PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIADiethnes has been around for so long that my rather ancient parents have fond memories of going there on dates well over 30 years ago. They recently talked me into paying a visit with them and upon arriving I couldn’t help but turn to them and comment, “So it seems they haven’t changed the decor since you two last darkened their doorway.” But within five minutes of being settled in our comfy mustard-coloured booth, I realised its charm: in a city where things can change as quickly as a flash in the pan, Diethnes offers an air of familiarity and top hospitality that keeps people coming back.
The waiters greet diners like old family friends and are happy to chat to you about the menu, which features all the authentic dishes you want from a traditional Greek restaurant. Start with some dips, spanakopita or vine leaves before moving on to the mains. Seafood makes an appearance but the standouts are definitely the old Greek favourites which are delivered to the table in the form of moussaka and baked roast lamb. So tender that it falls in flakes off the fork, the lamb is home-style Greek at its best and worth sneaking the last mouthful off my father’s plate. Diethnes have been packing them in since 1952 and while there may be more stylish restaurants out there, when you’re on to a thing this good it’s worth sticking to.
Amy Looker, August 2007
