I ventured a little further afield for dinner this week, to The Claypot Taverna on Anzac Parade in Kensington. This shopfront suburban restaurant is easy to overlook, but it is renowned for its authentic Cypriot and Greek dishes, as well as its traditional atmosphere and a relaxed ambience.
- The Claypot Taverna
The menu is quite extensive, ranging from soups and salads to pasta, seafood, and their speciality clay pots. The dreadful weather outside increased my appetite for something warm and wholesome, so I chose the slow cooked lamb Arni Kleftico clay pot with garlic parsley, bay leaves and lemon, served with potatoes and vegetables. As predicted, the tender lamb fell apart at the touch, and it tasted delicious. In fact, there were compliments all round from the group of six I was with (on a variety of dishes) so they must be doing something right!
- Arni Kleftico
For dessert, I went with the Galaktoboureko, which is vanilla custard with semolina and layers of pastry. I must have become fussy with sweets as of late, as I didn’t particularly enjoy it – a little boring in my opinion. However, I did try some of the Baklava and that was divine!
- The Claypot Taverna
The service throughout was friendly and attentive, and the owner Con even took a moment to come over and check we had everything we needed. Con is known to pick up his guitar and perform unique renditions of Greek favourites at the weekend so I may have to return and try the baby calamari filled with rice, aromatic herbs and red wine. My visit brought back many fond memories of my travels around the Greek Islands, and everything was extremely well priced for quality homely food.
BYO is welcome with dining available indoors, or outdoors on the terrace.
What? The Claypot Taverna
Where? 180 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW
When? Tuesday to Sunday
Her Cup of Tea 