New CBD Greek restaurant “Thanks To Theo” set to open in partnership with Nick Xenophon

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Images: Thanks To Theo dishes you can expect when the venue opens

In the heart of Adelaide’s CBD sits a new Greek restaurant, “Thanks To Theo”, which is set to open its doors next month with a focus on exceptional food in a family-friendly setting.

At the helm of “Thanks to Theo” are Alessandra and her partner Andrew (head chef), along with their business partner Nick Xenophon who’s a former Senator of South Australia (from 2008 to 2017) and wants to support the new venture.

Alessandra shares with me the heartfelt inspiration behind the name, Thanks To Theo, and her connection with Nick.

“Nick and I are family friends and have been close for a long time. He has a deep love for Greek food, with his mother being from Greece and his father from Cyprus,” she says.

“We’ve decided to open up a restaurant as a dedication to his father, Theo, who recently passed away. Theo adored good company, Greek cuisine, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. He hailed from a quaint village in Cyprus called Polystipos.”

So, what can patrons expect when they step into “Thanks to Theo”? According to Alessandra, the restaurant will offer a menu specially curated for sharing, embracing the European tradition of dining together.

The restaurant is located in the former Karen’s Diner space, which has been transformed into an all-white and blue environment reminiscent of restaurants on the Greek Islands – it will have white-wash walls, a striking logo, a beautiful mural that will be splashed across a wall, and white paper tablecloths.

“What we’re trying to convey is that ‘Thanks to Theo’ offers high-end food in a relaxed, chilled-out setting. We want to cater to everyone, including families,” Alessandra says.

Andrew, the head chef, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Greek cuisine to the kitchen.

“Andrew has always had a love for Mediterranean food, as he’s half Greek. He’s worked for renowned chef Andrew McConnell who’s behind a number of successful Melbourne ventures – [including the Builders Arms, Cutler & Co and Marion in Fitzroy, Gimlet] and Super Normal which my partner worked at,” Alessandra says.

“We’re from Adelaide, we both have roots here and a strong connection to the local hospitality scene, so naturally we we wanted to open up something in this city. Andrew loves to cook while I enjoy hosting, so we want to extend our love of that to others, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We want everyone to come in, feel at home, and enjoy exceptional food.”

“Thanks to Theo” will feature a mouthwatering menu that includes both appetisers and mains to share, with Alessandra giving me a glimpse into their master dish – slow-cooked lamb shoulder.

They’ll also have other popular Greek dishes like chicken souvlaki, snapper, SA calamari with whipped tyrokafteri, and zucchini flower prawn dolmades with whipped sesame and smoked psarosoupa. As for the sides, patrons can look forward to triple-cooked hand-cut chips, prepared authentically without the use of machines.

When asked about the inspiration behind opening another Greek restaurant in the CBD, Alessandra emphasised their desire to offer high-quality Greek cuisine in a more relaxed environment, catering to both couples and families.

“We’re a little family ourselves now, and we want other families to feel welcome here,” she expressed.

“Thanks to Theo” is not just a restaurant; it’s a dedication to family, tradition, and the love of Greek cuisine. It’s set to open its doors to the public on December 1st.

Thanks to Theo Taverna
Where: 6 East Terrace, Adelaide
Opening hours: (will vary in busy months aka. Fringe)
Monday 5:30pm – 10pm
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday CLOSED
Friday 5:30pm – 10pm
Saturday 5:30pm 11pm
Sunday 12:30pm – 2:30pm / 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Grand opening: December 1st
More info: @thanks.to.theo