Notaras family's century-long legacy shaped Canberra's café culture
Greek migrant Harry Notaras opened Highgate Café in Kingston weeks before Parliament House opened, serving more than 4000 meals on opening day.
When Parliament House opened on 9 May 1927, Harry Notaras's three-week-old café served more than 4000 meals. The menu was mostly steak and eggs, ham salad and pies.
Canberra's population was around 5000. Notaras, who had arrived from Greece, recognised an opportunity in the emerging capital.
Notaras served politicians, public servants, and theatre patrons, becoming one of Canberra's best-known café owners. His relatives opened other venues: the Capitol Café, the Blue Moon Café.
Despite their Greek heritage, they served Australian meals and milkshakes, not Greek food. At home, the family preserved traditions: cabbage rolls, slow-cooked stews, and olives from the chemist.
Olive oil couldn't be bought anywhere else. The story lives on through Sophia (now 81), Notaras's daughter-in-law, and her daughter Eleni.
The family arrived in Australia as early as 1909.
- 4000
- Meals served on opening day
- 5000
- Canberra population then
- Three weeks before Parliament House
- Café opened
- 1909
- Family arrived in Australia
Why it mattersThe story shows how Greek migrants built Australia's early institutions and helped shape its social fabric while preserving their own culture.
AustraliaCanberra's earliest hospitality industry was built by Greek families who adapted to Australian tastes while keeping their traditions alive, a pattern repeated across Australian cities.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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