Meltemi Mediterrania brings a taste of the Aegean to the heart of Broadbeach
While jetting off to the Mediterranean might be the dream, Meltemi Mediterrania is bringing the flavours to us. Opening this Friday October 24, the brand-new Broadbeach restaurant promises to whisk diners from the beachside suburb to the sun-drenched shores of the Aegean. The 120-seat stunner is the latest venture from Dino and Kate Georgakopoulos – the duo behind beloved Greek eateries Xenia Grill at Main Beach and Coolangatta – and it delivers a dining experience where sunshine, soul and shared plates come together in perfect harmony.
Named after the warm summer winds that sweep across the Aegean, Meltemi Mediterrania invites diners to embark on a journey through the regions that border the glittering sea – from Spain and Sardinia to Morocco, Lebanon and Turkey, while paying homage to Dino’s own family roots on the Greek island of Kastellorizo.
“We want people to feel like they’re sitting overlooking the Mediterranean, as a gentle breeze blows over them,” says Dino, who left a career in engineering to follow his passion for hospitality.
Designed by Space Cubed Design Studio, the venue has transformed the venue formerly occupied by Ti Amo site on Albert Street. The striking interior channels the venue’s namesake breeze through thoughtful, curved forms, from the layered roof and polished-concrete wraparound bar to arched cut-outs and flowing curtains. The main dining room features a striking mural of a coastal European town, while the bar glows with the reflection of a golden-hued copper mirror, designed to resemble a Mediterranean sunset. Outdoors, an expansive alfresco area offers a tranquil escape framed by an elevated olive tree and fragrant greenery including rosemary, citrus and guava.
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At the helm of the kitchen is hatted chef Tapos Singha (ex–Miss Moneypenny’s, est., Gowings Bar & Grill), who brings a flavour-rich menu anchored by a custom-built Cypriot rotisserie. Each skewer, from the New England lamb leg to the Queensland lobster, is slow-turned on individual prongs, visible to guests through a custom window.
“Rotisseries play such a special role and we want to expand people’s minds – and taste buds – to show how many variations there are,” Dino says.
The menu flows from crudo and mezze to breads, dips, cheeses and contemporary mains, each representing a different Mediterranean nation. There’s Sardinian coral-trout crudo served on a theatrical bed of dry ice, Spanish octopus skewers cooked over flame and a show-stopping yellow-belly flounder filled with blistered tomatoes, capers, saffron, sherry vinegar and green olive salsa, served whole. And for fans of chef Singha’s past work, the cult-favourite shawarma from his Sydney venue Bang makes a triumphant return. “We couldn’t take it off the menu as people would come in especially, so it’s great to be able to share it once more,” he says.
Behind the bar, Mediterranean-inspired cocktails and wines continue the story with the likes of rosemary-infused negronis to Nick the Greek, made with ouzo and star anise. Together, they’re designed to transport guests straight to a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Aegean.
Meltemi Mediterrania opens Friday October 24. Head to The Directory for opening times and booking details.