The Niagara, which still survives, is a magnificent example of the classic country Greek café. Initially established around 1902 by a Kytherian Greek, Strati Notaras, the business has remained in Greek hands – the Castrission family ran it for most of the twentieth century (1919-1983).

The café's Art Deco interior and exterior were created in 1938, transforming a simple eating house into a food catering 'pleasure palace', delighting both eye and appetite. Promoted as 'Australia's Wonder Café', during its long history the Niagara has been frequented by film stars and politicians – most notably, wartime Prime Minister John Curtin and his War Cabinet for a hearty midnight meal of steak and eggs in 1942.

In names such as the Niagara, Monterey, California, Astoria, Hollywood, New York, and Golden Gate, the American component of Australia's Greek café is obvious. By the mid to late 1930s Greek cafés had firmly cemented the growing popularisation of American food catering ideas, technology and products that had been instigated through Australia's earlier Greek-run food catering enterprises, including the oyster saloon or 'parlor', the American-style soda/sundae 'parlor' and the American-style milk bar.