Mediterranean Magic Greek Restaurant — Pyrmont Peninsula

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Rita Bratovich
September 25, 2024

Image: MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC GREEK RESTAURANT. Photo: Deep Field Photography © Mark H Dickson

This restaurant could not have a a truer name: sitting on Jones Bay Wharf over the serene waters of Pyrmont Bay, star-lit sky above, mouth-watering scents of traditional Greek cuisine permeating the air and an ambience of joy and tranquility. It truly is Mediterranean magic.

Run by Dimitri and his daughter, Konstantina, with help from younger daughter Triantafillia, this culinary delight is the Greek pride of Pyrmont, drawing inspiration from Dimitri’s roots in Corinth, The Peloponnese and Kythira.

Dimitri with his daughters, MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC GREEK RESTAURANT. Photo: Deep Field Photography © Mark H Dickson

“It’s almost like a hidden little gem tucked away on the water,” says Dimitri. “I feel it’s good for your digestive system to eat good food in nature, literally by the sea.”

Both Greece and Pyrmont share the geographical gift of being peninsular-shaped, offering waterside dining, fresh seafood and spectacular views.

Head chef of Mediterranean Magic, Leonidis, hails from the island of Samos and imbues the menu with ancient and modern influences of his roots. Octopus, calamari, fish, and other seafood feature strongly and are sourced locally. The restaurant also offers authentic Greek delicacies.

“A lot of the produce we get are from Greek suppliers, you know, the fetta, the olives, even the wine, we’ve got Greek wine from overseas,” says Dimitri.

Delicious traditional Greek menu, MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC GREEK RESTAURANT. Photo: Deep Field Photography © Mark H Dickson

The food is superb and has garnered Mediterranean Magic a reputation that attracts visitors from all over Sydney as well as tourists. They even get the occasional celebrity — recently, popular Greek singer, Konstantinos Pandelidis, came to the restaurant and left singing its praises.

Greek singer Konstantinos Pandelidis and dimitris daughters. Image: supplied

It’s not just for Greeks, either: many Italians, Armenians, and Asyrrians come to the restaurant, as well of course, as Aussies. It’s also quickly becoming a favourite with the locals.

This is the kind of place you come to with family, friends, or someone special, where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere, enjoy the idyllic surrounds and really savour the food, without the clutter and loudness of noisy city locations.

Special celebrations at MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC GREEK RESTAURANT. Photo: Deep Field Photography © Mark H Dickson

“I’ve tried to make it like a cultural experience,” explains Dimitri. “So, in Greece back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Athens was known as the heartbeat of what we call glendi, and glendi is…we’re going to go out with our friends and eat by the water and obviously listen to music. So I’ve tried to recreate that experience.”

This experience comes to full fruition on a Saturday night with Athena 1972 (ΑΘΗΝΑ 1972). A live Greek band featuring a handsome and charismatic bazouki player plays a mix of traditional and modern music, and all the patrons become one big, boisterous, Zorba-loving Greek family.

“We’ve got a little dance floor as well because they will get up and dance as the night progresses — and sometimes they do jump on the tables!” laughs Dimitri.

Music and dancing at MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC GREEK RESTAURANT. Photo: Deep Field Photography © Mark H Dickson

Athena 1972 happens every Saturday night at Mediterranean Magic, with plans to also introduce it on Friday nights over summer. Dimitri emphasises that this is a night that everyone can come to, from young children to grandparents and everyone in between.

“We don’t get trouble, they’re all happy people,” he says.

With its prime location on Jones Bay Wharf, Mediterranean Magic offers one of the most unique dining experiences in Sydney — stunning views from bridge to bridge and a quiet bay that reflects the city lights and stars.