Penrith’s hottest Greek restaurant is back and better than ever with an elevated menu and dining experience.
Located in the beautiful 1930’s-built church in Cranebrook, Greek restaurant Avli was the first of its kind when it first opened in 2017 – not only because of its unique setting with original architecture – but for its delicious traditional cuisine, warm atmosphere and friendly staff.
The restaurant announced its closure in 2023, but is now officially coming back with a slight twist on its beloved menu.
“Our menu is going to be shared, something a little bit different for Penrith but something we want to help usher our customers into and give them the ideal guest experience when
they come here,” Co-owner of Avli, Sophia Griggs said.
“It is not just rocking up, getting your food and then leaving. You’re coming to our home; we want you to come in and feel welcome and we’ll show you how to have a great time here.”
Another key difference will be the improved drinks menu.
“We will have an enhanced cocktail list as well,” Griggs said.
“We’re doing some pretty exciting things in terms of the drink offerings we’re going to have here. We’ve got the beautiful backbar church that was restored into the dining area that it is now.”
When the restaurant closed in 2023, The Bunker moved in, which has since gone into liquidation, leaving the perfect opportunity for Avli to make its triumphant return to its
original site.
“We will still be the same Avli in the fact that we’re still focused on that warm hospitality with flavoursome ‘like home’ food,” Griggs said.
“Still expect to see some of your favourite dishes from our old menu with some of them spiced up a bit and some of them exactly the same, and also some potential new dishes as well.
“We are building off the bare bones and we want to build Avli into that next level of
service, food and hospitality.
“We have had a lot of people really excited to see the sign that we’re coming back with lots of booking enquires with people wanting to book already! A lot of people are excited which
makes us more excited.”
Prior to the reopening of the restaurant Avli operated as a food truck, something Griggs
said will continue.
“The food truck will still be operating. We may do some pop-ups here on days that we
are not open,” Griggs said.
“We’ll still focus on doing events, private parties and other pop-up locations in the area
as well as outside of the area.”
The grand opening for the restaurant is expected to be after Easter but make sure to keep an eye on Avli’s socials – Instagram @avlirestaurantandbar and on Facebook – for up-to-date information.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.