Crown Perth: Greek by George Calombaris to reside temporarily at former Bistro Guillaume space from June 19

Crown Perth is bringing the familiar flavours of a Greek summer closer to home this year, with renowned chef George Calombaris to head a four-week residency from June 19 at the space formerly home to Bistro Guillaume.

The restaurateur is excited to unveil his pop-up restaurant Greek by George Calombaris, which follows a six-week Thai-inspired takeover of the venue by critically acclaimed chef David Thompson.

However, those hoping for hot chips wrapped in a greasy kebab are not going to find it.

Instead, the former Masterchef Australia judge and proud Greek will draw on WA ingredients to create an approachable yet modern dining experience.

“If you’re going to come in and want an old school tzatziki and a lamb gyros, you’re probably not going to get it. I’ll guarantee you’re not going to get it,” he said.

“What you’re going to get is something that is number one: delicious, but number two, that’s interesting, that’s cool, because why would you want me to come there and cook stuff our mums and grandmothers do at home?” he told The West Australian.

Standout menu items include a spanakopita baked Abrolhos Island scallop, WA Marron kritharaki (a pasta dish) with stracciatella, and barbecued Fremantle octopus with a spicy green latholemono sauce, though there will be ample share plates to fight over.

Akin to island hopping in the Mediterranean, guests are encouraged to choose their own adventure.

“If you want to come in with the family at 5pm to have a beautiful wood-roasted chicken and you’re out by 6.30pm, great. If you want to come in for a date, you can do that too, and have the whole five, six, seven course tasting menu,” Calombaris added.

But don’t expect a “white tablecloths” affair, with the seasoned chef promising not to look twice if diners rock up in their favourite pair of jeans and a baggy T-shirt.

Because yes, Calombaris will personally be on deck to oversee much of the operation.

Crown Perth CEO Brian Pereira said guests would taste the quality and experience he brings to the table.

“This modern taverna promises to be an unforgettable dining experience. George brings an extraordinary passion for Greek cuisine and a genuine love of hospitality, and we know our guests are going to love every bite,” he said.

Calombaris carries decades of industry experience at the forefront of Aussie cuisine, and is currently Sydney-based as the creative director of start-up hospitality group Harbour Hospitality & Lifestyle.

His temporary move west has made the household name equal parts nervous and eager to please, aware many locals may be yet to taste his food.

“From the days of Margaret River Gourmet escape to, at one point I was the ambassador for Western Australian tourism, that was a lot of fun, I know the topography, I know the produce, I know the expectation of Western Australians,” Calombaris said.

“I’m just super thrilled to be able to come over and do Greek.”