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In May 2000, sisters, Maria Longinidis and Eleni Ballis opened a small family business, and named it Café NV. Just in case you were wondering, the letters “NV” were chosen simply because when combined, they sound like “Envy.”

Simple and unpretentious, the original goal was to serve breakfast and lunch. Things didn’t stay that way for long. Eventually, a few dinner items were added to the menu, and people started to notice something special being cooked up in this quaint Waterford restaurant. Local newspapers wrote rave reviews, and Connecticut Magazine named Café NV, Best New Restaurant in New London County.

Today, the expansive lunch and dinner menu features Greek dishes, familiar favorites, and healthy-minded Thin’s In selections. Even though the menu has changed over the years, the basic family values on which the restaurant was built have remained unaltered.

“Many of the dishes we serve are from recipes I grew up with and loved,” says Maria. “We always prepare food here, like we would at home. People notice and appreciate the little things we do.”