Vanelli's Bistro: A Tupelo Tradition
A Tupelo tradition serving up Greek and Italian favorites in a family-friendly bistro with a history as rich as its flavors.
Vanelli's Bistro, located in historic downtown Tupelo, is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary landmark with a rich family history. Founded by Demetrios "Papa Vanelli" Kapenekas in 1975, the restaurant began as a humble eatery on South Gloster Street, offering pizzas, pasta, and Greek salads based on family recipes. The name "Vanelli's" was chosen by Demetrios who thought that people wouldn't buy pizza from a Greek named Kapenekas. In 1991, Papa Vanelli and his sons, Bill and John, expanded the restaurant to a larger location on North Gloster Street, where it thrived for over two decades. A devastating tornado in 2014 destroyed this location, but the family's passion for food and community led to the opening of Vanelli's Bistro in 2016 in downtown Tupelo. In August 2023, the Kapenekas family sold the bistro to Peter Bizon, who had previously worked at Vanelli's as executive chef and food/beverage director. Bizon continues the Vanelli's legacy with his family, retaining the restaurant's beloved menu items. Vanelli's Bistro offers a diverse menu featuring Greek and Italian specialties. Popular dishes include the classic Greek salad, a variety of pizzas, lasagna, and chicken tetrazzini. The bistro is known for its buffet, which includes items like brisket and French onion soup. With its friendly atmosphere and long-standing reputation, Vanelli's Bistro remains a beloved dining destination in Tupelo.
Local tips
- Try the classic Greek salad, a long-time favorite that captures the essence of Vanelli's original recipes.
- Check out the daily buffet for a variety of options, including local favorites and seasonal specials.
- Consider ordering a pizza to share, as they are known for generous toppings and flavorful combinations.
A brief summary to Vanelli's Bistro
- 206 W Main St, Tupelo, Mississippi, 38804, US
- +1662-844-4410
Getting There
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Walking
Vanelli's Bistro is located in downtown Tupelo on Main Street, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby hotels and attractions. From the Tupelo City Hall, walk west on East Troy Street, then turn left onto North Spring Street and continue onto West Main Street. Vanelli's Bistro will be on your left. Walking time is approximately 5 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.
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Public Transport
Tupelo Transit provides curb-to-curb service Monday through Friday. A one-way trip costs $2.00, and a round trip is $4.00. Call 48 hours in advance for guaranteed seating. From any point in Tupelo, you can call Tupelo Transit to arrange a ride to Vanelli's Bistro at 206 W Main St.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Tupelo. From a location like the nearby Hilton Garden Inn Tupelo, a taxi ride to Vanelli's Bistro would be approximately 5 miles and cost around $10.50. UberX trips in Tupelo average around $14 for a 12-minute ride.
