Santorini Secrets with Sellia of Mia’s Restaurant

Yiasas! 

Thanks for stopping by the Kefi Life blog.  

A trip to Greece never disappoints and be aware the time there consistently refreshes one’s mind, body and spirit, at least I always return energized. 

Could it be the sun, the people or the food that provides the “I FEEL GREAT,” state of mind? 

I’m going to say all the above, especially the fresh and flavorful Mediterranean food. 

During the 10 days Kefi Life was on location in Greece capturing content, meeting locals and eating the famous Village salad, which is so well loved all over the world, my taste buds nominated MIA’s XORYIATIKI VILLAGE SALAD, best in Greece. 

Why Mia’s XORYIATIKI VILLAGE SALAD?  Elli, the head chef of an all-female run kitchen, puts her special touch on this personable salad that features whipped feta, capers and Santorini tomatoes.  Sorry to report this salad must be eaten in Santorini, so plan a trip as soon as you can do so. 

What else was unique and yummy?  Let’s go with the fava, a versatile and highly nutritious food prepared so delectably that you wish you ate it on the daily.  Now- Mia’s fava is harvested on the island so I’m sure this contributes to the freshness and taste profile.    

The seafood right from the sea is equally impressive with other dishes but let us remember a nice crisp and beautiful white wine like GRACE compliments the special items found on Mia’s menu.    

The heart of MIA’s cuisine is chef Elli Mitrai. With her unbeatable talent, hard work and dedication, she transforms local ingredients into dishes that bring memories of home. The Brigade stands next to Elli, prepares each dish through the open kitchen with precision and love.

Mia’s vibe is casual fine dining featuring the authenticity of Greek food grown locally served up in the most romantic yet stunning view of the island. I LOVE THIS PLACE. 

Mia’s restaurant is the MED DIET in a nutshell; sharing great food with good people all the while savoring the present moment one finds themselves in.   

The real story behind Mia’s is owner Sellia herself.  She is down to earth, very gifted with food and people and she really cares about presenting a product that will stay in your heart forever.   

I invite you to discover more about Mia’s in Santorini along with the dynamo who is behind it all- Sellia Georges.    Check out Kefi Life episode 222 publishing this Thursday, May 21, 2026.   

Sellia Georges is quite an impressive female entrepreneur, read her bio below to decide for yourself.    

In the meantime,  

sending you filakia -kisses 

Kiki 

Sellia Georges is a third-generation restaurateur whose family has been part of Chicago’s restaurant industry for more than 40 years. Growing up, she worked in her family’s restaurants — JC Georges (opened in 1982), OPA Estiatorio, Portofino Italian, and Elly’s Brunch Café — and later worked alongside her father on the opening of the Elly’s 24-Hour concept in downtown Chicago in 2010.

Sellia considers Cupitol to be the evolution of Elly’s, bringing together an easy-going European atmosphere with an all-day dining experience. She opened the first Cupitol Coffee & Eatery location in Evanston in 2016, followed by a second location in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood in 2017, and a third location featuring an expanded bakery in West Loop in 2021. Her vision was to create a versatile space where guests could enjoy breakfast or coffee with friends, a full meal, work at a communal table or lounge, or simply grab a cold-pressed juice to go.

Her Greek heritage is reflected throughout Cupitol, from the relaxed lounge atmosphere to the menu, which features house-made pastries, specialty roasted coffee, and creative cocktails.

Sellia’s next concept brought her back to her roots with the opening of MIA'S Restaurant in Oia, Santorini, where her ancestors were born. Conceived during the pandemic, MIA’S has since become one of the most beloved restaurants in Oia, offering comforting yet elevated Greek cuisine through a modern, seasonal lens.

Most recently, in December 2024, she launched Cupitol The Restaurant, an expanded evolution of the Cupitol concept and the brand’s fourth location. Her goal was to create an accessible all-day restaurant serving delicious, high-quality food and drinks for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner at approachable prices. In addition to the signature Cupitol offerings, the restaurant features a specially curated dinner menu designed exclusively for this concept.

Alongside her extensive hospitality experience, Sellia holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kingston University and a master’s degree in psychology from University of Essex.