Celebrity chef and former MasterChef Australia judge George Calombaris is set to make a triumphant return to Melbourne’s dining scene with a new Greek pop-up restaurant, Auto Greek, opening this month at the Ovolo Melbourne South Yarra hotel.
The pop-up will run for one month from February 27, taking over the space previously occupied by the now-closed Lona Misa restaurant.
Ovolo Melbourne South Yarra hotel.
A Return to His Culinary Roots
Speaking to the Herald Sun, Calombaris addressed rumours he had distanced himself from Victoria, emphasizing his enduring connection to Melbourne.
“People are saying to me, ‘oh you’ve left us’. I haven’t left – my heart is in Victoria,” he said.
He described Auto Greek as an opportunity to reconnect with his culinary roots and share his take on Greek cuisine.
“It’s given me so much and I’ve been waiting for the right time and right opportunity to do a Greek restaurant again and showcase my view on all things Hellenic,” he said.
Re-Entering Melbourne’s Dining Scene
After years focusing on suburban venues and projects in Sydney, Auto Greek represents Calombaris’ return to Melbourne’s inner-city dining landscape.
“For me, this is a great way to re-enter Melbourne. I felt so safe in the suburbs, but now I can play with the big boys in the hot suburbs of Melbourne,” he said.
Calombaris continues to work in Sydney as creative director of Harbour Hospitality & Lifestyle, leading the kitchen at the Kurrajong Hotel in Erskineville, where he focuses on elevated pub classics.
He relocated to Sydney in 2024 to take on a creative role at Alpha Greek within the now-defunct Public Hospitality Group. The Kurrajong project marked his return to the kitchen following a six-year hiatus after the Made Establishment wage underpayment controversy.
Auto Greek Concept
The one-month pop-up will feature neoclassic Greek cuisine, with all dishes priced under $30.
Ovolo Melbourne South Yarra general manager Christos Pavlidis welcomed the collaboration, highlighting Calombaris’ influence in popularising Greek food in Australia:
“We are thrilled to have our long-time friend George Calombaris at Bar Yarra for its first residency. With the excitement for Greek food in Australia ever-growing, we couldn’t think of a better fit than both the Auto Greek concept, and George himself, for this first residency.”
Auto Greek promises to be a highlight of Melbourne’s dining calendar this February, bringing a fresh, modern perspective on Greek cuisine to the city’s food lovers.
Related News George Calombaris Enters I’m A Celebrity Jungle 2026
Tags:
Australian celebrity chefs, Auto Greek Melbourne, george calombaris, Greek cuisine Melbourne, Greek food Australia, Harbour Hospitality & Lifestyle, Kurrajong Hotel Sydney, MasterChef Australia, Melbourne dining news, Melbourne pop-up restaurant, neoclassic Greek food, Ovolo South Yarra
Dining and Cooking