Restaurant 1821 overcomes delays to open in Sydney

In 1821 the Greeks started a war of independence against the Ottoman Empire that lasted nearly 12 years.

The CBD restaurant that takes its name from that fateful year finally opened this week after one of the longest Sydney restaurant births in memory.

Chef David Tsirekas says 1821 faced its own battle with delays on several fronts, from building adjustments to toilet placement. It missed its planned 2015 opening slot, then a couple more.

Restaurateur Jim Kospetas' latest venture includes a luxe interior designed by Athens-based designer Dimitri Oikonomou. "We shipped most of it here," Tsirekas says.

The chef, who built a Sydney following at Perama, in Petersham, will be pushing the boundaries of Greek cuisine.

Ouzo-cured salmon with skordalia, toasted almonds, mulberry and pomegranate dressing, and caramel baklava ice-cream are both on his opening menu. The epicurious will be drawn to 1821's Greek take on a Chinese restaurant classic, "san shoy bow", which fills iceberg lettuce cups with smashed roasted tomato, vegetable rice and yoghurt lemon dressing.

It's open daily for lunch and dinner.

122 Pitt Street, Sydney, 02 8080 7070