It’s been six years since Houston’s Uptown area lost Yia Yia Mary’s original location to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though Pappas Restaurants revived the concept years later at a new location, its former longtime home of nearly 20 years at 4747 San Felipe St. will soon become another spot for Greek cuisine-this time from a popular Dallas-based hospitality group.
Lombardi Family Concepts, which also owns and operates Maison Chinoise, Lombardi Cucina Italiana,Toulouse and Segreto Lounge, is opening a new concept in that space called Eliás Estiatorio.
Renderings of Eliás Estiatorio opening in Houston. (Courtesy of Lombardi Family Concepts)
Inspired by Greece’s cuisine and coastal villages, Eliás Estiatorio will carry those influences through both its menu and design. Plans call for seafood and seasonal ingredients served in a space featuring Mediterranean wood tones, soft curves, textured finishes and architectural archways, all intended to blend “the timeless charm of a traditional Greek estiatorio with a contemporary coastal aesthetic.”
Renderings of Eliás Estiatorio, which is expected to open this winter/ (Courtesy of Lombardi Family Concepts)
“When you go to the Mediterranean, people take time to enjoy life, food and each other. That was the inspiration for Eliás Estiatorio – to create a beautiful, energetic place where guests can relax, celebrate, and share a memorable meal together,” Alberto Lombardi, founder and president of Lombardi Family Concepts, said in a statement.
Renderings of Eliás Estiatorio, which will open in the space formerly home to Yia Yia Mary’s. (Courtesy of Lombardi Family Concepts)
According to a permit filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in April, Lombardi’s Greek project is a $1.5 million renovation of a 9,705-square-foot space, including the addition of open-air patios.
An official opening date has yet to be announced but Eliás Estiatorio is expected to open sometime this winter.
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This article originally published at Dallas group to open new Greek restaurant at old Yia Yia Mary’s in Houston.