When Petros Markopoulos opens a second restaurant this summer, it will be in a familiar place.
Very familiar.
Markopoulos, who owns the Greek restaurant Ithaki on Newbury Street in Peabody, plans to open a Mediterranean eatery called Luna Mare at 25 Hammatt St. in Ipswich. That address is significant, because Ithaki was located at that same spot for 27 years until August 2022, when it relocated to Peabody.
Brown Square Bistro, which took the Ipswich space (which Markopoulos still owns) after Ithaki moved, closed in March 2024.
“I’m really excited to go back (to Ipswich) with the new theme,” Markopoulos told Wicked Local. Luna Mare’s menu will feature vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes from Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and the Middle East, including marinated sardines, fried oysters, fried clams and gyro tacos.
“Luna” is Italian for “moon” and “mare” is Latin for “sea.” Markopoulos said he chose Luna Mare for the name of his new restaurant because the full moon reflecting on the Mediterranean Sea is “amazing.” His newest concept will offer a Mediterranean fusion tapas style menu with small, shareable plates for $30 or less.
It’s the same flavor with a different presentation from a traditional gyro, he said, noting that “Mediterranean food brings people together.”
The 25 Hammatt St. space in Ipswich is undergoing renovations, which will include a light-blue color scheme.
What people should expect at Luna Mare
Markopulous said everyone will feel welcome and enjoy the comfortable family-friendly atmosphere at Luna Mare. He credits the success of Ithaki to the love that goes into every plate he prepares.
At 66, he has no intention to retire anytime soon. And he said no matter what happens in life to bring him down, such as a fire he experienced at Ithaki in 2012 or illnesses in his family, he always feels better when he’s in his restaurant kitchen.
“I forget all the problems,” he said. “I love what I do.”
Why Ithaki relocated to Peabody
Markopoulos relocated from Ipswich to Peabody to be closer to his many fans who traveled from afar.
“My business went up five times,” he said. People from Lexington, Boston and Wakefield were getting tired of driving up to Ipswich. Being in Peabody cut that commute down by up to 30 minutes.
Besides, Ipswich feels like home.
Markopoulos purchased the building at 25 Hammatt St. in 1997. He wasn’t able to rent to anyone after Brown Bistro closed, which is another reason he decided to open a new restaurant there. But he also hopes to attract a broader audience with his Mediterranean concept.
More about Petros Markopoulos
Markopoulos came to America when he was 31.
“When I left (Greece), I was one of the best interior designers in furniture,” he said.
His career took a turn to the food industry because he began working for the family of his wife, Georgia, who owned a pizzeria.
However, Markopoulos became bored making the same type of food every day, so when he had the opportunity to open his own restaurant, he went for it.
“My brain wanted more,” he said.