You won’t get much of an argument from anyone who has followed the story that the last year or so has been difficult for everyone intimately involved with Savannah’s favorite Greek food. The impending closure of River Street’s Olympia Cafe was likely the biggest food story of 2025 in Savannah, for locals anyway. When they served their last salad on New Year’s Eve, everyone assumed that the celebration would continue at some point after an extensive renovation of the ground floor of the city-owned Gamble Building.

Unfortunately, not every story unfolds flawlessly. Last month we learned that Olympia would not return to their former location. Instead, there would be a new chapter for Greek cuisine on the waterfront a block or two down the way. 417 East River Street.

Same owner, same kitchen crew. Same management. Same passion for Savannah.

Now, Vasilis Varlagas, the man who-along with Nick Pappas, opened the doors to Olympia Cafe on River Street in 1994 is inviting you to join him and his family for a grand opening celebration of Limani-their new waterfront restaurant.

I sat in the new space (you are going to love it) with Vasilis a couple of weeks back to talk about what this journey has been like for him. There were a few takeaways from that chat. Some we may or may not share another time. One big takeaway, though, was his desire to do something to thank this community for their nearly rabid unwavering support for 30 plus years.

They see it. They know it. They feel it. This dinner seems like a good fit for everyone.

Details on the dinner first, then more about the restaurant. On Friday night, July 10th, Limani is throwing a party. A 3 course dinner paired with wine. It will be a beautiful summer evening that, in many ways, will serve as their official kickoff for this new chapter in Savannah.

The best part? From my seat anyway….is that all proceeds from the evening are going to Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, by every account the region’s leader in solving hunger and food insecurity throughout our area.

So when does the restaurant open outside of this event? That’s the magic question. There is some ongoing discussion on how to navigate the next few weeks ahead of the hearing for their liquor license on Thursday, July 9th. There is talk about some simple sandwich service at the bar. Maybe a few dinner runs here and there as they train their staff. And obviously, no beer, wine or liquor until after July 9th.

There are no set hours. There will be no big announcements for now. For now, all eyes are making their way to the 2nd week of July for this celebration that undoubtedly will sell out, marking a new chapter for a family that is overjoyed with what the Savannah community has meant to them. We look forward to seeing you there.

FOR TICKETS A FEW MORE DETAILS ON THE DINNER CLICK HERE OR THE GRAPHIC ABOVE.

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