Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar in Melbourne’s inner-west suburb of Yarraville has been damaged in a suspected arson attack for the second time in less than a year.
At approximately 4.30am on Easter Monday, a white Toyota SUV was rammed into the rear of the family-owned Greek restaurant and set alight. Firefighters responded swiftly and brought the blaze under control within 20 minutes, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring businesses.
No one was in the building at the time, and no injuries have been reported.
In a statement issued later that day, co-owner Eleftheria Amanatidis confirmed the fire was contained to the restaurant’s outdoor garden seating area. The main dining room and kitchen of Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar, as well as Jimmy’s Deli next door, were not damaged.
“We are incredibly grateful to the emergency services for their swift and professional response,” Amanatidis said.
The restaurant, which reopened late last year after a fire in June 2024, had been operating throughout the Easter weekend and was preparing for a busy public holiday period. That earlier incident forced the business to close for four and a half months and undergo a complete rebuild.
The Greek Herald previously reported on the June 2024 fire and the restaurant’s reopening in November, which was met with strong community support.
Amanatidis described this second attack as “devastating,” particularly following so closely after the launch of her debut cookbook, Ela na Fáme!, a tribute to her family and Greek heritage.
“It’s devastating to be facing what appears to be a second arson attack – less than a year after a previous fire,” she said.
“But resilience is in my blood. Our family has been running businesses in Yarraville since 1971, and that 54-year history gives us the determination to face whatever challenges come our way.”
The team is now working closely with the City of Maribyrnong to ensure the premises are safe for reopening. Jimmy’s Deli is expected to resume trade on Thursday, with Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar to follow shortly after.
“On behalf of my co-owner — my sister Natalie — and our entire family and team, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out today with kind words and offers of help,” Amanatidis said. “Your love and support means everything to us. We’ll be back soon.”
Victoria Police are continuing their investigation into Monday’s incident.
