Some friendships develop slowly — like a perfect Mediterranean stew — before becoming something extraordinary. For Amy Pappas Loli, a celebrated Greek chef, and Bobbi Baker, the entrepreneurial force behind Namaste Yoga, their decades-long friendship has culminated in something truly special: Cafe Amalia, a sun-drenched Mediterranean oasis located at 10907 Manchester Road in Kirkwood.
Their story began long before either woman could have imagined they'd be business partners. Both Bobbi and her husband became friends with Amy independently, crossing paths in the way that only happens in St. Louis. When Bobbi's family adopted healthier eating habits, they turned to Amy, whose authentic Mediterranean cooking had garnered a devoted following through her private chef services and popular food blog, Amalia Culinary Arts.
"There is no one who does Greek food the way Amy does it," Bobbi said. It's clear this isn't just a business partner talking; it's a friend who has experienced Amy's authentic recipes.
The origin story of Cafe Amalia began when the building next door to Namaste Yoga sat vacant for far too long.
"I'd come out of the yoga studio, and look at this building and say, 'I'm gonna do something with that space,'" Bobbi recalled. "I wanted a place where people could go after yoga and continue to connect. North Kirkwood needed a place to congregate and socialize."
Bobbi did what successful entrepreneurs do: she bought the building and called Amy to help bring her vision to life.
Despite knowing Amy had a full-time job, Bobbi took a leap of faith. "I reached out to Amy and asked her if she had any interest in partnering on a cafe because she's really good at food," Bobbi said.
What happened next speaks to the power of shared vision between true friends. While others might have been put off by the building's condition, Amy saw possibilities everywhere. "I could see the final products in my head; I could see the vision Bobbi had for this space."
The transformation from the dark, old building into today's stunning, sun-filled space makes Cafe Amalia is a testament to what happens when complementary talents meet unwavering mutual support. Every design element—from the Greek Key tiles that Bobbi helped design to the fig-and-lemon wallpaper inspired by the Greek islands—reflects their shared aesthetic vision.
"We both have very similar tastes and styles," Amy explained. "Everything that you see in Cafe Amalia, Bobbi and I either picked out or designed together. There was nothing that she presented that I did not fall in love with."
What makes their partnership work isn't just a shared vision; it's the way their different strengths combine to create something incredible together. "Amy and I have different skill sets," Bobbi explained with a laugh. "If I had to cook in the kitchen, we'd starve. There are other things not in her wheelhouse; that's where I can step in. We definitely complement each other very well."
The attention to detail extends beyond decoration. Amy wanted the space to mirror her culinary philosophy: "I wanted the cafe to be clean and fresh-looking to mimic my food." The result is a bright, welcoming environment where Mediterranean culture comes alive through both atmosphere and authentic flavors.
For Amy, having Bobbi’s unwavering support has been essential through the inevitable challenges of opening a restaurant. "Bobbi is an amazing partner because she believes in me," Amy said.
Perhaps the most touching moment in their partnership came when Bobbi made a decision that would honor not just Amy, but generations of family tradition. "Amy asked me if I had a name for the cafe, and I said, 'Yeah. Your name," Bobbi remembered. "I think it took a second for her to process, like, 'Oh, this is actually gonna be mine.'"
For Amy, the gesture carried deep significance. "Bobbi really did honor me with that. I'm named after my grandmother, and that's where the name comes from; I learned how to cook from my grandmother," Amy said. In naming Cafe Amalia, they weren't just creating a business; they were honoring the cultural traditions and family recipes that Amy carries forward.
At Cafe Amalia, Amy's commitment to authentic Mediterranean cuisine is evident in every dish. "I specialize in Mediterranean, so I really wanted to keep that by emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients," she said. The menu features Amy's signature creations, including her beloved lemony chicken and the Mala grilled cheese that has already earned a devoted following. The farro bowls are Amy's favorite. And no visit would be complete without trying the Freddo cappuccino, a Greek-inspired iced coffee drink that perfectly embodies the cafe's blend of tradition and innovation.
Cafe Amalia is a place where community pairs flawlessly with culture. Like olive branches, people's lives are often interwoven, stemming from friendships and communities, and the one thing that brings us all together is food.
Cafe Amalia is a place where community pairs flawlessly with culture. Like olive branches, people's lives are often interwoven, stemming from friendships and communities, and the one thing that brings us all together is food.