Celebrating Decades of Greek Hospitality
We are a living, breathing institution, integral to the inner city for decades!

At STEKI Taverna, we are not just a restaurant; we are a living, breathing institution that has been an integral part of the inner city for decades. Our story is one of tradition, warmth, and unwavering Greek hospitality, a journey that we are excited to share with you.

Our Journey Begins – 1983

Our story commences in 1983 when Harry Tambakeras, along with his partners, established STEKI Taverna. It all started with a vision to create a space where university students could meet, socialize, and savor the true essence of Greek culture and cuisine. The University of Sydney, just down King Street, provided the perfect backdrop for this cultural haven.

For years, Nikos Antonoglou, Kostas Pinakis, Helen Bilinis, and Kostas Thedoropoulos took the reins, shaping STEKI Taverna into more than just a Greek live venue. It was a place of intellectual discourse with Philosophy Nights, a platform for artistic expression with Jazz Nights, and even a stage for Theatre Productions, thanks to Nikos’s affiliation with S.E.K (Συγκρότημα Ελλήνων Καλλιτεχνών).

Today’s STEKI Taverna – A Living Legend

Fast forward to today and STEKI Taverna is under the skilled ownership of Paul Ioakimidis. As a once-regular customer, Paul became a partner in the business after Helen and Kostas Pinakis departed. With the passing of time, Niko and Kostas Theodoropoulos also moved on, leaving Paul as the sole operator.

We are a proud and enduring establishment that runs seamlessly from Wednesday through to Sunday with live Greek music taking center stage from Fridays to Sundays.

Our commitment to authenticity and the celebration of Greek culture has attracted not only locals, but also some renowned Greek artists like Dimitris Basis, Vasilis Lekkas, Stathis Aggelopoulos, and Giorgos Xylouris. Surprises often arise in our cozy taverna, including impromptu performances by touring artists and star-studded patrons like Jimmy Barnes, Johnny Diesel, Graham Kennedy, John Mangos, and many more.

The Secret to Our Success – Filoxenia

When asked about the secret behind our enduring success, Paul humbly states, “My staff and I are very welcoming and friendly, and we work hard to provide our patrons with a great night. STEKI has a very friendly atmosphere; you come here for the first time and not know anyone here but when you will leave at the end of the night knowing everyone.”

This welcoming atmosphere has not only endeared us to the Greek community but also to non-Greek patrons who associate their experiences in Greece with the lively entertainment and warm ambiance at STEKI. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come together to dance, celebrate, and share in the joy of the moment.

Our longevity has firmly rooted us in the inner city area. As Paul notes, “People know we are here; we get young patrons telling us their parents and grandparents used to come here. People know we are open late, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, so we get patrons coming through the door after midnight – we are a place to go out after you have already gone out. So, people remember we are always there – where else can they still go out and have a good time at midnight?”

Above all, our longevity stands as a testament to the successful integration and acceptance of Greek culture and cuisine into the broader Australian community. We are more than a restaurant; we are a cultural bridge that continues to introduce ‘doing Greek’ to the heart of the inner city.

In Closing – A Timeless Legacy

As the seasons change and trends evolve, one thing remains constant – STEKI Taverna and its warm hospitality and great atmosphere. We invite you to become a part of our timeless legacy, where Greek culture, cuisine, and camaraderie come together in perfect harmony. We look forward to sharing unforgettable moments, delicious food, and live entertainment with you at STEKI Taverna. Come, experience the magic for yourself.