An Italian, Turkish and Greek Food Trail

Hi! My name is Nino, and I’m a Sporty Gnome. I’ve just touched down from an adventurous European tour where I spent my time in Italy, Greece and Turkey cycling, swimming and walking. There was nothing better than a big, filling meal after a long, active day and I have found some fantastic options here in Chatswood, too, all capturing the different styles and flavours distinctive to each country. Try the classic Italian potato dumpling gnocchi, Greek donuts soaked in sugar or honey, cinnamons and nuts, and Turkey’s spinach, cheese and beef gozleme – the prefect choice at the Chatswood Mall Markets, if you love European food.

Here's more on my European discoveries in Chatswood:

1. Loukoumades at The Greek Corner

Think of Loukoumades as Greek doughnuts, its dough pastries made into a ball which is then deep fried before being soaked in sugar or honey, cinnamons and nuts. It was a mixed contrast of flavours – the exterior was crunchy, the inside was fluffy and airy, the honey was light in sweetness and the touch of cinnamon and nuts further adds richness to the flavours. If you are looking for a light street food dessert, then this is the spot.

Chatswood Mall Market, Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

2. Spinach, Beef and Cheese Gozleme at Gozleme King

Gozleme is a savoury unleavened flatbread from Turkey. It is usually stuffed with various toppings like cheese, spinach, beef and lamb which is then sealed and fried on a hot plate. You often see an older woman preparing the dough and toppings right in front of you. This is one of the reasons we were attracted to Gozleme King in the first place, it's fascinating to see something being made right in front of your eyes. We had spinach, cheese and beef gozleme. The pairing of the toppings was impeccable, the cheese was generous which became the predominant flavour, the mince beef provided a tender savoury contrast. If you love European food, this is a great street food choice at the Chatswood Mall Markets.

Chatswood Mall Market, Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

3. Quattro Formaggi Pizza at Arlecchino on the Road

If there is one Italian dish that has integrated itself into the world, its Pizza. In Sydney we always look for places that sell authentic Italian pizza. We think there are five components to an authentic Italian Pizza – the base, the sauce, the cheese, the toppings and of course the chef.

Tucked in the buzzling Chatswood Mall Market is Arlecchino on the Road. What caught our eyes was the portable woodfire pizza oven that was creating a cheesy aroma from a few stalls down and immediately we knew this was a spot we had to try. We had the Quattro Formaggi, a four cheese pizza – mozzarella, scamorza, gorgonzola and parmesan. The base was thin with a smokey aftertaste and the cheese combination provided a unique wave of flavours in your mouth that keeps you biting for more.

Chatswood Mall Market, Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

4. Tiramisu at Spago

Did you know Tiramisu in Italian means “pick me” or “cheer me up”. This is probably one of the most iconic Italian desserts – it is made using ladyfingers biscuits dipped in frangelico and coffee, and then layered with whipped mixtures of sugar, eggs and mascarpone cheese. Once done the top is dusted with cocoa powder. The result is this delicious layered dessert that is rich in flavour and has an airy pillow texture. The sweetness is subtle and the bitterness is just right from the coffee and cocoa powder.

316 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

5. Gnocchi Gorgonzola at Pellegrini's Italian

Gnocchi (pronounced NYOW-kee) is a classic Italian potato dumpling and has a long history in classic European cuisine. They are light, chewy and full of potato yet by itself the taste is bland like pasta, but the differences come in when you add seasonings and sauces to create different types of dishes. There are so many Gnocchi variations, this one we tried is “Gnocchi Gorgonzola” – Gnocchi in creamy sauce, with parmesan and some walnuts.

Chatswood Place, 13/260 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

Written by Nick and Helmi

Visit Nick and Helmi's Instagram

Visit Nick and Helmi's TikTok

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN BIG

There’s more than $20,000 worth of amazing prizes up for grabs! Take the most creative image you can with each of the 12 gnomes – without touching them, of course – and upload them to our Competition page to enter.

Chatswood Nights - Roaming Gnomes is funded by the NSW Government's CBDs Revitalisation Program, part of Willoughby City Council's Chatswood Culture Bites Program.