The Greek Islands Taverna, New Chambers Cafe Restaurant, wins Business of the Year in the Sutherland Shire Local Business Awards 2019

The Greek Islands Taverna, also known as The New Chambers cafe restaurant on Belmont Street, Sutherland, won the major award plus 'best family restaurant'.

In 2014 it also nabbed the big prize, and in 2019, it has done it again, adding it to an impressive line-up over the years.

The Hatzikiriakos family has been serving traditional Greek food at Sutherland for about 11 years, but its history goes back a few more pages.

Owner, John Hatzikiriakos, of Carss Park, recalls the early days of launching into the industry with his brother George in the 1970s.

"Fifty-five years we've been in the restaurant game," he said. "First came Marrickville, and we've never looked back. We do it because we enjoy it. We bring Greece to Sutherland."

The family serves up dishes typical of its heritage - from taramosalata dip and tzatziki, to spanakopites and popular chargrilled meat platters of juicy lamb souvlaki. A customer favourite - chicken livers, fish soups and the seafood - blue swimmer crabs and king prawns on a skewer reminiscent of a Mediterranean holiday.

"All our dishes are special. We don't muck around with our menu," Mr Hatzikiriakos said.

"We like to be honest. If something doesn't look good, it goes in the bin."

It's a life that was always meant to be, he said.

"This is all I've learnt since coming to Australia in the 1960s. I was born into milk bars and cafes. I didn't like school much. I was meant for the kitchen.

"It's a wonderful experience and you meet lots of beautiful people. I'll keep doing it. I'm 73 and I think I'm still 40 years young. I've still got the energy."

When the time does come to hand over the reins, Mr Hatzikiriakos says he is confident his family will carry on the tradition.

"My son Kosta, wife Sotiria, daughter Kerrie, my two grand-daughters and grandsons, they love the game and will be good owners one day," he said.

As for the big award, he says his entire family is thrilled.

"We are so grateful to win," he said. 'We'd like to thank our wonderful customers."