The Limani on the Sponge Docks Serves To-Order Greek Food that’s Passed Down from the Heart and Nafplio
We asked The Limani to share its story with us as part of our series showcasing Greek business owners in Tampa Bay. The Limani team is gracious, generous with its food, and widely known by the local community. We wish many years to George Xristou, who owns and opened the Limani on Tarpon Spring’s beloved Sponge Docks 15 years ago.
Out of what passion did your expertise in cultural expression through Greek food and drink—and through the cafe form—and how and when? Further, how is this likened to restaurateurs in Greece?
Having grown up in Greece, one thing you will find all over the country is traditional souflatzidika, also known as Greek street food. These are small establishments usually operating out of a small kitchen but serving up traditional street food that can be found all over Greece. I originally opened the Limani in Tarpon Springs on the Sponge Docks to remind people of how beautiful Greece really is.
When I came to Tarpon Springs, what I saw was an empty spot on the docks, in a Greek town, and wanted to open up something original. That is why the name is Limani, because it means port [in Greek], and you will find a place like mine in any port you visit in Greece.
What is the cultural story behind your menu choices? How are these characterized in Greece?
The food reminds me of my childhood. With regards to the cultural story behind my menu choices, the food I cook, from the pork souvlaki, chicken souvlaki, salad dressing, french fries seasoned with fresh oregano, these are the foods I grew up eating. My grandparents and parents would take me to the tavernas and these are the foods we ate.
“It is all about sharing the love. The food is made from the heart, served directly on the Sponge Docks by the water where it is about the simple things.“
What are the most defining qualities of your cafe that compare to having the food and drink in Greece?
The most defining qualities of my store that compares to eating in Greece is that it comes straight from the heart, it is how I was taught in Greece. The recipes themselves have been passed on to me from elders and they are simple but the most important ingredient is that it is made with love.
“…everyone is made to feel like family and the food transports you to Greece…“
Traveling to Greece. Where and when have you been? What are among your favorite things to see or do? What spirit or way of life in Greece do you carry through the experience at your restaurant?
I am originally from the Peloponnese, Nafplio, the first capital after the Turkish left. I come from an old world, where we lived the old fashioned way. Simple pleasures, simple way of life. When I go back I love to visit the tavernas, stay on the beach, visit archaeological places like the Acropolis, or the temple of Aphrodite or Pylos. Time slows down in Greece and life’s purpose is about living in the moment, seeing friends, having philosophical conversations, enjoying the scenery and really experiencing every moment.
Priorities change and the way of life is different, the meaning of life is different and I am proud to call Greece my home. Greece raised me. It is an ancient country and when you go there, even the air is different. Even having grown up there, it still amazes me how much history surrounds me anywhere I go.
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What about Greece is evoked through the senses at your cafe that essentially transport guests through sight, sound, taste, ambiance, decor, etc?
Anyone that meets me will come to realize that I am all about being happy, being humble. I want people to enjoy the food and the hospitality. My customers are treated as guests, I love to have all of them and for them to enjoy a little bit of the Greek culture. It is all about sharing the love. The food is made from the heart, served directly on the Sponge Docks by the water where it is about the simple things.
People don’t come here and focus on the restaurant decor, but instead they get to enjoy being on the sponge docks, and to appreciate the sights, sounds, the water, the boats and simple food made from the heart.
You can’t buy that anywhere else, as far as the service is goes everyone is made to feel like family and the food transports you to Greece by reminding you what its like to be leaving beach in your bathing suit and sitting right on the water and enjoying the moment and not focusing on a culinary experience but to evoke memories and create new ones. It is as authentic and close to Greece as you can get.
The Limani is located at 776 Dodecanese Blvd
Tarpon Springs, FL. For more information, visit it’s Facebook page here or call 727-945-8100.
This is such a beautiful site and so well done. I send you a huge “BRAVO”. Limani is one of the “gem eateries” on the sponge docks and we sincerely appreciate the attention you have given. The writing is superb! I hope we hear more from you.