YiaYia’s Pappas Greek Kitchen Brings Modern Mediterranean Warmth to Houston’s Richmond Avenue
HOUSTON — The Pappas family has brought back a beloved Houston favorite with a refreshing new twist. Formerly known as YiaYia Mary’s Mediterranean Kitchen, the restaurant returns to the scene as YiaYia’s Pappas Greek Kitchen, now open at 2410 Richmond Avenue, boasting an upgraded ambiance and a menu rooted in Greek grandmother-approved recipes.
A Familiar Name, A Fresh Experience
Stepping into the new YiaYia’s feels like walking into a Mediterranean daydream. Housed in the former Pappadeaux location, the restaurant merges nostalgic charm with upscale energy. It’s the kind of spot where old-world comfort collides with polished elegance — anchored by a majestic indoor olive tree, earthy textures like rattan and wicker, and white-and-blue Mediterranean tones that wash over the open dining room, oyster bar, and patio seating.
The team behind the revival includes the Pappas R&D group and chef Michael Fikaris, along with Evy Pappas, who spearheaded the interior design updates. Their mission? To build something that honors Greek home cooking while elevating the experience for modern Houston diners.
Menu Highlights: Meze, Mains, and Mediterranean Magic
The menu reads like a love letter to Greece — heartfelt, generous, and perfect for sharing. I started with the tzatziki — a creamy, garlicky cucumber yogurt dip that’s impossibly refreshing on a hot Houston day. The melitzanosalata (roasted eggplant dip) and buttery, flaky spanakopita also make ideal starters if you’re showing up with a crew.
Salads get their moment here too. The traditional Greek village salad includes crisp lettuces in addition to the expected tomato, cucumber, onion, and feta combo. But my personal favorite was the patzaria — a beet salad layered with labneh, feta, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey that somehow balances every texture and taste.
For entrées, the lavraki (Mediterranean sea bass) was grilled to perfection with blistered tomato and pearl onion — light yet deeply flavorful. But if you’re looking to dig in, the moussaka with braised beef and roasted eggplant is rich, comforting, and unapologetically satisfying.
And yes, there’s baklava. Flaky, sweet, and paired with vanilla gelato — you’d be doing your YiaYia a disservice not to order it.
Author’s First Look
As someone always on the lookout for a neighborhood spot that balances tradition and innovation, YiaYia’s Pappas Greek Kitchen hits the sweet spot. There’s a quiet elegance to how this restaurant presents itself — nothing pretentious, just a genuine passion for food, design, and hospitality.
It’s easy to see this becoming a go-to for family dinners, low-key dates, or even solo afternoons sipping spritz cocktails at the oyster bar. The frozen Athenian spritz, by the way, is dangerously refreshing — Greek vermouth, tonic, strawberry, and a splash of bubbles? Say no more.
Plan Your Visit
YiaYia’s Pappas Greek Kitchen is now open at 2410 Richmond Avenue, with evening hours from 5–9 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 5–10 PM Fridays and Saturdays. Expanded hours are expected soon.
Reservations are recommended and can be made via OpenTable. The full menu and updates are available at yiayiasgreekkitchen.com.
Have you revisited a beloved Houston restaurant with a new twist? Share your experience or tips for must-try dishes at YiaYia’s on CityScoopNow.com!