Photo by Marco Calderon
Melissa Zannakis and Maria Manakos
Thanks to Melissa Zannakis and Maria Manakos, the Lehigh Valley culinary scene just keeps getting better and more diverse. These entrepreneurs are the heart and soul of two of the area’s most sought-after dining destinations: Yianni’s Taverna in Bethlehem and Meli European Taverna in Easton. Rooted in family tradition, both restaurants offer the finest recipes, ingredients and culinary traditions from Greece and the Mediterranean—and an experience meant to be shared among friends.
Zannakis and Manakos are sisters-in-law as well as business owners, Manakos growing up in the family business and Zannakis marrying into it. In 2009, they took over the reins at Yianni’s from their parents, keeping the authentic touches and warm hospitality that has endeared the restaurant to generations of customers. Their newest venture, Meli, opened in March and builds on that tradition with a playful twist.
“Customers who have traveled to Greece tell us our atmosphere, smell and tastes transport them back to Greece for a few hours,” they say.
“We love that our restaurants are a little getaway from the everyday.”
yiannistaverna.com | melieaston.com
Published as part of Faces of the Valley in the May 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
