Local News: Greek haven arrives at Southgate

As the latest addition to Southgate’s diverse variety of culinary venues, ENA Greek Street Food brings a fresh spin on Greek dining to Southbank.

Translating to number one in Greek, ENA will serve up innovative, rustic offerings that are inspired by the streets and beaches of Greece.

Passionate foodie and TV show star Chris Stavropoulos (Reno Rumble and House Rules) joined forces with Sean Cheshire and Funky Food Group (Lavezzi Gelati, Billy’s Kitchen, Billy Barista) to open the business last month.

Boasting a long family history in the production of olive oil and wine over hundreds of years, Mr Stavropoulos said ENA was new take on classic Greek cuisine.

“I was fortunate enough to grow up on food straight from our garden and local farms – that is how Greeks cook!” he said. “Greek street food is simple while still being full of texture and flavour.”

“There is something magical about the way Greek street vendors cook their food. We’ve done our best to recreate this as much as we can with ENA, and my yiayia (grandmother) has even had a look at some of the recipes to ensure they’re authentic!”

After the success of its modern paddock to plate offering with Billy’s Kitchen, Mr Cheshire said the idea of expanding on the Greek street food concept at Southgate’s wonderful riverside restaurant felt like a natural fit.

“We wanted to create something authentic and credible that people would be comfortable with,” he said.

“Melbourne is very multicultural and Southgate’s mix of restaurants is a great example of that. It’s also a great spot to relax and take in the city overlooking the Yarra.”

ENA offers quality dining with a relaxed atmosphere and provides take away for the fast-paced lunchtime traders. The use of communal dining spaces and a focus on share plates nods to the venue’s strong roots in Greece.

ENA utilises authentic Greek cooking techniques, their meats cooked over a coal fire pit, the same tradition used in Greek homes and street stalls.

Their slow rotisserie over coals gives their lamb, chicken and pork a smokier, crispier and more succulent flavour than the traditional gyros vertical spits.

Having honed his craft in Melbourne for 23 years at some of the city’s finest restaurants, co-owner and executive chef Mathew English had a strong focus on sourcing the freshest seasonal produce from local suppliers.

“There is a unique commitment to the freshest homegrown produce and using locally sourced ingredients, as well as some of the most enticing flavour combinations I’ve experienced in the world.

The restaurant offers a diverse and mouth-watering Greek menu, in-house blended coffee and a wine list incorporating both Australian drops and an inspired variety of Greek wines.

Open seven days for lunch and dinner, ENA also offers a full takeaway menu. Bookings can be made via email [email protected] or by phoning 9690 6205.

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