esti, which has Greek and Australian influences will open 12 March and holds a six-month residency at TT Liquor in Shoreditch, ahead of plans to migrate to a permanent site in autumn.
A playful take on the Greek word for restaurant, estiatorio, esti is also the ancient Greek term meaning ‘to do’.
Founder, Kostas Vais has a deep passion for his Greek heritage, heavily influenced by the nostalgic cooking of his mother and yiayia (grandmother).
Fire-cooked dishes are the focus, served in the traditional sharing style.
With his experience in food and beverage in Australia, Kostas has combined both elements to offer a Greek-inspired dining experience featuring some Australian herbs and spices for esti’s menu, such as lemon myrtle, finger lime, and forest anise which are indigenous to the country, adding a distinctive dynamic to the food.
Chicken and pork souvlakia will be served with tzatziki and the traditional trimmings in flaky pitas. Twice-cooked lamb ribs are charred, then dressed with tzatziki and an Australian spice mix.
Vegetables include plates of smokey coal-charred aubergine, pomegranate, tahini yogurt and fried peanuts or paperbark smoked carrots with British honey and cumin.
Snacks like white taramosalata topped with zhoug and served with potato skins and the fried ‘osso bucco’ with corn flakes, feta, avocado and pickled onions are also on the menu which will evolve every six months under the helm of head chef Sal Galasso.
Sal comes with 11 years of experience in some of Australia’s most renowned restaurants, including Totti’s and Rockpool Bar & Grill.
A cocktail menu by TT Liquor among a selection of wine, beer and drinks is available alongside the food.