George Calombaris bans diner for ‘racist’ review of Melbourne restaurant

·

Celebrity chef, George Calombaris, publicly responded over the weekend to a negative Google review of his restaurant, The Hellenic House Project (THHP), in Highett, south east of Melbourne.

Calombaris publicly called out the one star Google review as “racist” on his Instagram page, Nine reported.

The diner claimed in their review that their night at THHP was the “worst ‘non’ dining experience ever” and it was “far from” an “‘authentic Greek’ experience.”

“Practically none of the staff were Greek (including the Manager who was of Indian descent) and the menu didn’t reflect what has been posted online,” the review reads.

The diner allegedly didn’t receive their food for 45 minutes and it was revealed that the manager “forgot” to put in the order, according to Nine.

The diner called out Calombaris in the review to say “this place is a joke” and “you’ve certainly got a few people fooled,” leaving one star in food, service and atmosphere.

In response to the Google review, Calombaris said in his Instagram post: “Yes my manager is Indian.”

“You don’t have to speak Greek or be a Greek to work at THHP. You just have to be a good human. I am so proud of my team. I hate racism,” the chef added.

Calombaris also pubically banned the diner from returning to THHP.

Celebrity chefs, such as Manu Feildel and Gary Mehigan, as well Celebrity Masterchef contestant Nicholas Fredrick Riewoldt, commented on the Instagram post in support of Calombaris.

READ MORE: George Calombaris restaurant empire’s collapse costs taxpayers $1 million.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Set-piece struggles cost Greece dearly in World Cup qualifier loss

Greece paid the price for poor defending at set pieces, falling 3–1 to Scotland in Glasgow on Thursday during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister meets Sydney’s Greek business and community leaders

Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Ioannis Loverdos met with Sydney’s Greek business and community leaders at a Business Sydney breakfast.

Conquest unveils $900 million plan for former Cyprus Club site at Stanmore

Conquest has lodged plans for a $900m retail and residential precinct on the site of the former Cyprus Community of NSW Club in Stanmore.

Councillor Katerine Theodosis calls on Merri-Bek to preserve its proud migrant history

Merri-Bek Councillor Katerine Theodosis has tasked Council to lead a program which documents and showcases the city’s migrant history. 

AHEPA Australia launches ‘Saving Hearts’ fundraiser in support of Heart Foundation

AHEPA Australia will host a Saving Hearts Fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, at The Grand Roxy in Sydney in support of the Heart Foundation.

You May Also Like

Greek Fest returns to Sydney’s Brighton-Le-Sands after 21-year hiatus

The Greek Fest will return to Sydney's Brighton-Le-Sands on Sunday, May 26, after a 21-year hiatus. More event details here.

Elektra Arseniou: The 16-year-old rising star of tennis in Australia

16-year-old, Meriden tennis player, Elektra Arseniou has been selected to compete in the Tildesley Shield tennis tournament.

A Life, A Tradition: The Greek Lyceum of SA’s ‘Cycle of Life’ performance

The Greek Lyceum of South Australia transformed the stage into a platform for artistry and community spirit on Sunday, September 14.