A bold new chapter in Classical Greek dining unfolds this week, as Elvis Korsovitis, co-founder of the much-loved Greek street food brand Stix & Pita, launches STIX Hellenic Taverna at the newly renovated Riverview Hotel Tempe in Sydney.
Owned and operated by the Kospetas family – renowned publicans and restaurateurs behind the former Sydney Greek institution 1821 – the Riverview Hotel Tempe has been reimagined as a vibrant hospitality destination, with STIX Hellenic Taverna positioned at its culinary heart.
Born in Greece, Korsovitis developed a lifelong passion for food through a childhood shaped by generous feasts, bold flavours and a culture grounded in gathering around the table. These early influences instilled a deep respect for authentic ingredients, traditional charcoal cooking, rotisserie techniques and the philosophy of parea – the Greek custom of sharing food among friends and family.
Those values went on to shape the success of Stix & Pita, which built a loyal following through authentic Greek fare, sustainably sourced local produce and signature meats cooked over organic charcoal.
Now, Korsovitis brings that same authenticity into a refined yet approachable dining format – centred on Classical Greek cuisine, homely dishes full of heritage, rotisserie-driven cooking and a menu proudly free from seed oils.
“STIX Hellenic Taverna is about connection, generosity and Classical Greek heritage,” says Korsovitis. “It’s everything we loved about Stix & Pita, reimagined in a beautiful space where guests can gather, share and create memories.”
The menu celebrates Classical Greek cuisine designed for sharing, showcasing premium Australian produce, traditional rotisserie cooking and bold charcoal-driven flavours. Guests can expect signature slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood, vibrant salads, housemade breads and indulgent desserts – all rooted in tradition while reflecting Australia’s multicultural food landscape, and crafted without the use of seed oils.
The beverage program complements the menu with a curated Greek wine list featuring varietals from across Greece, alongside a limited selection of premium Greek wines from the venue’s cellar. The cocktail offering includes two signature creations inspired by Greece’s iconic anise spirit, ouzo – a Greek-inspired Negroni and a Mediterranean-style Mojito.
The interiors echo modern Greek elegance, blending clean architectural lines, natural textures and warm hospitality. For fans of 1821, the iconic Greek flag feature returns – embedded within the walls as a nod to the venue’s cultural legacy.
Tempe itself carries deep significance to Hellenism in Sydney. Not only was it home to many early Greek settlers post-war, but it remains one of the only suburbs in Sydney named in honour of Greek heritage. The suburb of Tempe was named after Tempe House, an early 19th-century estate built around 1836 by merchant Alexander Brodie Spark. Spark chose the name “Tempe” after the Vale of Tempe in Greece – a famously beautiful valley in ancient Greek geography and mythology. The estate name later became the name of the surrounding suburb when the area was subdivided in the late 1800s.
Today, the Greek-inspired suburb of Tempe welcomes a new Greek icon – STIX Hellenic Taverna – a Classical Greek taverna serving homely dishes full of heritage at the heart of the community.
The Kospetas family say the partnership was a natural fit.
“We have always believed in celebrating Greek culture through food and hospitality,” they said. “Elvis shares our commitment to authenticity, quality and experience. STIX Hellenic Taverna brings a new energy to the Riverview and we believe it will become an institution in Sydney dining.”
STIX Hellenic Taverna officially opens to the public on Thursday, March 5.
Trading hours:
Monday – Thursday: 5pm – 10pm
Friday: 12pm – 3pm and 5pm – 11pm
Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
Sunday: 11.30am – 10pm
Bookings are now live via the Riverview Hotel Tempe website.
