There’s no denying Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf is one of Sydney’s most picturesque – and enduring – dining precincts. And the restaurants lining this harbourside boardwalk aren’t just fleeting favourites. Many have held their ground for decades – a rarity in the fast-moving Sydney dining scene – with loyal locals returning time and again for the unbeatable city skyline views, trusted menus, and a bit of top-tier people watching.

But now there’s a new kid on the Wharf with Akti – a contemporary Greek restaurant – set to open on Friday 6 June.

Credit: Jacqui Turk

Run by Sydney Restaurant Group (the masters of waterfront dining, with venues like Ripples Chowder Bay, Aqua Dining, The Fenwick and Ormeggio in their repertoire) the new restaurant is set to celebrate the founding family’s Greek heritage, with a little help from some celebrated local and international chefs.

“Akti will bring new energy to a space as quintessentially Sydney as the harbourside Finger Wharf, which is heritage listed and significantly where many Greek migrants first arrived by steamship in the 1950s,” says Bill Drakopoulos, Founder of Sydney Restaurant Group. “We are paying homage to this shared heritage, with the new venue embodying the Greek tradition of filoxenia – whole hearted Hospitality.”

In the kitchen, Robert Judd (formerly of Hellenika and SK Steak & Oyster) steps in as head chef, working in consultation with Ntinos Fotinakis of Athens’ Bungalow 7. Together, they’ve created a menu that blends modern technique with nostalgic flavours.

You can expect dishes that strike the balance between modern and nostalgic, with plenty of classics in the mix too. Australian seafood will take a starring role in dishes like ceviche with passionfruit, chilli, cucumber and onion, plus classics like mixed mezze (of course!), moussaka croquettes and slow-roasted Lamb shoulder, served smoking with burnt rosemary. 

For dessert, we’ll be trying the Akti-take on galaktoboureko. Deconstructed and turned into an “Athenian Mess”, the classic Greek sweet is presented tableside for that touch of drama.

Credit: Jacqui Turk

The wine list brings together crowd-pleasers from both Greek and Australian producers – but it’s the cocktail menu that’s caught our attention. Akti’s mixologist, Nicola Drakopoulos, teamed up with Fotinakis to craft a playful, unmistakably Greek lineup of drinks. Think a Greek salad–inspired martini (EVOO fat-washed vodka, clarified celery, cherry tomato, Kalamata olive and spice) and a tzatziki-leaning creation made with dill and pepper vodka, cucumber, mint and a touch of Greek yoghurt.

Akti
6 Cowper Street Wharf, Woolloomooloo
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm until late.
akti.com.au

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