9 recommendations

Perama Greek Restaurant

Editorial Review

Packed with punch and a lively spirit, a night out at Perama restaurant in Petersham is like sitting down to a lively Greek family dinner. Step inside for a boisterous banquet of generous comfort food. Rich aromas emanate from the kitchen as Greek folk music fills the ears and hearty food fills the belly. This Grecian gem is nestled among the overflowing restaurants of Petersham's “Little Portugal”, but with a swag of accolades and a reputation as remarkable as its food, Perama certainly stands its ground. Perama, meaning “passage”, opened in 1993 and has since picked up an impressive collection of One Chef's Hats and Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence.

With its feet firmly locked in tradition and its head dreaming of the future, Perama's menu puts some innovative twists on traditional Greek favourites. Described as “Greek through the ages” by chef David Tsirekas, a read of the menu is an exercise in restraining from temptation. Start with the char-grilled Cypriot haloumi and honey peppered figs or the deliciously flaky pork belly baklava. Move on to the signature lamb skaras, which is baked for four hours then char-grilled with a lemon and olive oil baste and served with baked oregano lemon potatoes and string beans. But save room for dessert - with treats such as the caramel baklava ice-cream and bougatsa on offer, it's certainly worth popping a button for. David has designed the menu with an aim to encourage the sharing of meals, bringing out dishes at different times so guests can savour the flavours and let the conversation flow. Vegetarians won't go hungry here, nor will those with food intolerances - dishes can be tweaked and gluten-free bread is always available. Perama's menu changes with the seasons (sometimes more), which ensures there's always something exciting cooking in the kitchen.

Lauren Barker, September 2008

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