After the success of a recent work dinner at Aspro Ble, a few of the boys were craving another Greek Banquet. Not being ones to frequent the same joint twice on nights out, we eventually decided on Dion Greek Restaurant & Taverna. Situated in the middle of the Little Greek end of Lonsdale street (which is all lit up with shimmering blue lights during the night), I've walked past it many times yet have never peeked in.
Upon arriving, we were promptly seated at a very long table. It would perhaps have been nicer to have a little more space, but that may be asking for too much considering the size of our group. Nevertheless, they were relatively accommodating to our various requests, including ordering separate vegetarian meals for the two vegetarians in our group.
Up first on the food front was of course, the prerequisite dips and pita bread.
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Homemade Dips |
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Pita Bread |
The rest of the entrees came in a quick flurry of plates, including the delicately flavoured saganaki (grilled kefalograviera cheese, lemon & oregano dressing). Once again, I've had better versions of this dish elsewhere, and slowly, it appeared that this would be the tone for the rest of the night.
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Saganaki |
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Oktapothi Xithato |
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Loukanika |
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Dolmades |
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Kalamari |
Somewhat like the calamari that you would get a stock-standard fish & chips restaurant, I didn't particularly feel like eating much of this. The second dish, Garides, consisting of char-grilled king size prawns with lemon, oregano & olive oil dressing was better.
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Garides |
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Arni Lemonato and Mixed Souvlaki |
This was accompanied your standard Elleniki Salata (Greek Salad).
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Elleniki Salata |
The meal was finished off with baklava and a curious custard-like concoction.
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Desserts |
If anything, the portion sizes here are much better controlled than at Apsro Ble, so we left satisfying-ly full, rather than bursting at the seams. A much nicer physical feeling, but unfortunately the food wasn't as well done. Not the greatest restaurant, but definitely not the worst either. You win some and you lose some - that's just life.
Dion Greek Restaurant & Taverna
207 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Lunch: Fri, Dinner: Mon-Sun
