When it comes to Modern Greek food in Sydney, The Apollo is one of the most beloved - not least because it has one of the best value degustation menu around.
Though degustation is my usual choice when it comes to a restaurant I haven't tried before, there is some joy in picking out exactly what you want to try, especially when the menu sounds as interesting as the one at The Apollo.
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| Taramosalata, $12, extra pita bread (not pictured) $4 |
Taramosalata, made from cured fish roe, is usually alarmingly pink when sold in a tub. The taramosalata at The Apollo is, of course, home made, and is a delicate shade of blush that is way more gentle-looking than the flavour it packs. There is a generous serving of the taramosalata, so I would highly recommend that you buy some extra pita bread - especially when any leftover pita bread can be used to soak up the deliciousness soon to come.
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| Saganaki Cheese, $17 |
And by that I am of course referring to the Apollo's most famous dish, the Saganaki Cheese. Though the name may sound Japanese, the term saganaki actually refers to a variety of dishes in Greek cuisine prepared in a small frying pan. The recipe of Saganaki cheese appears simple enough, but the flavours are absolutely unforgettable: sweetly honeyed and fragrant from the herbs and lemon juice. Do not waste a single drop - mop it up with your extra pita bread.
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| Eggplant, $18 |
The eggplant tossed with a variety of fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds and almonds, this is a refreshing dish that balances the rich flavours of our meal, but it was not a stand-out on its own.
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| Calamari Special, $24 |
A special on the day, the crispy calamari is your ordinary fried calamari, amped up. Satisfying yet surprisingly light and airy, this is a perfect snacking dish to wash down an ouzo or two.
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| Octopus, $28 |
Ah, the octopus. Although we already ordered a calamari, we simply could not resist the octopus - smokey, perfectly charred and fleshy, yet amazingly tender.
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| BBQ Chicken, $36 |
The chicken is so satisfying - it's more of a comforting dish, like something grandmama might cook for a Sunday lunch. The flavours are subtle, yet well-executed.
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| Village Salad, $18 |
Wow. This must be the most delicious Greek salad I've ever had. I have never been a fan of the Greek salad previously, but the Apollo's version thereof completely made me see it in a new light. A whole chunk of crumbly feta is just the beginning - some vegetables are picked while others are oh-so-fresh, it is the perfect accompaniment to any dish on the menu.
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| Walnuts in Filo, $14 |
Boy was I glad when we decided to just share a couple of desserts rather than each get our own! Look at the size of this thing - this is everything you might have expected from a Greek dessert: super sweet, filled with gorgeous walnuts, encased in the flakiest filo pastry and with a nice caffeine boost thrown in for good measure. Highly satisfying, but definitely a small bite goes a long way.
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| Rose Geranium, $14 |
This meal has been filled with deliciousness, but I have to say, this interesting-looking dessert narrowly beat the Saganaki cheese as the highlight of the meal for me. Looking as beautiful as fresh snow, this is a gorgeously fragrant, yet delicate, rose geranium cream, feta granata, and barks of Greek yogurt. It is one of the most interesting and inspired desserts I have ever had - nothing is quite like having the granita granules melt on your tongue, leaving behind a complex sweetness.
Score: 4.5 / 5
Cost: $60 - $100 pp
Address: 44 MacLeay St, Potts Point
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