The Apollo, 44 Macleay Street, Potts Point NSW
Photography Credit Nikki To
Apollo is the Greek God of Sun and Light, and he has truly shone a ray of sunshine on a Potts Point taverna. Opened in 2012, The Apollo is the co-owners' first restaurant, and it was inspired by their Greek heritage.
Photo credit Nikki To
Both Jonathan Barthelmess and Sam Christie wanted the restaurant to embody their love of generous, village-style Greek food and warm, welcoming hospitality. As second-generation Greeks, Jonathan and Sam grew up surrounded by traditional Greek cooking and hospitality but set within the progressive and multicultural Australian hospitality scene. This has influenced the modern Mediterranean style of The Apollo.
Their vision hasn’t changed since they opened the doors. Jonathan said, “In the design brief, we said the restaurant needs to feel Greek, but we didn’t want the old blue and white.
“There’s the olive tree and the slight tomato colour you see in all the milk bars in Greece," he said, "but it’s understated. The look is bare cement, big marble bar, grainy tabletops and fine bentwood chairs - distressed, shabby chic and just where you want to be for Greek food with heart, soul and great ingredients.”
The food at The Apollo has been delighting Sydneysiders for over a decade. Depending on the season, you will find an assortment of traditional Greek items like their Saganaki, Cheese, Honey & Oregano, the Fried Fisherman’s Plate and the Wild Weed & Cheese Pie.
For meat and seafood, you might come across sharing dishes like their BBQ Cuttlefish, Chickpeas & Peppers, the Octopus, Olives & Tomato; the Sardines, Herbs & Vinegar; or one of the favourites, the Oven Baked Lamb Shoulder.
So much joy spread across the tables - you will think you have died and gone to Greece!
Recreate Marcello Arru's signature recipe -
PORK & CHICKPEA SOUP
- on P.104 in the 2024 edition of Flavours of Australia.
Flavours of Australia
92 signature recipes from top Aussie Chefs
200 stories about the best chefs and places to eat and drink around Australia
Read the stories of some of Australia's most decorated chefs and rediscover some of our oldest family institutions. Recreate your favourite meals at home and relive your most memorable food experiences with signature recipes from our most coveted restaurants and identities.