A Lindsay Tradition Since 1906

For over a century, the Olympia has been more than a restaurant – it’s been a gathering place, a family business, and a cornerstone of the Lindsay community.

Since its beginnings in 1906, the Olympia has been shaped by generations of passionate owners who believed in good food, warm hospitality, and creating a space where people feel at home.

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The Early Years

Olympia’s story began with the brilliant Bakogeorge brothers, Tony and Andreas, who opened The Olympia Candy Works – stunningly beautiful candy and ice cream shops in Lindsay and Barrie. Their success quickly grew into wholesale ice cream, candy, and tobacco distribution across southern Ontario, supplying well-known Toronto favourites such as Diana Sweets.

Their shops became beloved destinations, known for both craftsmanship and charm.

The Olympia Tea Room

By 1930, Chris and Eudoxia ‘Ma’ Tozios re-imagined the space as The Olympia Tea Room, transforming it into a welcoming stop for refreshments and lighter fare. With the addition of a full kitchen, the restaurant became a comforting place to gather – whether for a quick bite, a coffee with friends, or a quiet moment in a busy day.

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The Olympia Today

In 1980, Chris and Cathe Karkabasis proudly took on the legacy of this historic establishment, continuing its tradition as The Olympia Restaurant – serving generations of families and the local business community.

Now in its third generation, the restaurant is owned and operated by their daughter Nicki and her husband Costas Dedes, alongside their children Christina and Nikos. The Dedes family is proud to carry forward the Olympia’s legacy and remains deeply grateful for the continued support of the Lindsay community.

Rooted in a legacy of warm hospitality, family traditions, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, the family continues to honour the Olympia’s history while welcoming new generations to gather, celebrate, and connect around the table.

Explore the Gallery

Exterior view of Olympia restaurant with outdoor seating, red umbrellas, and potted flowers on a city street.
Hands cutting into a pastry dish on a white plate, with a spread of Middle Eastern dishes including stuffed grape leaves on a white rectangular plate in the foreground, and a plate with hummus, pita bread, and side dishes in the background. There are
A plate with black olives, grilled flatbread, and side dishes including lemons and a bowl of green herbs.
Waitress pouring white wine from a dark bottle into a wine glass at a restaurant.
Two glasses of water with lemon slices, a blue bottle, bowls of pudding or dessert, and appetizer plates on the table.
A bar with a tiled curved counter, three white bar stools with gray cushions, and a back wall filled with bottles, glasses, and coffee equipment, under decorative columns and soft lighting.
A plate of steak with roasted potatoes and sliced beets, accompanied by a glass of red wine and a bottle of wine in the background.
A plate of chicken souvlaki with rice, roasted potato wedges, and a green salad topped with cheese and olives, with lemon and herbs on the side, on a wooden table.
Two glasses of red wine on a dark table, decorated with green leaves and a dark cloth napkin, with the logo 'Olympia' printed on the glasses.
A slice of apple pie on a white plate, garnished with strawberries, with a dusting of cinnamon. In the background, a cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, a plate with a chocolate drizzle dessert and strawberries, and colorful wrapped candies a
Grilled meat skewers with garlic, lemon, olive oil, herbs, dried herbs, black pepper, and fresh greens on a wooden surface.
Slice of layered chocolate, vanilla, and caramel cheesecake with a strawberry and birthday candle on top, served on a white plate.
A top-down view of a meal with three bowls of salad and a glass of water with lemon. One with beets, mixed greens, and vegetables; another with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and falafel; and the third with fries.
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Three white plates with Greek salads and a plate with grains, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese, all on a wooden table.
A bartender pouring an espresso martini into a martini glass for a layered coffee drink.
Hamburger with lettuce, tomato, grilled beef patty, sesame seed bun, served with French fries, pickles, and condiments on a wooden board.
Plate of stuffed grape leaves with lemon wedge and a small bowl of tzatziki, with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and herbs in the background.
Two plates of dinner food, one with chicken souvlaki, rice, French fries, and salad, the other with falafel, French fries, rice, salad, and a small cup of tzatziki.
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Baked Greek Spanakopita with golden brown crust, garnished with fresh dill, served on a bed of creamy Tzatziki.