Alpha, Sydney CBD

It seems so many Greek restaurants start with the letter A. Athenian, (the) Apollo and Alpha restaurant, anointed one hat in this year's Good Food Guide awards. I visited Alpha with a group of friends for my birthday. To make ordering easy, we chose the banquet menu known as Yia Yia's table for $55 per person. The interiors looked modern and clean, with high ceilings and fishing net inspired lights.

We started with the Pita bread with a trio of dip (smoked eggplant dip, a white cod's roe dip and hommus). The dips were moreish and quickly devoured by our table. The white cod dip was especially creamy and flavoursome. 

Pita brea with smoked eggplant dip, a white cod's roe dip and hommus

I had heard rave reviews about the Haloumi Saganaki with ouzo, lemon and oregano and it did not disappoint. The haloumi is rich and chewy, coated in the ouzo and lemon marinade. 

Haloumi Saganaki with ouzo, lemon and oregano

Two whole Spanakopitas fresh out of the oven soon appeared on our table. I loved the flaky buttery pastry with generous filling of spinach, leeks, fetta and dill. The pastry to filling ratio was just right.

Spanakopita

Greek spiced slow roasted lamb shoulder, roast potatoes and tzatziki smells amazing and incredibly tasty. The lamb was perfectly cooked, the meat just falls off the bone at the slightest touch and is well seasoned with the Greek spices. Crispy roasted potatoes and tzatziki were the perfect accompaniment.


Greek spiced slow roasted lamb shoulder, roast potatoes and tzatziki

Horiatiki salad. I don't usually find greek salad all that exciting, but this Horiatiki salad was definitely the best greek salad I have eaten. It was clear Alpha has used the freshest tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, topped with a chunky piece of fetta cheese. 

Horiatiki salad - tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, red onions, olives, fetta

Dessert was Loukoumades (Greek style doughnuts) with a spiced honey syrup and candied walnut ice cream. The loukoumades were a bit too sweet for my liking but had a lovely fluffy texture. I did enjoy the candied walnut icecream though.

Loukoumades with candied walnut ice cream

Overall, the banquet menu is excellent value and Alpha is a great place to have a long lunch in the city.