Profiled by de Groots MediaIf you’ve ever wished you’d been born into a big Greek family with a mamma who loved to cook and wasn’t happy until you’d stuffed yourself as plump as a homemade dolmade you’ll be jumping with joy when you visit Kouzina Greco. Alana and Peter Laliotitis have seamlessly recreated this type of heart-warming fare within their buzzing Parramatta diner. Just like an extension of a family kitchen, the restaurant possesses a cheery atmosphere which immediately puts diners at ease. Tables dressed in green and white checked clothes tumble out onto the footpath and the waitstaff chat happily to diners while they ferry plates around.
The food is authentic home-style Greek but with a modern twist that keeps the dishes fresh and interesting. A starter of grilled haloumi cheese with asparagus spears, kalamata olives and vine-ripened tomato sets the mood nicely, as does the flash-fried baby calamari in chilli flour, served with skordalia and aioli. Being a Greek restaurant, you’d be mad to pass on any of the lamb dishes. The slow roasted lamb shoulder with fresh herbs, lemon, olive oil and potatoes is a classic and Kouzina Greco does it plenty of justice. Char grilled quail and the market fresh fish of the day will satisfy if you’re not into red meat, but the kitchen is more than happy to cater for vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs. Finish with some loukoumades (honey puffs topped with icing sugar and cinnamon) and you’ve got yourself a right feast.
Amy Looker, April 2008
