Ionio

Looking for the best Saganaki in Melbourne? Well then look no further than Ionio. After the longest run of chewy, rubbery fried cheese, I was starting to think that my idea of a good Saganaki was just a delusion - but then came Ionio, with its deliciously-bitey cheese which was crisp on the outside and oozing on the inside.

Slightly off the beaten track for some, Ionio's is situated in the Westfield shopping centre in Doncaster. Although walking through its doors, you wouldn't think you were situated inside of a shopping centre, with Ionia's having a warm, family-friendly feel.

My number one suggestion would be (well, number two after my suggestion that you have to get the Saganaki) to go on a hungry stomach. The serving sizes are huge and incredible value for money. To eat on this occasion, we were served a 'mini' version of the banquet (although it was hardly small), although the normal size banquet will only set you back $36. As part of our banquet we were served:

Olives

 

Trio of dips and pita

 

Rosemary and fetta chips

 

Saganaki

 

Fried Calamari

 

Spit fired chicken and lamb

 

Grilled haloumi jewelled salad

 

The warm pita, dips and olives were all delicious starters, with the beetroot dip being a clear stand out for me.

Although, as delicious as the dips are, make sure to save room for the main events. Served with even more warm pita, both the chicken and the lamb were incredible tender and juicy, and had a delicious charcoal flavour. The chips were also cooked to perfection  - crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, the sprinkling of fetta and oregano on the top finished the chips off nicely. 

For anyone who says you don't make friends with salad surely hasn't met the grilled haloumi jewelled salad with mixed salad leaves, thyme, grapes and pomegranate. With the tang of its pomegranate, creaminess of haloumi and sweetness of its grapes - this is a ridiculously delicious salad.

The calamari was the only let down of the meal, with some of the peices being quite tough and chewy. But the midly spiced sauce that was served beside it was definitely a highlight.

If you ever find yourself in Doncaster looking for a Greek feast (or any kind of feast in fact) make sure to head to Ionio's.

Food: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Venue: 3.5/5

Total: 11.5/15

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon.

Westfield Doncaster Shopping Centre, Level 2, 619 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Melbourne       

The New Fave dined courtesy of Ionia's