Since the 1930s, the Maugus Restaurant has occupied a humble storefront in Wellesley Hills, across the street from Clock Tower Park. For generations, it has been a go-to neighborhood fixture, a place where business people discussed deals; families came to fuel up; and friend groups held attendance-mandatory monthly catch-ups. However, in 2025, the familiar spot underwent a significant transition, changing hands and, a year later, reopening under new ownership and a new name—Maugus Cafe.

The Maugus Restaurant, Wellesley

We stopped by during the restaurant’s soft-opening phase, and it’s clear that owner Kostas Saranteas knows what he’s doing. With a deft hand, rather than erase the past, he’s simply polished up the old joint. Gone is the red carpet. (Thank you, Kostas.) Left in place are the good bones of a regular haunt. The counter stools are still there, as are the booths. The back seating area stands ready for large groups, or a table of young ones practicing proper restaurant behavior. A nice addition: a counter with several stools overlooks Washington St. An outdoor area offers several tables, shaded by umbrellas, and gussied up with pots of flowers. The space feels lighter and more contemporary.

What about the menu?

Coffee is a thing, of course. Maugus has partnered with Atomic Coffee Roasters to provide specialty-grade, ethically sourced beans, which means their suppliers pay a premium to support coffee farmers and ensure high quality. A state-of-the-art espresso machine now hums behind the counter, producing a dozen varieties of coffee—from robust drip and smooth cold brews to expertly crafted lattes.

The Maugus Restaurant, Wellesley — Mrs. Swellesley’s favorite breakfast, steel-cut oatmeal, is on the menu. Piping hot, and no lumps, just the way she likes it.

The menu has been reimagined with a Mediterranean-inspired flair. While the restaurant continues to serve its classic roster of breakfast and lunch items, the flavors have been elevated with fresh, vibrant ingredients. The breakfast menu has a full roster”of morning favorites, ranging from steel-cut oats and yogurt bowls to indulgent Nutella pancakes and waffles. For those seeking a protein-packed start, the omelette selection—featuring six different styles—is a standout. The Spanakopita Style Omelette, featuring spinach, feta, and a phyllo crumble, looks especially good.

Lunch offers everything from hearty burgers and buffalo chicken wraps to salads. The Souvlaki Bowl (grilled chicken lemon-herb skewer, house jasmine rice, Greek salad, tzatziki, pita) and the Greek Village Salad (Romaine, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, red onion, oregano, feta, house dressing) gives a nod to the Mediterranean, as Maugus has always done. Other menu items include an avocado burrito with chipotle aioli; muffins, fruit, French toast, and more.