A cherished family restaurant that is the “best night out” has been at centre of nearly 50 years of memories for generations of Liverpool customers
One of the oldest restaurants in operation in the city, Zorbas Restaurant on Leece Street first opened its doors back in 1974 and has seen its immediate surroundings change dramatically. After visiting Liverpool in the early seventies, owner Haralambos Michael, known to many as Michael, decided to take his love of food and talent as a chef to transform his restaurant into the iconic business we know today.
Michael's wife, Louisa, 65, who is also originally from Cyprus, came to Liverpool a few years later and said after decades living here, the family now call themselves "Greek Scousers." Louisa said the family and business have come to love the and its offer, adding: "Liverpool is a city of music, a city of art, it’s the place Liverpool. We've got LIPA, the Philharmonic, it's an amazing city.”
READ MORE: Glastonbury 2023 live: Elton John headlines final day of the festival
The family’s love of Liverpool has come to be reciprocated by the generations of people who went through their restaurant’s distinctive blue doors. With the business nearing the half century landmark, many people have shared their memories of the popular restaurant.
One ECHO commenter said, of a recent trip to the restaurant, they were “greeted by a charming hostess and enjoyed a delicious meal in spotless surroundings." They added that Zorbas was “always fantastic value for money” and commended the “terrific achievement to run such a welcoming, high quality taverna for almost 50 years.”
More messages of support were shared on social media. One comment posted to the ECHO’s Facebook said: "Great restaurant, haven't been there for a while but the food was always good. We even went there when we were doing a pub crawl for my sisters hen party about 30 years ago and stayed there practically half the night.”
Another commenter drew reference to the entertainment offer. They said: “Absolutely love, love love this place. Fantastic food, the best night out, entertainment and amazing management and staff.”
The Zorbas legacy in Liverpool was also highlighted. One commenter on the ECHO’s Facebook said they had been going “since [the] 70’s” while another said the “first time tasting Greek food was in your restaurant over 30 years ago.”
Celebrating 50 years in business next year, Louisa and Michael said they are looking to retire, but want to reassure customers they're not going anywhere yet. The restaurant is technically up for sale and they would need the right people to come along, but they are also hopeful one of their daughters will come on board to carry on the traditional family business.
Louisa said Zorbas will be here to celebrate half a century in business next year and that she can't believe Zorbas has been here for so long. Louisa said: "I'm very proud of being here for almost 50 years.
"We want to have a big party for as many people as the restaurant fits. That’s what we are hoping to do next year for our 50th."
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
