Yiamas Greek Taverna — Restaurant in Sydney

I recently visited Yiamas Greek Taverna and was delighted by the experience. I had heard mixed reviews about this place, but I decided to give it a try anyway, and I was not disappointed. Despite some reviews mentioning burnt food, my experience was nothing short of fantastic. The staff was welcoming and attentive, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was authentic and cozy.

Before ordering, I browsed through the menu and was thrilled by the variety of options. I decided to try the seafood platter, which included a combination of grilled octopus, calamari, prawns, and scallops, and it did not disappoint. The seafood was cooked to perfection and was seasoned just right, making each bite burst with flavor. I also tried the lamb souvlaki, which was tender and juicy, and the roasted potatoes that came with the meal were crispy and delicious.

I can understand why some reviews mentioned burnt food, as Greek cuisine can be tricky to cook, but I didn't experience this issue during my visit. I found the food to be cooked just right, and the flavors were balanced and fresh. The meat was juicy and flavorful, and the seafood was perfectly grilled. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable for the quality of food and service.

The restaurant itself was cozy and had a lovely, authentic Greek atmosphere. The decor was simple, but charming, and the staff added to the cozy vibe by being friendly and accommodating. The music playing in the background was also a great touch, making me feel as though I was actually dining in Greece.

Overall, I highly recommend Yiamas Greek Taverna to anyone who loves Greek cuisine or anyone looking to try something new. The service, food, and atmosphere are top-notch, and the experience is definitely worth the price. Despite some mixed reviews, I had a fantastic experience and would certainly visit this...

Yiamas

There’s something quite special about Yiamas.

From the moment you walk through the door, there’s an unmistakable sense of welcome. No fanfare, just honest, heartfelt hospitality from people who clearly care about what they do.

The team delivers warmth and efficiency in equal measure: fast, attentive and friendly, without ever overstepping.

The space hums with life. On this night, tables were filled with families and friends celebrating birthdays or simply enjoying each other’s company.

We were no different. Five friends gathered to celebrate two birthdays and Yiamas proved exactly the right choice.

There’s something almost hypnotic about the meat slowly turning on the spit - thick cuts of lamb, pork and chicken roasting over open coals. This is kondosouvli, a traditional Greek dish made from large chunks of marinated meat, slow-roasted until perfectly charred on the outside and tender within.

We started with dolmades—flavoursome and light—followed by spanakopita, crisp pastry with a tasty cheese filling.

The smoky aroma does half the work before the food even arrives.

We shared the “Kondosouvli for 4” platter with all three meats and it more than delivered. Each cut had its own character: juicy, charred and deeply seasoned. The generous spread was rounded out with fresh salad, warm pita, crisp chips and a trio of dips—quickly filling the table with food that exceeded every expectation.

Dessert had to wait for next time but we’ll be back for it.

We met Dennis, one of the owners, who proudly shared the story behind Yiamas. Going strong since 2009, it’s clear why this place endures.

Yiamas isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a place built on heart and defined by authentic...

Authentically Greek. Some of the best Greek food I’ve had in my life (coming from a Greek from Melbourne.)

For the entree, we started with the grilled octopus and it was fresh and juicy. For the main, we each had the kontosouvli platter for one and it tasted homemade and fresh. Absolutely mouthwatering.

Most amazing of all however was the hospitality and customer service. My friend who I was dining with, who unfortunately was sick from a poorly cooked breakfast early in the morning, suffered a severe stomach ache towards the end of the night (not caused at all by the food at Yiamas, as I myself suffered a stomach ache from the same breakfast. The food at Yiamas was perfectly cooked and clean.)

The staff went above and beyond to help my friend, offering him assistance with his pain, and overall making us feel at home and comfortable all the while the restaurant was closed for the night. Shout out to our waitress, you were amazing and made my unwell friend and I, feel relaxed and cared for. With one staff member in particular (who I unfortunately didn’t get his name), we enjoyed a warm and funny conversation out on the verandah after closing time. Although we had only met him an hour prior, he treated us like family and we will never forget his friendliness and generosity for the rest of our lives.

A truly unforgettable experience. A massive thank you to all the staff at Yiamas. Σε...