The Star of Greece

Ph: (08) 8557 7420; The Esplanade, PORT WILLUNGA 5173

Modern Australian, $$, ** for Ambience
Open Lunch Wed-Sun noon-3pm; Dinner 6pm-9pm (open 7 days throughout summer; Licensed, BYO, Corkage $12 bottle; AE DC MC V EFT, Seats inside 50, Outside seats 25, Kids welcomed
Chef (Jonathan Kemble, 2007-10-29) Owner (--)

Mietta's Review
Named after a cargo ship that ran aground in 1888, the name is slightly misleading, as the food is not particularly Greek, but it is fresh and mostly fish based. Not surprising really, as the restaurant is perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. The old kiosk space has recently undergone renovations and extensions, but the owners are at pains to claim that it has lost none of its charm. And there are now indoor toilets and a small bar area. This is about great fun while the food is fine (if simple) the real reason to visit is for the thecrowd and the buzz.

Other published opinions

Gourmet Traveller 2008 Australian Restaurant Guide "Perched cliff-top, this converted kiosk and South Australian dining icon exudes a raffish charm with the casual, brightly coloured dining room and shaded deck affording gorgeous views out to sea and along the rugged coastline"

Gourmet Traveller 2007 Australian Restaurant Guide "Perched high above Port Willunga beach, this renovated kiosk has a postcard view of sand, sea and cliffs. Inside, the Star feels more like a funky suburban diner, with its mixed bag of brightly coloured furnishings and artwork, and a relaxed vibe. The emphasis is on seafood, but there's also kangaroo, venison or veal on offer."

Adelaide Advertiser 2006 "The word 'shack' comes to mind. A made-over shed perhaps, with corrugated-iron and wooded walls, a cosy mix of modern art and old photos adorning them. Tables and chairs jam tightly in the main dining room and an outside deck under shade, where the view over Gulf St Vincent is mesmerising."

Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide "On a ciliftop overlooking glorious Port Willunga beach, this jewel of the Fleurieu Peninsula shouts location, location, location. Part beach-shack, part boatshed, it's packed tightly with tables and mesmerising ocean views."

Gourmet Traveller 2005 Australian Restaurant Guide * "For what is, basically, a glorified tin-shed on the edge of a cliff, Star of Greece has developed a stellar reputation. Popular with winemakers from nearby McLaren Vale, it also attracts customers from much further afield with some of the best and freshest seafood available."

Adelaide Advertiser Tony Love 12/1/05 "The Star of Greece is all about ambience, which is arguably why the punters come in droves. ... They've come for the frisson and the funkiness of being stacked in tightly. Waiting staff are buzzy and supple between the squeezed tables, and friendly enough to climb on chairs to happy-snap couples and families."

SMH GFG 2004,'this smart tin shed offers one of Australia's great dining experiences.Sure,the food-such as delicious squid with aioli,or twice-cooked goat's cheese souffle-isn't always the stuff of legends but you'll remember if for a long time.'

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004, 1 Black Star,'it wouldn't matter much what they served, the view from the window would still make it taste good...Star of Greece maintains a retro feel that is reminiscent of a glorified beach shack.The main menu often appears a little meat focused, with conservative dishes'

The Sydney Morning Herald, Good Living, 12/11/02, Nigel Hopkins,'provides one of the most spectacular beachside locations imaginable.'