greek music played by the 2 piece band and the smashing of plates and dancing Greek just added to the wonderful atmosphere and authenticity .. Opa ... What a night !!!!!
We had such a fantastic experience at Stavros! There were ten of us, no booking, and they quickly moved some tables around so we could fit. We were happy for them to choose a selection of food for us all, which they did (checking for vegetarian, coeliac etc first) and then brought it all out. It was so delicious, and there was so much food. We had wine and soft drinks as well and the total was $307. Extremely good value for money, awesome, friendly service - great experience all round. We will be back!!!
OUTSTANDING!. My partner and I thought we'd give the Scoopon voucher a go for the first time and we had a fantastic time, not an iota of disappointment!
Dips and breads for an entree, glass of vino and we had the choice of a meat or seafood platter, plus salad. We went with the meat and were delighted we did.
My other half is good on the tooth but she couldn't get near the bottom of it and the food was outstanding.
The staff were very good and we spent 20 minutes on the way out talking with Stavros himself.
Highly recommend from two very satisfied diners. We are heading back soon with a group of friends for a Saturday night out when the music is on.
Five stars!
Is Greek for awesome. Went with the Banquet menu which was a massive amount of food and despite our party of 6 dudes we were struggling towards the end.
No complaints about either the quality of the food or the service which were both excellent, our group included a couple of Greek guys who were both happy with the food which I think says a lot. Although, One of them was so impressed he doesn't want to go back in case is isn't as good next time.
Probably one of Melbourne's best casual dining restaurants.
What a great night!. Thanks to the guys at Stavros Tavern for making my wife's 50th birthday celebration such an enjoyable evening. The staff were friendly and efficient. The food was delicious and plentiful as always.
Loved it!! Still full from all the food just like a Greek family dinner every time I go. Great food and cozy atmosphere, would recommend to everyone who feels like some great Greek cuisine from platters to great mains. Do yourself a favour...leave room for dessert.
What a little treasure! So glad I discovered this amazing restaurant which gives a whole new meaning to the term 'comfort food'. Every aspect of this jewel made our night a joy. The service was impeccable - the staff were friendly and professional and were willing to entertain all of our requests. The venue is warm and welcoming, and catered to the needs of our two little ones. And the food... AMAZING! The flavors were fantastic and each dish kept us in anticipation of the next. It's obvious that a lot of care is taken to ensure the high standard of the food - and Stavros hit every high expectation we had.
If your a lover of Greek cuisine, please, BOOK A TABLE and let Stavros tavern take you on a sensational journey that your taste buds will thank you for.
Good food. Went with a scoopon voucher, which consisted of an entrée of dips followed by a meat platter. The eggplant dip was particularly tasty, along with tzatziki and cavier, which along with the bread were plentiful for two people. The meat platter was also plentiful of which the highlight was the lamb cutlets but unfortunately only one each. The spit roast lamb and chicken were also nice with a bit of tzatziki. The service was reasonably good. The ambience was nice, though got a bit chilly when people left the door at the back open (if only they had a fire going on cold winter nights). I think if I went back again I'd definitely have the lamb cutlets.
Nicole Fett Michaels
+4.5
The best Greek food in Melbourne! The service was impeccable - like nothing we have experienced. I can't say more great things about this place than that. First time we have been after finding them on this site. Absolutely well worth every cent. I would question any prior negative review as I can't imagine this place being faulted in anyway shape or form.
Booked online, friendly greeters, super quick and attentive service, generous servings and tasty fare. Both Stavros and his staff stopped to chat and engage with customers and were genuinely involved in conversation.
We can't wait to go back :)
Great for group. They have a 2 piece band. We had banquet $55 per head. Very good.
Shame it isn't in the entertainment card 13-14.
Institution!. I love this place- Melbourne has a very competitive greek dining Scene and Stavros always stands out as being authentic and delicious.
It's got a comfortable family friendly atmosphere and never seems to disappoint
i could eat my body weight in Gyros and always leave happy!
Best Greek in Melbourne. I met a Greek boy, Kostas, at Melbourne Uni. After 3 months of trial and error I was still looking for some good Greek food, so I asked him where to go. "Go to Stavros in South Melbourne", he said, "it is the best Greek food in Melbourne, just like my Grandmother makes". And he was right! It was delicious, and such a short ride on the number 1 tram from the city. Well worth the visit. Must try - the Gyros! Best I have ever tasted - including in Greece!
Frustrated bitter Suzie and her other friend that have never been to the tavern should not be allowed to review with the venom in their lies . 33 years on we have more than proven our hospitality skills .
Lovely food, exceptional service (the staff went above and beyond!) and an overall great atmosphere!! Can't wait to go back.
I took my friends for a Greek experience an all loved it, great value, delicious good and amazing people
For a restaurant that has been operating Under thar same management for 33 years,Stavros is unmistakably a fresh vibrant and very welcoming Greek restaurant.last night we dropped in for quick meal and we were positively surprise by there variety of food and reasonable prices. The seafood packed "pilafi" was the the best risotto I've ever tested.big thank you for the wine suggestion:):(:)
Lovely meal. We visited the tavern on Tuesday night and had a very enjoyable meal consisting of tender calamari, delicious grilled lamb and chicken and yummy dips to start with.. The service was great, the host was very friendly and the ambience was relaxed. Well done Stavros. Love the location close to the beach.
Great meal. Enjoyed a "buffet" here with friends. Food was fantastic (lamb was unbelievable-crispy yet tender). Owner (Stavros) very pleasant, staff were great & service terrific. Highly recommended
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Absolutely love this place. The owner is a character and makes you feel like you are dining at his house. The place was packed and had a good atmosphere - a bit noisy but not an issue. The only criticism is that the chairs are too hard! The food is incredible and must be tried. We went for the full banquet at $55 a head. There was mountains of food and top quality. We started with a platter of 3 dips (hommus, tzatziki, salmon), octopus, beetroot, capsicum, 3 bean mix and olives. This came with a variety of fresh breads (don't fill up on the bread!). We then had dolmates, calamari, saganaki (so good but so bad!) Greek salad and fish which were all super. Then when we probably didn't need any more to eat the main meat dish came out. Greek lamb and pork served with a tzatziki sauce, salad and pita bread. The dish was enormous and even though we were full we managed to finish it off. The lamb was some of the best I've ever had, crispy outer yet tender inside. Dessert and coffee followed which put us well over the edge - baclava was good. The night was a success ad the restaurant definitely gets the thumbs up on all fronts. I'll be back soon I hope...
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A memorable Greek evening. Where do I start! The trio of drips and antipasto and the bread basket with the trio variety of bread were well presented and yummy.
The Saganaki?.......One of the best I have had for a very long time, plump and well cooked. The grilled Octopus was so tender and remarkably juicy, again amongst the best I have experienced in any Greek restaurant both here and overseas inclusive of Geece.
The meat & Chicken platter again juicy and nicely marinated. A nice Mousaka and a tender lightly fried Calamari was enjoyed by our group of 14.
Together with 2 other well presented desserts we had the Chef's signature dessert. An amazing rice ball with cinnamon toffee on top, presented on a dessert spoon. It was literally heaven on a spoon!
The waiting staff were professional and quick on service. A nice touch was a young waiter with a little yellow and black L - Plate on his uniform.
It was a complete evening. Did I mention the prawns served in a light salsa? Yummy!
Oh, and the band was not overpowering so we held a normal conversation.
A positive 10/10 experience.
Always enjoy the hospitality experience with friends at this "institution". Good food and drinks at reasonable prices,great host!!
Cruiser
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Greek Greatness. Stavros Tavern remains my favourite restaurant to visit for the all around experience. fabulous food, and lots of it, friendly people who really do make you welcome and a great atmosphere. The welcome is like being part of a family, only better.
So then to last night’s banquet. Remembering of course just three of us were sharing this feast.
You (well I) cannot begin an evening at the Tavern without having the meze platter consisting of three dips, three house made breads and a mixture of pickled vegetables, like beetroot and capsicum, and a little pickled octopus on the platter. The accompanying entrees were the best Saganaki you will have and a new dish for us, char-grilled octopus (Ochtapothi Skaras) which was excellent. Even my partner, who is usually averse to octopus enjoyed this treat.
The village salad arrives with the first of the main dishes, the incomparable fried calamari (Kalamaraki Tiganito) with Greek potatoes. This truly is the best calamari I have ever had. Somehow the kitchen gets the calamari to such a beautifully tender state that it almost melts in your mouth. Joining the table is a prawn dish from heaven. Skillet fried prawns (Garithes) are in a divine tomato and ouzo sauce with feta. I could eat the sauce alone. Actually I mopped it up with some bread from the meze platter.
Baked rockling fillet with potatoes also was presented and was cooked in a way that provided a strong flavoured fish that was most enjoyable.
Hang on, we’re not quite done yet. It’s dessert time. A small platter arrives with Baklava and Loukoumia for everyone surrounded by some fresh fruit. Of course coffees (Greek for me) were also enjoyed.
Stavros continues to excel and you know it matters to him that you enjoy your food and enjoy visiting.
Stavros Tavern wins again! Now I just need another excuse to go back.
Outstanding!!. 18 of us came for dinner and everyone had nothing but compliments for the food and service. Happy and energetic waiters kept the delicious food coming. We did not have the set banquet but decided to make up our own share feast. We will go back soon!
The food was beautiful, we chose to have a banquit and for $50 dollars a head we had around 7 courses including dessert. Good value for money, make sure you try the saganaki!
I love this place. Staff are awesome, Stavros himself always remembers us and has time for a chat. The food is amazing! The saganaki is a must as a starter. Everything on the menu is delish and portions are on the big side. Make sure ur hungry, the food will not disappoint. Great vibe here any night of the week, this place is an all rounder for any occasion. Highly recommended.
Traditional Greek & Yummy!!. We love Stavros - warmly welcomed by the man himself. Fantastic food and fantastic value. Make sure you try the Saturday night banquet, great for groups or special occassions - if you're the guest of honour you get to smash plates, gotta love that! Plus it's BYO which is rare in Melbourne
Hard parking. Been there a few times in past 2 years and been quite happy with the food. Very tasty. Intend to go back all the time. Owner is quite friendly and we found the service ok. Would not recommend for large parties since very tight squeeze. Prefer dining there during the week since very busy & definately have to book for Friday/Sat. Parking is a bother being in Albert Park so have to persevere.
Authentic Greek tastes, very friendly staff, homey feel to it since it's retained the same owner for 30 years (only 1 of 2 restaurants in Melbourne can proudly claim that). The "large" Greek Salad was quite a small serving for the price; also, the 3 scallops (blackboard item) only had one scallop in each and the rice was dry. The meat platter for two (blackboard item again) had lamb, sausage, rump & chicken. It was good but one of the meats had a balsamic vinegar glaze which definitely didn't suit the greek taste. Also the mashed potato was mediocre. We (three adults, two kids) had 3 entree dishes all up and 2 of the mains with a salad which was a perfect serving when split up. Overall a wonderful, authentic Greek experience. Maresi!
Great food and service. An authentic Greek dining experience. We had delicious starters, very tasty goat falling off the bone plus the grilled lamb and a solid greek salad. Menu prices are slightly above reasonable.
I love this place! The food is YUMMMMM and everything Greek cuisine should be! The banquet style menu (which we choose every time) is amazing and full of variety. If you are looking for authentic Greek food.. Stavros Tavern is the place to be. :)
The service and location is A1. All you jokers with the negative reviews have no idea. If it was that bad it wouldn't be in business for over 30 years. Go back to eating your fish and chips with your newspaper wrappers.
You clowns didn't know what food was until we came in!!!!
Regards,
Prince of the Balkans
Good service. Amazing food. Nice little place down by the beach. We had the sharing platters and it was fantastic. Will definitely be returning.
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