Restaurant in Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia
The Apollo Sydney
Potts Point institution serving contemporary Greek cuisine in lively atmosphere. Famous for saganaki and whole-roasted lamb shoulder.
The Apollo has been one of Sydney's most beloved Greek restaurants since its opening in 2012, occupying a lively and warmly lit space at 44 Macleay Street in Potts Point. Chef and co-owner Jonathan Barthelmess draws on a deep understanding of Greek flavour traditions to produce a menu that is confident, unfussy, and deeply satisfying — contemporary in approach and execution while remaining genuinely rooted in the spirit of the original cuisine rather than reducing it to novelty.
The menu is structured around sharing, with an emphasis on mezze-style starters that encourage the table to compose the meal collectively before larger centrepiece dishes arrive. The saganaki — fried Greek cheese, rendered golden and slightly crisp on the exterior while yielding and intensely salty within — has become the restaurant's calling card and is priced at approximately AUD $22. It is the dish most associated with The Apollo's identity and appears on nearly every table in the room. The slow-roasted lamb shoulder, prepared over many hours to fall-apart tenderness and served with skordalia, fresh herbs, and warm flatbread, arrives as the dominant large-format dish at approximately AUD $98 and is best suited to groups of four or more. Other consistently praised dishes include the grilled whole fish, the char-grilled octopus with capers and dressing, a house-made taramosalata of remarkable lightness, and seasonal vegetables prepared over charcoal.
The dining room at The Apollo is animated and warmly lit, with white-washed walls, exposed wood and stone textures, and a soundtrack that rises from ambient to lively as the room fills. The atmosphere is celebratory rather than hushed, with a noise level that makes it better suited to convivial groups and relaxed conversation than to quiet intimate dinners. The beverage programme features a well-curated list of Greek wines — including Assyrtiko from Santorini, Xinomavro reds from Naoussa, and Moschofilero whites — alongside a solid Australian wine selection, Greek spirits such as ouzo and Mastiha-based liqueurs, and cocktails that draw on the same botanical palette.
The Apollo has expanded to a sister venue in New York and has maintained its position as one of Sydney's defining mid-range restaurants over more than a decade. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend seatings, which should be booked one to two weeks in advance. The restaurant opens Tuesday through Sunday from 6 PM.
Signature dishes
- Saganaki — $22
- Slow-roasted lamb shoulder (serves 4) — $98
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 6:00 PM - late
Reservations: Recommended
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +61 2 8354 0888
Location
44 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011
-33.8717, 151.2231 — View on map
Highlights
- Sydney's most celebrated Greek restaurant since 2012, by chef Jonathan Barthelmess in Potts Point
- Signature saganaki and slow-roasted lamb shoulder for four — emblematic dishes that define the restaurant's identity
- Greek wine list featuring Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, and Moschofilero alongside Australian selections
- Animated Potts Point dining room with a celebratory atmosphere and charcoal-focused cooking
- Char-grilled octopus, whole fish, and seasonal vegetables prepared over charcoal and wood
Tips
- The saganaki is non-negotiable as a starter — it is the dish most associated with the restaurant and the kitchen executes it consistently
- The slow-roasted lamb shoulder at AUD $98 serves four — it is best ordered for groups and requires no carving effort at the table
- Book the window tables on Macleay Street when reserving — they offer Potts Point street views and better natural ventilation
- Greek wines from the list are worth exploring with a staff recommendation — Assyrtiko pairs exceptionally well with seafood dishes
- Weekend seatings book out one to two weeks in advance; weeknights are easier to secure on shorter notice
FAQ
Does The Apollo Sydney take reservations?
Yes. Reservations are recommended and can be made via the restaurant's own booking page or phone. Weekend seatings typically book one to two weeks in advance. Walk-ins at the bar are sometimes possible on quieter weeknights.
Is The Apollo good for groups?
Yes. The share-plate format and large centrepiece dishes such as the slow-roasted lamb shoulder are ideally suited to groups of four to eight. The kitchen also accommodates larger group bookings with advance notice.
What is the price range at The Apollo?
The Apollo operates at a mid-range price point, with individual share dishes ranging from AUD $20 to $40 and large centrepiece dishes around AUD $98. A full dinner with drinks typically comes to AUD $80–$120 per person.
Does The Apollo serve lunch?
Weekend lunch seatings are available at The Apollo in addition to dinner service Tuesday through Sunday. Check the current service schedule via the restaurant's website or booking system.
Accessibility
The Apollo is located at street level on Macleay Street in Potts Point, with accessible entry at the front of the restaurant. The main dining room is on a single level. Visitors with specific mobility requirements are advised to contact the restaurant before booking to confirm seating arrangements.
When to visit
The Apollo is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 6 PM, with weekend lunch also available. Autumn and winter evenings are particularly well-suited to the warming, share-plate format. Midweek dinner between Tuesday and Thursday offers a calmer, less crowded room.