Olympus restaurant, Sydney’s newest Greek dining destination, was officially inaugurated by the City of Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore and NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP on Wednesday, December 11.
Although the restaurant had already begun welcoming diners, the event marked its ceremonial opening, paying homage to its Greek heritage.
Nestled in the heart of Surry Hills’ and Redfern’s redeveloped Wunderlich Lane precinct, Olympus brings the dream of a Greek taverna to life.
With its striking modern-Hellenic design by George Livissianis, a retractable glass oculus ceiling that creates an alfresco dining experience, and a 50-year-old bougainvillea tree as the centrepiece, the restaurant offers a setting that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to evoke the warmth of a bustling Greek village, Olympus is a place where friends and family come together to share stories over exceptional food and drinks.
The events official proceedings began with a moving Welcome to Country from Uncle Ray Wetherill, setting a respectful and reflective tone for the day.
Nicholas Ingall, operations manager of The Apollo group, then addressed the audience, reflecting on the group’s 12-year journey of celebrating Greek culture through food.
“This is a restaurant for the people to share great food, great stories with loved ones, friends, and family,” Ingall said, capturing the essence of what Olympus represents.
His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis offered grace and conducted a blessing, grounding the event in the traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith.
Paul Nicolaou, executive director of Business Sydney and co-host for the event, welcomed an esteemed guest list of government officials, business leaders, and media representatives. He commended the entrepreneurial vision of owners Jonathan Barthelmess and Sam Christou, whose bold investment brought the concept of Olympus to life.
Lord Mayor Moore reflected on the rich history of the site, formerly home to the Wonderlich factory, a cornerstone of Sydney’s architectural heritage. She spoke about the precinct’s transformation into a thriving mixed-use hub, celebrating the City of Sydney’s efforts to enhance public infrastructure, support nightlife, and attract diverse patrons. She noted Olympus exemplified the ongoing growth and evolution of Redfern, seamlessly blending its rich history with culture and innovation.
Minister Cotsis highlighted the significance of the restaurant to Sydney’s Greek community and praised the collaboration between the NSW Government, the City of Sydney, and Business Sydney in promoting Sydney as a global destination. She lauded Barthelmess and Christou for creating a space that honours Greek traditions, while enhancing Redfern’s reputation as a culinary hotspot.
Guests enjoyed a selection of Olympus’s signature dishes, paired with innovative cocktails and wine. The restaurant’s wide-ranging menu, designed by Barthelmess and head chef Özge Kalvo, reflects the abundance and freshness of Greek cuisine, with something for everyone to enjoy.
As the event concluded with dessert and lively conversation, Olympus affirmed itself not just as a dining destination, but as a cultural landmark. Its blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its commitment to community, ensures it will remain a treasured venue for locals and visitors alike.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
