Mid-City restaurant hosts farewell party before shutting its doors
Smoke & Honey, a Mid-City New Orleans restaurant known for its Greek cuisine, is closing due to rising costs, with owner Vasiliki reflecting on the challenges and promising her signature lamb will return.
NEW ORLEANS —
Smoke & Honey, a Greek-Jewish restaurant in Mid-City, is closing its doors after nearly 3 years in business, with the owner serving her signature dishes one last time over the weekend.
In her final days of service, Vassiliki, owner, is staying true to her passion, serving customers with the same dedication that earned her the nickname “the lamb lady.”
As a farewell celebration, the restaurant is having a lamb party Saturday and Sunday.
Reflecting on the closure, Vassiliki described the experience as bittersweet.
“It has been an honor to serve everyone here in the neighborhood, getting to know the neighbors,” she said, “this has been a beautiful chapter, and I’m just so proud.”
Smoke & Honey is one of several restaurants in New Orleans that have closed in recent months.
Many businesses have cited construction challenges, rising food costs, and high property rents as contributing factors.
Vassiliki explained that much of the restaurant’s food comes directly from Greece, and she made the decision to close to maintain the quality of the food and the customer experience.
“At some point, the consumers can’t hold the rising cost either. And the margins are so small for restaurants as it is,” she said, “I think that’s what a lot of small business owners are really feeling.”
Since opening in January 2024, Smoke & Honey has been a community hub in Mid-City, creating a sense of connection for its patrons and employees.
“It’s been kind of like a magnet for community,” said Tenea Intriago, former server, “I feel a sense of pride and an excitedness for the next thing for her. But it’s been an important part of my New Orleans living.”
As for her future plans, Vassiliki said she is still figuring things out but assured that her signature lamb will return at some point.
“I’m not going to disappear. You’ll be able to get the lamb at some point somewhere,” she said.
The lamb party will continue for its last day Sunday September 27, until 6 PM.
