One Legacy: Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar, Jimmy’s Deli & Cakes by Thierry

In the heart of Yarraville, three family-run businesses are carrying forward a rich Greek-Australian legacy. At the helm is 28-year-old Thierry, whose passion for food, family and culture shines through everything she touches. Alongside her sister Natalie, Thierry has reimagined the traditions passed down by their grandparents, creating three thriving ventures that all share the same soul.

Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar is the cornerstone – a restaurant first opened by Thierry’s grandparents in 1971 and lovingly reopened by the sisters in 2017. Named after their grandmother, Eleni’s remains true to its roots: authentic Greek cuisine, cooked with time-honoured techniques and genuine hospitality. With acclaimed chef Christos Katopodis leading the kitchen and charcoal-grilled favourites on the menu, it’s a place where families gather, friends celebrate, and Tavern Nights bring the lively spirit of a Greek village to Yarraville.

Right next door is Jimmy’s Deli, a New York–style sandwich shop with a distinctly Greek soul. Since opening in 2022, it has earned a cult following for its half-kilo pastrami sandwiches, hearty meatball rolls and house-made Greek sweets. It’s a tribute to their grandfather Jimmy, a Yarraville butcher remembered for his big portions and even bigger heart.

Completing the trio is Cakes by Thierry, where Thierry’s creativity finds its sweetest expression. From vintage-style custom cakes to traditional Greek pastries, every creation is handmade to order, with Thierry personally connecting with customers to bring their visions to life.

Beyond the businesses, Thierry has also shared her story and family recipes in her debut book, Ela na Fáme! (“Come and Eat!”). Together, the three ventures honour the past while feeding the present – a living, breathing celebration of Greek culture, family and food.