The Aussie-Greek tennis star also happens to be a keen foodie – and likes to try hyped TikTok hotspots as well as some classic old-school favourites.
Thanasi Kokkinakis is a self-confessed foodie − the kind who follows TikTok food trends and likes to try the latest hyped hotspot for himself.
Despite a slew of serious injury setbacks, the popular Aussie tennis star is hoping to play at next week’s Australian Open − in doubles with great mate Nick Kyrgios and all going well, in the singles draw too.
Kokkinakis may be best-known for his on-court achievements, but he’s recently been dabbling in the food and drinks world, too. He recently collaborated with chef Curtis Stone for a YouTube lamb-cooking segment, due for release at the end of January.
“Curtis is a legend and was awesome to work with. We had a lot of fun,” he says.
Kokkinakis is also an ambassador for Altos, the tequila brand partnering with the AO as an official sponsor in 2026.
While the focus recently has all been on training and injury rehab, Kokkinakis says he loves nothing more than a party atmosphere − and Jim’s Greek Tavern in Collingwood delivered plenty of that when he and partner-in-crime Nick Kyrgios won the Australian Open Men’s Doubles in 2022.
“Jim’s Greek Tavern holds a lot of special memories for me. I first went there when I was 17. My family relocated from Adelaide to Melbourne, and going here felt like you’re in a chaotic family backyard. The food’s incredible and I owe my love of fish to this place.
“I wasn’t a big fish guy when I was younger, but I had that blue-eye trevalla, and I was sold. Nick and I dined here a lot when we were playing together at the AO,” he says.
At home, there are two dishes he asks his mother to make especially for him.
“She is known for her pan-fried chicken thighs with a Greek salad – I can eat it until the cows come home,” he says.
“If I am after something hearty and looking for a cheat meal, she makes these doughnut ball-type pancakes. They’re like a loukoumades but a flatter doughnut, and you can have them with parmesan cheese or sweeten them with honey and cinnamon.”
Eating out
My favourite hometown restaurant (and go-to dish)
One of the most underrated places that I love to go to in Melbourne is Marbl Steakhouse in Prahran. It’s very low-key, but the wagyu rib-eye is fantastic. It’s very close to where I live, which is also handy. The service is great.
I also love Gilson in South Yarra on a good summer’s day – there’s always a great atmosphere. I always order cottoletta with a serve of wood-fired bread and a salad of cherry tomatoes and burrata with the most delicious balsamic – it’s a delicious combo.
I went to Marion Wine Bar in Fitzroy for the first time in November. The flatbread was truly insane, so memorable. I also ordered the vodka pasta – the sauce is elite. I could eat a tray of it.
I also really like Maison Batard for French cuisine in the heart of the city. I’ll go with a steak and salad option here.
Oushou is where I go when I want quality Japanese in South Yarra. They make everything from salmon sushi tacos to sashimi and more.
My favourite takeaway
I go to Zeus Street Greek Food. It’s very underrated. The quality here is amazing – it hits the spot every time. I highly recommend the fried pita chips. They have a delicious seasoning that is irresistible. It’s probably not great for the body, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do! If I feel like a cheat meal, I will order 300 grams of fried chicken or a smash burger.
My favourite hometown cafe and/or bar (and favourite drink/snack at each)
Norman South Yarra is my local cafe, and my coffee order is an oat latte, unless I’m training or playing, when I skip the oat and have a double espresso or piccolo. They make a great chilli scramble.
I tried a place in the city recently called Operator Diner in the CBD. I saw it on TikTok and yes, I’ve become one of those people who has to go and try what’s being hyped. It’s an American-style diner and they serve fried chicken and waffles, pancakes, French toast – definitely not low-calorie.
I like Hector’s Deli for the mushroom melt. Urban Provedore in South Yarra is another spot I grab a coffee from on the run. My girlfriend loves the matcha at Yugen Dining, which is also a top spot for breakfast or brunch and has a great vibe on the weekends.
What is your favourite place to eat in Australia, and any special food memories here you have?
Jim’s Greek Tavern in Collingwood is where I love to eat when I’m home. I have had lots of great meals there over the years with friends and family. Can’t go wrong with lamb and fish and delicious salads.
Sydney favourites
One of my favourite steakhouses in Sydney is 6 Headin Circular Quay. We had a big team dinner with the Davis club last year. The tomahawk steak was crazy good, and the drinks were great.
Totti’s is another spot I like to dine when in Sydney. The vibe is great and the bread is also elite.
I go to Raw Bar in North Bondi for fresh fish and sushi. It’s always a fun time. I also love bill’s in Bondi for the pancakes, always.
On the road
Favourite food city
It has to be London. I have spent a lot of time there and the food scene is unbelievable. I am a big foodie, and love trying new spots whenever I’m in town.
Being Greek, it is hard to pass a great Greek restaurant. I love Zephyr in Notting Hill. The octopus is a standout. Myrtos, near Kensington, is also very good. Gold in Notting Hill is another fave.
Park Xinhua in Mayfair is also another place I like to go to. I don’t know if it’s as much about the food as it for the atmosphere, but it’s so much fun – a Chinese Asian fusion restaurant. They have live performances and dances at night. When I am out and want to eat leaner but still be part of the atmosphere, it’s always a lean protein and salad choice.
Eating in
Signature dish, and what is your go-to at home?
I love to make fried eggs with avocado as a base, and add salt and chilli paste.
My guilty pleasure
It’s hard to go past a glazed doughnut.
The kitchen wisdom I cling to
Don’t overthink it – keep it simple in the kitchen.
Jane Rocca is a regular contributor to Sunday Life Magazine, Executive Style, The Age EG, columnist and features writer at Domain Review, Domain Living’s Personal Space page. She is a published author of four books.Connect via Twitter or email.
