When Jenna and Pete Skenteris opened Santorini Greek and Italian Bistro, it was a goal and a dream, especially for Jenna.

“I wanted to own a restaurant,” Jenna said. “Pete wanted to be in business too. It was perfect when the opportunity arrived to purchase Santino’s last year.”

Jenna and Pete bring a wealth of restaurant knowledge to their new 205 S. Topsail Dr establishment.

Jenna taught culinary and hospitality classes at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Pete also taught business. When the couple purchased Santino’s she was still teaching and living in Fayetteville.  

She enjoys creating dishes unique to Santorini’s Greek and Italian Bistro.

“I live for it,” said Jenna.

“One of our top sellers is Greek Spaghetti,” said Jenna. “Shrimp Santorini is probably the next most popular, as well as Santorini Pizza and Cajun Shrimp.”

Pete’s family recipe for tyropita, a savor cheese and egg pie wrapped in a buttery Phyllo dough, is a very popular menu item as well.

Jenna and Pete are very particular regarding ingredients. They import cheeses from Greece and Italy.

The Greek wines sold at Santorini’s Greek and Italian Bistro are unique to the area. The Lyrarakis family studied the soil after fires. They worked to bring back the Lyrarakis wines. The restaurant serves Lyrarakis Assyrtiko Voila, Lyrarakis Dafin Psarades, Lyrarakis Liatiko, and Lyrarakis Karni Single Area Kotsifali.

“Some of our Italian wines are Sicilian or from Delle Venzie,” added Jenna. The prosecco is from Trevis, Italy.  “We have a nice selection of wines, liquor, and beer from our bar.”

Relationships are built over food, says Jenna. Santorini’s Greek and Italian Bistro is a place where visitors and regulars gather.

“Pete cares about the customer,” Jenna said. “He gets to know names. He’s very personable.”

Jenna said people ask her about working with a spouse. She laughs. She has known Pete since they attended school together. “It is easy having a husband as a partner,” Jenna said. “I enjoy his presence.”

Jenna’s brother, Jesse, also works at the restaurant.

“There are a lot of perks of working in the restaurant business,” said Jenna. “We build relationships around the table.”

To experience Santorini’s Greek and Italian Bistro, visit the restaurant Tuesday through Saturday, 4 – 9 p.m., or for a brunch- lunch, visit from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The menu features an array of appetizers, entrees, desserts, cocktail specials, beer, and wine. View the menu at https://www.santorinisurfcity.com.