Fire erupts at Greek restaurant in Yarraville, Melbourne for second time in year

A Greek restaurant has been set ablaze in a seemingly targeted attack, making it the second suspicious fire there in less than a year.

A well-known Greek restaurant has gone up in flames for the second time in less than a year, with arson chemists expected to aid in the investigation.

A white Toyota SUV was rammed into the rear of Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar, located in Yarraville in Melbourne’s inner-west, before being set alight just before 4.30am on Monday.

The offenders then fled the scene in a second vehicle, Victoria Police allege.

No one was inside the restaurant at the time.

Eighteen firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 20 minutes, catching it before it spread to neighbouring stores on the Anderson St shopping strip.

Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar was the victim of what is suspected to be an arson attack just before 4.30am on Monday morning. Picture: NewsWire / David Geraghty

A crime scene is in place and an arson chemist is set to attend later on Monday.

It is not the first time a suspicious fire has erupted at the establishment.

A fire broke out in the restaurant’s kitchen in June last year, tearing through the entirety of the interior and into a neighbouring venue.

It is not the first time the establishment has gone up in flames after a fire broke out in the restaurant’s kitchen in June last year. Picture: NewsWire / David Geraghty

That incident was treated as suspicious.

“We remain shocked and in disbelief that our beloved restaurant has been partially destroyed by fire,” co-owners and sisters Anatoli and Eleftheria Amanatidis wrote on social media at the time, saying that without the help of emergency services Eleni’s would have been “totally in ashes”.

Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar have been contacted for comment.

Anyone who witnessed the fire or may have CCTV footage is being urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Fire erupts at Greek restaurant in Yarraville, Melbourne for second time in year