Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece. Opening its doors in The Rocks, Jimmy’s Kitchenis an intimate, indoor-only dining destination that invites guests to escape into a world of heritage, hospitality, and heartfelt food.
Jimmy’s Kitchen is deliberately immersive – a sensory journey designed to transport you straight to a hillside taverna in Greece.
With sandstone walls, royal blue and gold accents, and just 22 seats, the space feels both intimate and celebratory, offering diners a rare opportunity to step into another realm and savour Greek hospitality at its most authentic.
Created by Chris Drivas, a hospitality veteran with over 50 years of experience in the industry, Jimmy’s Kitchen is a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Jimmy. Growing up in Greece, Chris worked side by side with his father from the age of seven, learning not just the craft of hospitality but the spirit of it.
“When customers walk through your door, you treat them like they’re coming into your house,” Jimmy would say, a philosophy that underpins every detail of Jimmy’s Kitchen today.
The menu reflects this homage to family and tradition, with two dishes carrying deep significance:
– Astakos Kritharaki – orzo pasta cooked in lobster and tomato bisque, celebrating Jimmy’s love for the sea.
– Lamb Kleftiko – slow-cooked to perfection, recalling family gatherings and timeless recipes passed down through generations.
At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Marko Taxidis, who has worked alongside Chris for more than 40 years. Marko’s connection to the Drivas family runs even deeper: he first worked with Jimmy in Sydney in the late 1950s and later became a constant presence in the family home.
Now 82, Marko remains a lively and passionate host, moving between the floor and the kitchen, sharing stories and educating guests about the food and traditions that shaped Jimmy’s Kitchen.
The menu is traditional Greek with modern touches, offering individually plated meals designed for sharing. Entrees range from $8 to $28, while mains start from $35, with the Astakos Kritharaki (market price) a standout.
The drinks list is uniquely and proudly Greek – from crisp Assyrtiko to bold Xinomavro wines, alongside Greek beers, aperitifs, digestifs, cocktails, and mocktails infused with Mastiha, Tsipouro, and Metaxa. It’s a rare opportunity in Sydney to explore the depth and diversity of Greece’s drinking culture.
Whether it’s a romantic date night, a milestone family celebration, or just a gathering with friends, Jimmy’s Kitchen offers more than just food – it’s about connection, comfort, and the joy of sharing.
“It’s intimate, unpretentious, and designed to feel like you’ve stepped into a family kitchen – where the food is real, the welcome is genuine, and every dish brings people together,” Chris says.
