In 2008, George Calombaris opened Hellenic Republic in Brunswick, which was the catalyst for Melbourne’s ensuing Greek food renaissance. With the utmost respect for authenticity, the spacious dining hall began serving up Greek share plates with modern sensibility, fresh ingredients and all-round pizzazz; an inspired take on the cuisine that Australians had not yet witnessed this side of the equator. The restaurant was met with huge enthusiasm from Melbournians, which eventually led to Calombaris opening the second instalment in the series – Hellenic Republic Kew. On Cotham Road, the sleek Kew restaurant feels more inner-east than its inner-north predecessor, which exhibits a grungier, more rustic aesthetic. Divided into a series of distinct dining sections, Hellenic Kew boasts an expansive, bi-level interior lay out on a base of stylish parquetry floors. Retro posters of Greek films adorn the walls, along with iconic blue and white feature tiles and old-worldly breezeblocks.

The diverse menu features all the favourites from the Brunswick restaurant with a handful of fresh new plates. Sidestep the difficult act of choosing and opt for the ‘agora’ option, which showcases an impeccable, six-course selection of the chef’s signature dishes. Starting with oysters, pita and taramosalata and finishing off with a Hellenic-style pavlova, the four middle courses change depending on the season – expect anything from Cypriot lamb cooked over coal to octopus, porketta and kipflers. The drinks list is also very comprehensive, featuring native wines, ouzo-based cocktails and potent Greek coffees.

If there’s one thing every suburb needs, it’s a purveyor of good wine. Found on Glenferrie Road behind a quaint heritage façade, CRU is very much Kew’s answer to this sentiment. In 2012, the venue was first opened as a café by Tony Donnini, a hospitality veteran and well-versed sommelier. Recognising a need for some night-time action in the area, in 2014, he extended the opening hours to 11pm and introduced us to the now in-demand wine bar component.

A French term, ‘cru’ refers to a vineyard or group of vineyards, especially one of recognized or superior quality. As such, the wine selection here is extensive (over 350 bottles) yet exclusive, showcasing a combination of international and local drops.

If you’re not a wine drinker, the cocktail and beer offerings are equally impressive. Pair your beverage of choice with a light accompaniment like the antipasto or salumi board, or opt for a hearty dinner option like the spring lamb roast for two. If you’re hosting your own dinner party, CRU also has an open cellar you can scour and choose from.

By day, the original café is as alive as it was when it first opened. The menu consists of epicurean brunch selections like their orange blossom hotcakes and eastern-style eggs, together with gourmet lunch picks like the pork & veal meatballs. Interiors are humble with a distinctive European feel, exhibiting exposed brick, eclectic art works and Mediterranean-style feature tiles.