Victoria Police have deemed a fire that broke out earlier today at the well-known Greek restaurant Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar in Yarraville as “suspicious”.
According to police, the perpetrators drove a vehicle into the rear of the restaurant on Anderson Street around 4:30am on Monday and set it on fire. The blaze caused extensive damage, forcing the restaurant to close for days—or possibly weeks.
What raises further concern is that this is the second suspicious fire to strike Eleni’s Kitchen in less than a year. The restaurant had only reopened last November following a previous fire in June 2024, which also caused significant damage and was investigated as arson.
“I’m very upset, I’m angry—but I’m also determined,” Eleftheria Amanatidis told Neos Kosmos. Together with her sister Anastasia, she runs the beloved Greek eatery, which recently hosted the launch of her debut cookbook Ela na Fáme! (Come and Eat!) just days before the latest incident.
“Before I had the chance to properly celebrate the book’s success and the amazing feedback it received, this happened—right at Easter,” she said.
“I have no idea why we’ve been targeted twice in one year. I don’t know who would want to harm us or why,” she added. “The police are investigating, and we are fully cooperating with authorities.”
Police confirmed that no one was inside the building at the time of the fire. A fire investigator specialising in arson is expected to examine the scene today.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) reported that 18 firefighters responded to the blaze and brought it under control within approximately 20 minutes. FRV Commander Callum Donoghue praised their swift response, which prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties. However, he confirmed there was substantial damage to a section of the restaurant on the lower floor and said access to the venue has been compromised.
A building inspector will assess the structural damage later today.
Victoria Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or may have relevant CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
