We stopped in for lunch and a chat with Luca Skoufos, third-generation Greek-Australian and the heart and soul behind Souvi Street. He grew up in a family where food was never just about eating but rather an opportunity for gathering around, sharing and expressing care. “In our family, food means love,” he told us, and you can feel it in everything from the ingredients he chooses to the way he welcomes each customer.
The Skoufos family has been feeding Melbourne for decades, from a local milk bar to a small collection of restaurants still run by the family today. Some of the recipes on the menu at Souvi Street have been passed down through generations, including a few Luca has tweaked himself.
During our chat, Luca spoke about the extended periods he spends in Greece, immersing himself in the street food culture and daily rhythms of modern Athens. The striking graffiti-style artwork on the walls is based on photos he took while overseas, capturing bold tags, playful figures and Greek script, reimagined here with Collingwood character.
The menu is streamlined and packed with flavour. Souvis, pocket pitas, protein bowls and salads, all made with locally sourced produce and quality cuts of meat, marinated and cooked over charcoal for a smoky, satisfying finish. “There are no shortcuts here,” Luca said. “Everything’s made daily.”
When we popped in, we tried the lamb pocket pita: soft, house-made bread wrapped around slow-cooked lamb, tomato, cucumber and a generous swipe of tzatziki. It was vibrant and layered with flavour, the sort of meal that feels both fresh and satisfying.
Luca tells us that the protein bowls are a popular pick, especially for those after something more substantial but still balanced. Options like grilled chicken, haloumi or falafel are paired with grains, herbs and zippy dressings that bring it all together.
And then there’s the baklava.
Made by Luca’s partner, Freya, it features golden layers of filo, crushed nuts and just the right amount of sweetness. A fabulous standout with family ties of its own.
The space itself is inviting and full of character. Rich timber floors, white tables by the window, cookbooks and ceramic jugs lining tiled shelves. Every corner feels considered, from the playlist to the portraits to the Athens-inspired mural stretching across the wall.
Souvi Street is open Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours early in the week and dinner service from Wednesday through Saturday. Sundays are for rest, a rhythm that reflects the values behind the food.
So next time you’re wandering the south end of Smith Street with a lunchtime craving, follow the scent of charcoal. Step into Souvi Street. Say hi to Luca. Take a moment to admire the wall of family stories. And if the baklava’s out — you know what to do.
📍 24 Smith St, Collingwood
🕑 Open Mon + Tues 11 AM to 3 PM, Wed to Sat 11 AM to 8.30 PM
If you enjoyed this feature, why not check out a few more Smith Street favourites? We’ve recently written about Masses Bagels, a neighbourhood bagel spot bringing serious flavour and creativity to the brunch scene, and REH Liquids, a female-founded bottle shop with a bold point of view.
