Kalamaki

389 Lonsdale St 
Melbourne, VIC 3000

http://www.kalamakigsf.com.au/

I was ready to hate Kalamaki before we even stepped foot inside. Why? Because it was standing where Aspro Ble, one of my favourite restaurants in town, used to be. Yes yes, I know it’s unfair to be biased like this but, old affections die hard.

I was surprised to find Kalamaki packed at lunch o’clock on a Thursday.  But then again a gourmet souvlaki shop opening right at the top of Hardware Lane is basically a honey pot for office workers. 

The owners of Kalamaki kept most of the easygoing Greek vibe that Aspro Ble had, choosing only to change the small tables to a long window seat, and doubling the length of the communal table. Despite how packed it was, we had an easy time finding a seat for two, as most of the patrons were crowded around the counter for take-away. 

Slow Roasted Lamb Souvlaki ($9)

Slow Roasted Lamb Souvlaki ($9)

The Slow Roasted Lamb Souvlaki ($9) was a winner. The copious amounts of juice from the lamb soaked into the cushiony pita and herbed chips, the soft richness of the meat broken up by tomatoes, onions, and a smear of tzatziki. 

Sheftalies Souvlaki ($10)

The Sheftalies Souvlaki ($10) was filled with small Greek sausages, which were chunky and tenderly flavoured with lemon and oregano. Unfortunately, between slightly overcooked sausages, a carbohydrate double whammy from the pita and chips, and insufficient tzatziki, this was rather dry and a bit hard to swallow, despite tasting nice.

All in all, I quite liked the souvlakis served up at Kalamaki. They’re not as big as the two-handed monsters you find on Sydney Road; they’re more akin to small hefty grenades of protein. But when you combine fork-tender lamb, pillowy bread, and a few classic fillings, what you get is an age-old recipe that can’t fail.

Rating: 13/20 – juiciest lamb ever

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. And the number of sheep my sister is keeping in Minecraft.