Jo Gamvros is co-owner and front-of-house lead at Bar Lourinhã, the beloved Iberian Mediterranean bar and dining room that has brought the flavours and spirit of Portugal, Spain and the broader Mediterranean coastline to Melbourne since 2006. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Jo shapes the warm, authentic welcome the venue is known for. She is also a photographer, and has exhibited widely and worked as a freelancer for Fairfax Media and other national publications — a passion for food cultures and markets around the world that finds its way into the soul of Bar Lourinhã. Jo also brings a keen collector’s eye to the venue, curating the eclectic walls that give the bar so much of its character.
How did you get your start, Jo?
More than 30 years ago, I began my career in Fitzroy as a waiter at the Napier Hotel and Gypsy Bar, often working multiple roles while putting myself through university. I quickly discovered a genuine passion for hospitality, something deeply rooted in my upbringing. Growing up in a migrant family in Sydney and Melbourne, surrounded by my parents’ continental cake business and the vibrant culture of Greek and Italian cafés and milk bars, the food industry has always felt like home.
What do you think it is about your venues that has gained traction in Victoria?
At the heart of what we do is a genuine love for warm, welcoming hospitality, grounded in our passion for Iberian and Mediterranean culture and cuisine. Our approach is thoughtful and attentive; caring for our guests while honouring traditional techniques and celebrating quality local produce.
Is there any other special sauce to what you do?
Special sauce – I like that! It is all about care and the finer details, about not being too precious, about being approachable and romantic. It is always about flavour too! It is the European style that we admire.
Any regrets?
Missing out on getting the space next door many, many years ago; that would have been super! These things happen.
What about the big lessons learned?
Sustaining a successful restaurant is a balance between mentoring staff while staying driven and deeply connected to our passion for Bar Lourinhã, all while caring for our guests with integrity and genuine hospitality. A big learning has been to pause, lead with clarity, and teach with intention. Over the years, we’ve seen both exceptional talent and a wide range of service styles. What defines consistency is an attention to the smallest details, and the ability to pass that awareness on, so every guest experience reflects the same standard of care.
What’s been the key to longevity for you?
Over its 20-year journey, Lourinhã has evolved through a series of thoughtful, subtle refinements, each designed to enhance the guest experience. We take great pride in hearing guests remark on how fresh and welcoming the space feels; even if they can’t quite identify what’s changed, they sense the care behind it.
Any tips on building a great team and workplace culture?
Sharing passions, acknowledging the excellent care and work ethic of our staff – have fun when service gets heated! Teamwork is crucial, enjoying what you do is everything. Celebrate as a team when you can – always.
Times are tough right now. How are you adapting?
Over the past 20 years, we’ve navigated change, challenges, and unexpected moments, including COVID, with resilience and purpose. Hospitality people are inherently driven; when creativity and passion lead the way, there is always an opportunity to adapt and think differently.
We see hospitality as a vital part of everyday life; for celebrations, consolations, joys, and quieter moments alike. Sharing food, wine, and conversation will always matter, so we continue to evolve, offering considered options like our Lunch Rápido and creating value for our guests without compromising quality.
Behind the scenes, it takes careful planning, strong relationships with suppliers, and ongoing dialogue to ensure every product reflects our standards and integrity. Above all, it’s built on consistency and hard work.
Any advice for other operators who are hurting?
Stay connected. Reach out to your team, your suppliers, your customers and community, think creatively, and passion will get you through. Don’t be quiet, speak up.
Who do you look to for inspiration? Which venues and people set the bar for you?
Integrity and soul mean a great deal to me, a sense of belonging delivered with style and passion. Places like Pellegrini’s, Marios Cafe, France-Soir, Sean’s Panaroma, Fratelli Paradiso, Boccaccio Cellars to name a few super talented local and interstate operators.
Local producers like Jo and Matt from Mushroom Anonymous, wine passionate buyers like Matt from Trembath and Taylor; oh there are so many people to mention here!
Best-case scenario, how do you want people to think about what you do?
Simply come and enjoy our love for all things Iberian and Mediterranean, we’ll continue to share that passion in everything we do.
Our small business thrives on the support of our local community and the way our guests share our culture with others. Bar Lourinhã is a true sense of place – locally driven and always authentic to its origins. We believe in eating well, sourcing thoughtfully and sustainably, and remaining proudly independent and deeply Melbourne-centric.
Bar Lourinhã is turning 20, and to celebrate, it’s rolling out a year-long anniversary program, from long-table dinners revisiting two decades of signature dishes to producer collaborations, aperitivo retrospectives, throwback menu features, and the release of its cookbook, Lourinhã.
Bar Lourinhã, 37 Little Collins St, Melbourne, barlourinha.com.au, @bar_lourinha