The Pappas family reignites Houston’s Greek food scene with a spectacular comeback that has diners buzzing across the city. 🇬🇷
Yiayia’s Pappas Greek Kitchen opened its doors in August 2025, transforming the former Pappadeaux space on Richmond Avenue into a vibrant Mediterranean haven.
This isn’t just another restaurant opening—it’s a revival of beloved traditions paired with elevated execution that honors the late Yia Yia Mary’s legacy while introducing fresh sophistication.
The space radiates energy with its contemporary Greek design, featuring whitewashed walls, thoughtful Greek key details, and a stunning covered patio that beckons guests to linger over shared plates.
View this post on Instagram
Bold flavors meet generous hospitality in every dish that emerges from the kitchen, where research and development concept chef Michael Fikaris has crafted a menu celebrating authentic Greek recipes passed down through generations. ✨
How YiaYia’s Won Locals Hearts So Fast
Houston’s dining community embraced Yiayia’s with remarkable enthusiasm from opening weekend, creating buzz that rippled through social media and restaurant circles alike. 🔥
The restaurant taps into powerful nostalgia—Yia Yia Mary’s closed during the pandemic in 2020, leaving a void for Greek food lovers who cherished the original Galleria-area location.
The Pappas family’s reputation for quality and consistency gave diners confidence before they even tasted a single bite.
Years of success with concepts like Pappadeaux and Pappasito’s established trust that translated into packed reservations and eager anticipation.
The transformation of Little Pappas Seafood into Little’s Oyster Bar—which became the Houston Chronicle’s number one restaurant of 2023—proved the family could elevate their concepts beyond casual dining into chef-driven excellence.
View this post on Instagram
Houstonians took notice and showed up ready to experience what the Pappas team would do with Greek traditions. 🍽️
Corporate chef Jason Ryczek, who helped create magic at Little’s, brought his seafood expertise to collaborate on Yiayia’s menu.
His presence signaled serious culinary ambition, and the quality delivered on that promise.
Critics and food influencers descended on the restaurant during its first weeks, with many calling it “Houston’s biggest restaurant opening of 2025” on social platforms.
The Mediterranean sea bass impressed seafood enthusiasts, while lamb lovers swooned over perfectly grilled chops that showcased proper Greek cooking techniques.
The location itself contributed to the rapid success—Richmond Avenue in Upper Kirby attracts well-heeled diners who appreciate upscale dining experiences and don’t mind paying premium prices for exceptional quality. 💰
The restaurant’s design by Evy Pappas and her team created an Instagram-worthy backdrop with olive trees, Greek art, and a family wall honoring Yiayia Mary through paintings and photographs.
Diners felt the connection to heritage while enjoying thoroughly modern amenities.
The bar program featuring Greek spirits like ouzo and mastiha in creative cocktails gave guests something novel to explore beyond standard drink menus.
View this post on Instagram
Wine director Robert Smith curated an impressive collection of small-production Greek bottles that educated and delighted oenophiles.
Generous portions reflect Greek hospitality traditions, ensuring diners leave satisfied and already planning their next visit.
The restaurant encourages sharing, with mezze plates designed to pass around the table, fostering the convivial atmosphere Greeks call philoxenia—treating strangers like famil
This approach resonated with Houston’s social dining culture, where groups of friends regularly gather for memorable meals. 🎉
Food Highlights
Dolmades: Tender grape leaves embrace a filling of beef, lamb, basmati rice, and pistachios that elevates this classic beyond ordinary versions. The combination delivers earthy richness with subtle nutty notes that make this starter irresistible for those who appreciate traditional Greek preparations done exceptionally well.
Saganaki: Flaming kefalograviera cheese arrives tableside with dramatic flair, topped with bosc pear and medjool date spoon sweet plus toasted sesame. Multiple reviewers declare they would return solely for this dish—the sweet-savory balance transforms fried cheese into something transcendent that captures Greek creativity with simple ingredients.
Butterflied Prawns: Massive roasted prawns arrive in their shells, so substantial they eat like baby lobster tails according to food critics. A scatter of chopped green and Kalamata olives plus ladolemono sauce—an emulsion of fresh lemon and Greek olive oil—creates bright, coastal flavors with smoky undertones that transport diners straight to Mediterranean shores.
Seafood Yiouvetsi: This coastal twist on a Greek classic combines tender seafood including grilled octopus, shrimp, and scallops with orzo pasta in a well-seasoned buttery tomato sauce. The dish delivers comfort and sophistication simultaneously, perfect for those seeking hearty Mediterranean flavors in a shareable format.
Prime Ribeye Souvlaki: Perfectly grilled prime ribeye arrives with blistered tomatoes, pickled fennel, and house-made tzatziki that showcases proper Greek grilling technique. The quality of the beef shines through simple preparations that let premium ingredients speak for themselves.
Moussaka: Layers of braised beef, roasted eggplant, potato, and sheep’s milk béchamel create this traditional casserole that defines Greek comfort food. The elevated version here uses premium ingredients while respecting the home-cooking roots that make moussaka a beloved classic across Greece.
View this post on Instagram
ALSO IN HOUSTON: Why This is One of THE BEST Barbecue Spots in Houston, Texas
Atmosphere
The redesigned space blends contemporary sophistication with warm Greek hospitality, creating an environment that feels both special and welcoming. 🌿
Whitewashed walls and natural textures evoke Mediterranean villages while maintaining polished, upscale refinement.
The relocated bar commands attention near the entrance, where skilled bartenders craft cocktails featuring Greek spirits in innovative combinations.
View this post on Instagram
Behind the bar, an oyster bar provides views into the bustling kitchen, adding energy and transparency to the dining experience.
Light floods through west-facing windows in one dining room where designers removed walls to create an airy, sun-drenched atmosphere.
The covered patio offers another dimension for those who prefer outdoor dining, with comfortable seating that encourages leisurely meals.
Greek key patterns appear as custom floor inlays, subtle details that reward observant guests.
An olive tree anchors the space, symbolizing Greek agricultural traditions and creating a living centerpiece.
The family wall honoring Yiayia Mary adds emotional depth—a painted portrait and photographs celebrate the matriarch whose spirit infuses the entire concept.
The overall vibe balances elegance with approachability—guests can dress up for special occasions or arrive more casually for dinner with friends. 👗
Bottom Line
Yiayia’s delivers exceptional Greek flavors through quality ingredients and skilled execution that honors family traditions while showcasing culinary expertise. 🌟
The Pappas reputation ensures consistent quality and professional service that creates reliable dining experiences.
Generous portions meant for sharing foster convivial gatherings perfect for groups and celebrations.
The stunning Mediterranean-inspired design and covered patio create an Instagram-worthy backdrop for memorable meals.
Innovative cocktails featuring Greek spirits and an impressive wine program elevate the beverage experience beyond typical restaurant offerings.
Address: 2410 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098
📞 (281) 297-8061
🕔 Wed-Thu 5:00 PM–9:00 PM | Fri-Sat 5:00 PM–10:00 PM | Sun 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (Closed Mon-Tue)