This little Greek taverna-style restaurant has views of a gorgeous Sydney beach – plus a Euro summer happy hour
Walking into the gorgeously decked-out space feels like you've stepped onto the shores of the real Ikaria island itself, and given how spenny flights are over to Greece (seriously, how are so many of our Instagram followers over there right now?), we reckon it's the next best thing. It opened in 2021 when co-owner Joaquin Saez (ex-cho cho san) hoped to bring a bit of Greece to Bondi given Aussies couldn't fly over post-pandemic.
If the earthy terracotta cushions, clay pots tucked in the wall's nooks, archways and rattan furniture don't scream Mediterranean enough, the menu will. It's packed with light, fresh dishes designed to share with your friends and fam.
There's plenty of seafood to go around, like salty-sweet kingfish crudo, fried calamari with a generous scoop of tzatziki for dipping, vinegary octopus salad, grilled king prawns and a market fish with tomatoes and peppers. Of course, it's not a Greek offering without souvlakia. At Ikaria, you can opt for mustard-lemon chicken or harissa mushroom.
While the joint is a great spot for a refreshing lunch after completing the Coogee to Bondi walk (bonus points for soaking up that bluer-than-blue view), the evening is where it's at. During wintertime, you can score happy hour Spritzes for just a tenner. Pair it with warm fluffy pitas and dip for $15 and Stavros is your uncle.
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