Bar Sophia sets a new standard for neighbourhood wine bars

Bar Sophia has finally opened in Glen Iris with the kind of buzz that gets every food lover moving fast. The team behind Marameo has stepped into a new chapter, drawing on the lively spirit of new-wave Athens wine bars while keeping things relaxed, expressive and built for locals.

The new venue sits in the leafy pocket of Central Park village. It arrives with strong neighbourhood appeal and a clear focus on food, wine and atmosphere. Guests can expect style without pretension, comfort without fuss and a menu that keeps evolving with the seasons.

Bar Sophia Delivers Food with Fire and Flair

Executive Chef Nicholas Deligiannis leads the kitchen with a menu that celebrates Greek flavours through a modern, seasonal lens. His dishes carry the influence of a two-month research trip to Greece, as well as a background shaped by Michelin kitchens and top-tier Australian restaurants.

Deligiannis works around a central woodfire hearth crafted by Sam Fraraccio. This feature adds depth to every plate and gives the menu its signature character. His seasonal plates include fluffy whey flatbread served with whipped cod roe, baked sheep’s curd dressed with greens, charred squid with smoked red pepper and almond, saffron orzo with Moreton Bay bugs, roasted spatchcock with sesame and Cretan-style braised lamb.

“My wife Sophia and I are in Greece every couple of years to see her family,” says Badr. “Athens has changed so much in the past decade; there’s a real vibe to it right now. With Bar Sophia, we’re hoping to bring back a little of that energy and flavour, and create the kind of place we’d be proud to call our local.”

Wine at Bar Sophia Celebrates Greek Depth and Diversity

The wine list is curated by Steve Kimonides, who brings an impressive understanding of Greek varietals. He has explored more than 13,000 kilometres of the country’s vineyards, and his knowledge shows in the detail and structure of the list.

The offering covers around 100 drops, including standout Greek varietals such as Xinomavro, Assyrtiko and Saviatano. Mediterranean favourites sit alongside them, along with house wines produced under the Stelios Kimonides label. Wine-based spirits also feature, including ouzo, tsipouro and grappa served over ice or mixed into cocktails.

An Interior That Balances Mood and Warmth

Bar Sophia’s atmosphere feels polished yet inviting. Walnut timber, polished plaster, velvet tones and touches of raspberry and burgundy build a space that feels both modern and intimate.

A 12-seat front bar offers a no-bookings spot for casual visits, which is rare in the area and appealing for after-work drinks or spontaneous catch-ups. Behind it, the dining room seats up to 44 guests and carries the familiar energy of the Marameo team.

“It’s near impossible to find a walk-in table in the area, so a front bar dedicated to casual visits was essential,” says Badr. “We want Bar Sophia to be familiar and welcoming – the kind of place you can swing by a few times a week and settle in however you like.”

Venue Details

Bar Sophia
161 Burke Road, Glen Iris VIC 3146
Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to late
Website: https://barsophia.com.au