Medallion Greek Cafe

Today's Mission: Greek Food

What better place to go than the Greek Precinct, right? We headed to Lonsdale St between Swanston and Russell Streets in search of a gyro and some spanikopita. There were a number of Greek restaurants, but since we had the kids with us we opted for the more relaxed, cafe style of Medallion. 

At street level there is outdoor cafe seating for those wishing to watch people, enjoy the weather or have a smoke (as there is no smoking indoors). Upon entrance to the restaurant there is a display case of desserts including baklava and sticky fig cake. At the counter you can order take-away gyros and souvlaki. Beyond the  counter there is ample indoor seating, with plenty of space on a Friday night. 

I chatted with the owner, Ignatios Karasavvidis, a Greek immigrant who has owned the restaurant since 1990. Medallion has been in operation since 1970 and at the Lonsdale location for the last 20 years. In addition to Medallion, Ignatios also owns the Greek restaurant and taverna, DION, which is located next door. Both restaurants serve traditionally cooked lamb and chicken (DION also serves steak and seafood). 

Our lamb and chicken gyros were just what we were looking for, nicely flavoured, tender and delicious. Served with pita bread, tomatoes, lettuce, onion and tzatziki sauce. The spanikopita left a little to be desired, over-cooked and a little greasy, rather than the light flaky pastry I hoped for. Prices ranged from 5-10 AUD for entrees and 10-20 AUD for main dishes. Overall, a nice meal and relaxed, pleasant atmosphere. 

Name: Medallion 
Location: 209-211 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 
Phone: 03 9663 4228 
Website: www.dionrestaurant.com.au (this was the website given to me, but the link didn't seem to work)