Manoli’s Greek Taverna

LOCATION
Darwin CBD; a minute’s walk from the mall.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Manoli’s Greek Taverna is a relative newcomer to the Darwin dining scene, but its cuisine carries the taste of ages. Specialising in traditional mezze style platters (plates to share), Manoli’s is a welcoming venue for communal and family meals and celebrations. The Greek menu has English translations for those unfamiliar with pleasures like makaronia me kota (Greek-style chicken and spaghetti) or kolokithakia (pan-fried zucchini with garlic potato dip). Manoli’s is fully licensed, family-operated, locally owned and employs friendly Greek waitstaff.

Painted azure and white, with paintings acquired in Greece and touches of seaside flotsam embellishing the interiors, Manoli’s offers a social ambience with a Mediterranean feel. A classic appetiser is ftazimo (Manoli’s homemade bread) with dips – tzatziki, skorthalia, taramosalata. Or select from the hot mezedes: meat mezedes and seafood mezedes. There are open yiros, souvlakia, oysters, octopus, spicy meatballs, and more. Vegetarians will feel very at home with plenty of vegie options like Greek-style chickpeas, okra with salsa, haloumi cheese or spinach and fetta spanakopita. Special mixed meat and mixed seafood platters are available, as are pasta dishes and salads. Don’t feel like mezedes? Ask the waitstaff to tell you about Manoli’s specials. And if you make a trip out on Friday or Saturday night there’ll even be some live music to accompany your dinner.