George Giannoulis serves traditional Greek food with an innovative twist at Kivotos. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Who are you?
George Giannoulis, executive chef and owner of Kivotos Greek Restaurant and Wine Bar in Braddon.
Tell me about Kivotos.
Kivotos means ark in Greek. This symbolises a vessel which preserves the rich traditions of Greek food. We pride ourselves on reimagining classic Greek dishes with modern techniques and presentation, ensuring each dish tells a story.
Our goal is to make Kivotos not just a restaurant, but a cultural hub for authentic Greek experiences.
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
I was born and raised in Greece and I was captivated by traditional Greek cooking in my family kitchen in Loutraki. This early exposure ignited my passion and I trained at Le Monde Institute in Athens before working across Europe and Australia in places like The Dorchester in London and the Shangri-La in Sydney.
What is your food philosophy?
I believe in honouring tradition, while embracing innovation. Food should evoke memories, tell stories and bring people together.
What is a must-use ingredient in your cooking?
Greeks put lemon, oregano and olive oil in everything! That combination goes in every dish. It doesn’t happen often, but if a customer asks for no garlic, it’s impossible!
Grilled octopus is one of the dishes on the menu at Kivotos. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
What’s an underrated Canberra venue that you love?
I’m still quite new in Canberra but because we are right in the middle of Braddon we have great neighbours. We often go across the road to Volstead Repeal for a drink after work.
Where do you like to go for a drink in Canberra?
Bar Beirut. I think they are similar to us with those Mediterranean influences. They are very inventive with their cocktails: we like the martini with wasabi!
Or Amici Wine Bar: they are hidden behind Italian and Sons in Braddon, and serve lots of Mediterranean wines.
Who is your dream dinner party guest and what would you make them?
Chef Albert Roux has been a big inspiration for me. He and his brother had the first three-Michelin starred restaurant in the UK (Le Gavroche) and he gave me my first job in London. He was very inspiring in the way he respected his ingredients: he would actually drive all the way to France to get foie gras! He died a few years ago now, but I would love to cook for him.
I would make lamb kleftiko: it’s our signature dish, marinated in herbs, slow cooked to perfection and served with smoked eggplant puree.
What’s the best thing you ate this week?
I went to another neighbour, The Italian Place, and had their venison agnolotti. I like pasta a lot and they make it so well there.
Damien Brabender of Otis. Photo: Ashley St George.
Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?
Damien Brabender from Otis. I admire his food philosophy, how he changes menus seasonally and uses ingredients. I think Otis is one of the best restaurants in Canberra, and he’s a nice guy too!
What’s a food that reminds you of your childhood?
Definitely pasta: it was the first thing I learned to cook. I was around seven and my Mum said “let’s cook it together”. It was quite plain, just with a tomato sauce, but I still remember that.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
A hearty bowl of fasolada, a bean soup which is a classic Greek dish. The simple, warm, rich flavours remind me of home.
Where do you shop for groceries?
Supabarn Kingston or Freddy Frapples in Weston Creek are both owned by Greeks and have a lot of Greek ingredients.
When you can’t be bothered to cook for yourself, where do you go and what do you eat?
When we finish at night it’s often 10 or 11 pm so we often get on the tram and go to Ikigai Ramen in Gungahlin because it’s open late at night. I like to have pork chashu ramen and croquettes. The seasoning they use for their chips is very addictive!
Or if we want something quick for lunch we usually go across to Senn Noods on Lonsdale Street
Ikigai promises late night ramen in Gungahlin. Photo: Martin Conway.
Where are you travelling next?
It’s very difficult to have holidays because I’m quite tied to the restaurant. My next trip will probably be to go back to Greece, but I would also really like to travel in Asia. My business partner Anita is from Indonesia so I would love to go there, as well as maybe Singapore and Thailand.
Tell me something you love about living in Canberra?
I love the sense of balance between culture and nature. Being surrounded by markets, local producers and clean open air is the perfect place to cook, create and connect.
What books have you been reading?
I mostly listen to audio books. I like books about self motivation and business.
An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?
Double Espresso – no sugar just plain.
Kivotos Wine Bar is at 33 Mort Street, Braddon. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Follow Kivotos on Facebook or Instagram.
