Hellenico — Restaurant in Melbourne

It’s a slice of the Mediterranean, in Melbourne’s leafy eastern suburb of Balwyn.

In a year where we're still unable to travel overseas, Anthony and Michelle Rigogiannis have given Melburnians the opportunity to travel via the senses. For many years the couple contemplated the idea of opening a Greek-inspired deli that sources high-quality Mediterranean produce rarely imported into Australia.

Drawing on their Greek/Cypriot roots, the couple have turned their vision into a reality at this corner spot on Bulleen Road, and are re-emphasising the value of the Mediterranean diet.

A budding lemon tree greets you at the front door; it’s just like stepping into a deli from a Greek village. The walls are lined with shelving that houses a plethora of flavourful ingredients. Refrigerated cabinets stock an array of olives, cheeses, and pastas; and the back wall is decorated with cured meats that hang behind a glass cabinet. Anthony takes great pride in sourcing small goods locally from Andrews Choice, and has cordoned off the back room of the shop as a BBQ Zone, where you’ll find all the essentials to create the traditional gyros experience at home.

This is no ordinary deli, and the coffee counter is festooned with woven baskets suspended from the ceiling. You can opt for an authentic Greek coffee made in the briki heated over sand, or an espresso-based brew extracted on an old school Faema e61. They’re currently running the Black Mamba blend by Symmetry Coffee Roasters for espresso, and Symmetry’s House Blend for milk-based coffee.

It’s a return to the simple pleasures, with basic ingredients that make for a simply delightful experience.

Pro tip: Try the Pastrami Panini- it’s quickly becoming a favourite...

There is something truly wonderful about people that take great pride in their chosen field and their will to humbly share that passion with others. Hellinico's is the embodiment of that. The food is quite simply amazing and wholesome. Prepared with love and served with warmth. The Mediterranean sandwiches steal the show and they are all delicious made with fresh real ingredients. Coffee and sweets are a delight aswell. If the orange ricotta donuts are on the menu then it's your lucky day! I get my food to go but the atmosphere is really nice to sit down and enjoy too. Oh, and there is also a nice range of the finest smallgoods too! It's the kind of place i would not hesitate to go out...

Oh my. This is an immaculate cafe and deli. The food I had here was spectacularly good. First off, a beautiful soup with rocket, greens, potato, feta, chilli flakes and Greek honey served with crusty bread. The soup was magnificent. I’ve never had anything like it. Outstanding flavours, lovely texture. I was so excited by the quality of this dish that I was compelled to order another. The next one was overnight oats with poached pear and pistachio crumble. Again, this was utterly delicious. Bursting with gorgeous flavour, beautiful textures again. And, my coffee was delicious too. It was perfectly made. I just wish this was my local cafe. It...