Hellenic Republic

Posted by: richmondboy | 11 May 2010, 3.49pm

This place must be a cash-cow for owners.

When I previously visited here on a Saturday night last year the place was packed, this time around on a chilly Monday evening the place was once again crowded with every table full. Not bad for a Monday night!

The food is for the most part really home style Greek food that your mother may cook, assuming she is a good cook that is.

The pita bread is a must order. Nice and warm and with a mix of dips it starts a meal perfectly. The famous Saganaki with figs is good but nothing spectacular as some seem to make it out to be.

The octopus is wonderful and both the lamb and chicken are oh so sweet and tender, the chicken however is heavy on salt.

An interesting sald is the Cypriot Grain Sald. Unlike anything I had eaten before it went perfectly with the salty meats.

Only downside on the meal was the staff. They are pretty all over the shop and we had to ask for our bill three times before it was finally delivered.

Food:			Visit: Mon 10 May 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: KJD3056 | 1 February 2010, 10.38am

If you are contemplating a visit to Hellenic Republic as part of a larger group we would really recommend the Trapezi menu. As a party of 8 who dine regularly together this was for us a standout feast! Particularly enjoyed the Saganaki with figs, the melt in your mouth Fish Croquettes and the grilled Barramundi. Great value and the service was seemless ,particularly given the restaurant was very busy. Book ahead as it s little wonder this restaurant is so popular.

Food:			Visit: Wed 27 January 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Crooksie | 19 January 2010, 11.39am

After securing an early table with no booking, we ordered a number of dishes from Piata menu as well as the Calamari.

Food verdict is that the pita, olives, dips and salads are simple but of good quality. The winners however are the pan-fried saganaki with peppered figs and the Calamari. We also ordered the chocolate mousse and greek donuts for dessert - be warned the servings are huge!

Service verdict is that the staff are efficient but not overly proactive (some warning on the dessert size would have been nice). The biggest disappointment however was that upon paying the bill, with cash, no change was provided until requested - the meal was nice but it wasn't worth a 20% tip.

Food:			Visit: Fri 15 January 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Crissy69 | 9 December 2009, 8.13am

I am normally reserved about dining in Greek restaurants, as many are cliched dishing out the saganaki, pita bread, dips and grilled meat banquets. They are very cliched, predictable and really not related to traditional Greek fare that you find in Greece.

George Calambaris' Hellenic Republic is different. The menu is traditionally Greek, and by traditional, I mean the sort of food you would find in many of Greece's regional villages...the food that you don't find on menus or mainstream tavernas, but that is handed down from generation to generation, thus 'real' Greek food.

Our waitress was friendly, knowledgable and attentive. She told us that this was our dining experience and we should be creative with the food, whether it was a selection of entrees to share or the normal entre - main - dessert. We opted for the Taramatosalata dip, pita bread, Spanakopita and Dolmades. We then went for the Moussaka (make to Calambaris' grandmother's recipe - how could we resist?), and a Horiatiki salad.

The Saganaki was perfect...not too sloppy, not too hard, just right. The accompanying figs impart a sweetness, that perfectly balance the sharpness of the cheese. The Taramasalata was creamy and delicious. Like the saganaki, a perfect balance of flavours, not too 'fishy'. The Spanakopita was brought out in a coil shape - something that is common in parts of Greece. The filo was light, the balance of spinach and cheese just right. This was a true treat. We shared the serving of Moussaka, which was very generous. I have tried Moussaka in many restaurants, but this truly was supreme. Calambaris' Moussaka is layered with potatoes and eggplants as well as cinnamon infused mince and a light creamy topping. Just the perfect balance of ingredients and flavours.

Although we were perfectly full with our selection, we thought we would sample the desserts and ordered the Loukoumades and Patsavoura. The only other place I have tried Patsavoura is in a village in Northern Greece. I was very impressed to see this dessert here. And it did not disappoint. The pastry was light and the custard creamy, but not overbearingly sweet. The Loukoumades were just as impressive and a very generous serving. We could not eat all of them! The batter was ligth, the combination of honey, nuts and spices perfectly balanced.

The atmosphere in Hellenic Republic was also a delight. At one point, I looked up onto the courtyard, and I had a momentary inkling of being in Greece, in the Summer - heaven really. Yes, it's busy and its bustling, but this is what it is like in Greece and Hellenic Republic really captures the essence of Greek dining.

I will be coming back to Hellenic Republic again and again. It blends traditional and modern Greek dining, with it's unique signature dishes. The food is exceptional, the service attentive and friendly. We were not rushed or harried. We relaxed, ate and for a brief interlude in our busy lives, felt like we were in Greece enjoying a Summer's evening! It truly was a dining experience fit for the gods!

Food:			Visit: Tue 8 December 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: biosfeer | 25 October 2009, 12.51am

Made a large booking for a hens night. Clearly they had lost the booking or overbooked. Ended up waiting for 15 minutes for a table anyway, seating was not adequate and one was required to shout in order to maintain a conversation.
Service was patchy at best, non-existent at worst. Repeated requests for water went unanswered. Different tables received different dishes from what was a set menu.
Some people went without portions or tea and coffee.

Food:			Visit: Sat 24 October 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: rwestwood | 22 October 2009, 6.48pm

I finally made it to Hellenic Republic on Saturday night and have been raving about it to anyone who will listen ever since.
Having been warned about the possibility of feeling rushed with taking an early booking we opted for the late sitting and arrived at 8.30pm.
The food was amazing - we ordered one of the "trapezi" options which was banquet style. Absolute standouts from the array of food on offer were the saganazi with peppered figs (absolutely amazing), the taramasalata (best I've ever eaten), whole cooked snapper (juicy and flavorsome) and honey drizzled donuts.
It was quite noisy but given it is a Greek taverna it just added to the atmosphere.
Great value for money and I will definitely go back.

Food:			Visit: Sat 17 October 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: billysnr | 9 July 2009, 5.31pm

Having enjoyed a few meals at one of George Colambaris' other ventures, The Press Club, I was looking forward to trying Hellenic Republic. Unfortunately our group of 6 were very disappointed.

The place was jam packed and noisy, which I somewhat expected before going in, so was not too fussed by it, but the tables are indeed very close together. The open kitchen looks good. Service was bright and friendly to start, but quickly deteriorated and was overall inattentive.

The food was particularly disappointing. We had some grilled pork and it was completely raw on the inside - we returned this but no further comment was made from the staff about it. Calamari and lamb skewers were just ok. Fish was average, not especially fresh, and to my taste slightly underseasoned, but cooked reasonably well. A lamb casserole type dish (can't remember the name) was good.

Overall it was a disappointing experience. The prices are perhaps a touch high for the setting/ambience, the service is very hit and miss, and the quality control on the food is lacking. There are a number of other similarly-priced Greek restaurants in Melbourne with better service and better food.

Food:			Visit: Fri 29 May 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Resort | 6 July 2009, 4.19pm

After being a little late for the 6.00pm sitting due to the lack of street parking we were efficiently welcomed with slick attentive service. Unfortunately that was the highlight of the night.The atmosphere was noisy, the food only average given the hype of the restaurant and pricey, the wine list limited and expensive. Will trying authentic Greek food closer to home next time. Not value for money.

Food:			Visit: Sun 5 July 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: 5tompy | 3 July 2009, 10.29pm

Dined out with 7 others plus my 2.5 year old child - 6.30 pm booking.

The staff were great in quickly organising a plate of food for my child while the rest of us worked out what to order.

Overall, the service was excellent, the food was excellent, the only thing I can really fault is that the music was too loud to talk over. Especially a problem when trying to keep a young child's behaviour in check.

Food:			Visit: Thu 25 June 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: ssolo | 11 June 2009, 1.14pm

This is our third time in three months that we have been to Helenic Republic. We will not return. The first time was for breakfast. The next two times for dinner We now realise that this place is a "money making machine' and I have to agree with other reviews that its "lets get them in and out quick". Being Greek, on my first visit I noticed quite a few Greeks but on our last visit there seemed to be none. Greeks will only go where there is good value for money. "What a shame, I say" as the concept is fantastic. I really don't think the two sitting idea will work long term. The young staff working there really try hard and we found the service good. Being in a large social circle, people we are often talking about food and where to go and meet for dinner. The overall feedback is "try somewhere else".

Food:			Visit: Thu 11 June 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: outnabout | 31 May 2009, 9.46pm

It was an unpleasant dining experience overall. The service and the food were good but they have tried to fit as many diners as possible in the space so seating is very tight - you can hear your neighbour's conversations and they can hear yours. The isles between the tables were so tight that whenever the waiters bent to clear the neighbouring table or take an order you literally had their backside in your face...no joke. For the prices they are asking, you should not be subjected to things like this. It is very much a "getem in", "feed them" and "get em out" set up and it shows. We were given a time we had to leave upon reservation. We are still grappling with the fact that we paid $50 for what were essentially 2 souvlakis, a bottle of sparkling water and a small lemon squash, and this did not include any pita bread. We will not be going back.

Food:			Visit: Sun 31 May 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: aussieboy73 | 23 April 2009, 11.17pm

I've known George Calombaris's work from my regular visits to his restaurant in the Melbourne CBD...The Press Club! (fantastic restaurant....highly recommend you visiting there)!!

Taking this opportunity I would like to publically thank George for taking the time to speak with me!

I have had the opportunity of dining at Hellenic Republic and well what can I say...I am extemely pleased and would quite comfortably recommend this establishment to anyone looking for a great night out!

I found out about Hellenic Republic via reviews and a few persons personal recommedations/experiences, and I have to admit I was quite sceptical following a little nick up and the prejudgment of the establishment which most certainly was made in haste!

But after spending a booked out Saturday evening with another diner at this modern, spacious and overall comfortable restaurant, I can most definitely put my sceptical thoughts to rest!

The variety on the menu and the quality of food outlived my expectations! The flexibility with the way in which you can order your meals...sensational...and the definite highlight of the menu was the lamb off the spit which quite literally sent the taste buds crazy in amazement!

The traditional Greek desserts (an absolute must) and a great selection of Greek and local wines topped off the meal. We were left with a smile on our faces and hardly a dint in our wallets.

Also, it's imporatant to mention the quality of service...the staff were warm without being over-the-top; well informed and able to make recommendations/suggestions; they were non-intrusive yet efficient...generally speaking the staff and service was friendly and most importantly genuine!!

Hellenic Republic would have to be one of the best value for money restaurants in Melbourne and I would highly recommend this dining experience to even the most experienced of palates.

In summary...I can't speak highly enough of this place and in saying so I've already made reservations for next week!

Food:			Visit: Sat 18 April 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: madllama | 28 March 2009, 4.01pm

Service was abysmal; we struggled to catch the waitresses' attention and it was a good twenty minutes before we managed to place our order. We had a salad, rice stuffed vegetables, hand-chopped potato chips, quail and a lamb skewer. The salad was passable, the high point being the four olives in it. The vegetables stuffed with herbed rice were the highlight of the meal. The quail was tasteless, overcooked, and dry. The lamb skewer was also bland and part carbonised to boot. The hand cut chips were over salted to the point of making everything else seem tasteless. To give credit where it's due, however, the staff did take the chips off the bill. Overall a very disappointing experience won't be going there again and certainly wouldn't recommend it to friends.

Food:			Visit: Sat 28 March 2009 Mealtime: lunch
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Posted by: 3040 | 15 March 2009, 7.36pm

Rang to make a reservation for Sunday lunch - choice of 12.30 or 2.30pm sitting. Chose 2.30pm but told had to be out by 4pm because the kitchen closed then. The restaurant rang in the morning to make sure we were coming - again stressed that we had a 2.30pm reservation and had to be out by 4pm. Arrived at the restaurant at 2.15 - so noisy you could barely hear yourself - told to wait they'd be with us soon. Waited 5 minutes and the reservation was confirmed. Table not ready - sit at the bar, trying to chat above the deafening live music. 10 minutes later shown to a table 2 feet from the three piece amplified band - ears starting to bleed. Survived one minute before one of the group approached staff and asked for another table. Were invited to sit at the bar while another table found - should be about 15 minutes. 15 minutes later - still looking shouldn't be too long and they'd asked the band to turn the music down. The band resumed ... no noticeable diminution in volume. 3pm ticked by - we sat at the bar. 3.05pm we gave in and left. We're not going back. Such a shame - quite enjoy the other restaurants in the group. This one is a disaster!

Food:			Visit: Sun 15 March 2009 Mealtime: lunch
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Posted by: M&B | 10 February 2009, 12.18pm

Advertising they are open all day, we arrived for a very early dinner (@1645) only to find the kitchen was closed b/n 1600 & 1730. However our waiter offered a cold mezze plate & drinks as we were only after a "quick bite".
The resturant setting is quite stylish & the outside in particular does remind you of the many cafes in & around Athens Plaka.
It was fascinating watching the (many) staff organising the resturant & themselves to cater for the evening ahead.
We shared a Greek Beer - quite light & refeshing & then had a glass of wine as we ate a (non- meat) mezze platter of Pita Bread, Dip, Olives, marinated mussels, marinated veges, as well as Beetroot & Greek salads. The food was all very simple, but nicely flavoured.
As we were finished the staff adjourned to the "courtyard" to share a meal & no doubt a briefing before the crowd stated to arrive.
We will return for a full meal at some point, bouyed by the lasting memory of the service - prompt, accommodating & friendly. It was nice to know that although we had arrived at an inconvenient time, & we only spent $43 our experience was as important to them as it was to us.

Food:			Visit: Sat 7 February 2009 Mealtime: afternoon tea
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Posted by: Bellisima! | 5 February 2009, 5.34pm

I have been wanting to go to this restaurant for some time now. I am a big fan of George Colombaris and have dined at The Press Club and Maha previously. I had an 8.00 booking and was not impressed with the level of service. They obviously were extremely short staffed; I had a different waiter/waitress each time. Nobody gave us menus, we had to ask for them, nobody came to take our order, we had to go up and order what we wanted. We didn t end up eating our banquet until 10pm! - By that time was ready to go home, never the less, the main course was nice. The atmosphere was amazing. I would highly recommend the banquet, although we had to keep ordering bread to fill the gaps. It's not your 'traditional' home cooked meal but has a modern twist to the home-style Greek dish. You will have to go there to see for yourself. Maybe the service was terrible that night only, as I said it was quiet obvious they were short staffed.

Food:			Visit: Mon 19 January 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Babyseals | 29 January 2009, 12.31pm

Went there for a small birthday celebration for two. Arrived half an hour early but got seated anyway with no fuss. The food was simple and tasty. Had like a banquet styled dinner for two. Starting with the Saganaki with figs on a sizzling plate accompanied by small portions of a selection of marinated olives, cured veggies, a dip of sorts and bread. I have to agree with the previous reviewer that the contrast of the cheese and figs were a standout!

Then we were served a selection of seafood, mainly filled red mullet and a prawn dish that had a tomato based sauce. Both were quite delicious.

Our waiter was lively and well informed. The service was good even though there were quite busy. Will definitely recommend to others.

Food:			Visit: Wed 28 January 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: kim.dale | 6 January 2009, 10.20am

We popped in on Sunday for lunch not knowing what to expect after having a sub par performance at the Press Club some months ago on a Sunday.
Well I must say without going into fine detail, the food was great and cheap. The service was good but a little slow at times considering the amount of floor staff. All said and done the experience has put my faith back in this venue.
The standout on the day was the Saganaki with figs. A surefire winner. We also had the Village Salad, Pork Chops, Lamb Souvalaki, Watermelon Salad and the Braised Pork. All dishes were of a great standard and I would happily recommend Hellenic Republic to anyone.

Food:			Visit: Sun 4 January 2009 Mealtime: lunch
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