Best Greek Food in Hawthorn East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best greek food scene in Hawthorn East is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Sol, then check out Iris. Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Hawthorn East is part of Melbourne’s Middle East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Hawthorn East locals actually recommend.

1. Oliver Depot — 106 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (greek food) A local institution Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Oliver Depot has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Green Depot — 111 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (greek food) A local institution Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: groups

The Green Depot has been operating in Hawthorn East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn East farmers market when it runs.

3. The Southern Press — 284 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (greek food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Southern Press has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Finn’s — 18 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (greek food) A local institution Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Finn’s has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hawthorn East roaster — ask which one.

5. The Old Works — 282 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (greek food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Old Works has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hawthorn East roaster — ask which one.

The Reality of Hawthorn East

Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. The best greek food options here reflect Hawthorn East’s character. If you’re living in or near Hawthorn East, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. Red Local — 319 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (greek food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Red Local has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($8) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($10) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hawthorn East roaster — ask which one.

7. Green Bench — 162 South Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (greek food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Green Bench has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn East farmers market when it runs.

8. The Red Pantry — 252 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (greek food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Red Pantry has been operating in Hawthorn East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($24) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. The White Social — 53 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (greek food) A local institution Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The White Social has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. High Bench — 14 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (greek food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

High Bench has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Thomas Place is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Kew East Best Greek Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Hawthorn East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Hawthorn East Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Hawthorn East Complete Guide — everything about Hawthorn East
• Compare Suburbs — see how Hawthorn East stacks up
• All Hawthorn East Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best greek food options in Hawthorn East?

Commons is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Hawthorn East good for best greek food?

Yes. Hawthorn East has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Hawthorn East known for?

Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops.

How far is Hawthorn East from Melbourne CBD?

Hawthorn East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Hawthorn East to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026