New Arrivals – March 2025
Posted by estiator at 11 March, at 18 : 04 PM Print
A coast-to coast glance at some of the industry’s newest additions
Kenilworth, New Jersey
NOSTIMO
nostimomediterranean.com
Outgrowing its former space in Fanwood, this casual Greek eatery opened last month with 60 seats indoors and a dozen on its cobblestoned patio.
The restaurant’s name, nostimo in Greek, means “delicious”; the menu features traditional favorites from tirokafteri and taramasalata to dolmadakia and spanakopita. While the eatery doesn’t yet have a liquor license, its owners encourage customers to bring their own wine or ouzo.
Columbus, Ohio
AGAPÉ
eatagape.com
“Agapé is a concept derived from the ancient Greeks that embodies doing good for one another,” this fast-casual spot proclaims on its site. Its sixth location has opened at Grandview Yard, a mixed-use development near downtown Columbus. The streamlined menu offers a base, like salad or rice, proteins like Greek chicken or gyro meat, and spreads including tzatziki and spicy feta. In Greek, of course, agapé is αγάπη.
Las Vegas, Nevada
THE GREAT GREEK MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
thegreatgreekgrill.com
This fast-growing chain opened its eighth Las Vegas location in January. Founders Nick Della Penna and Trent Jones are Las Vegas-based; the pair started The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill brand after buying a local Greek restaurant in 2015. After the single restaurant grew into three, they partnered with United Franchise Group to expand the brand even further; it now boasts locations coast to coast.
West Palm Beach, Florida
ESTIATORIO MILOS
estiatoriomilos.com
In January, Milos founder and Estiator cover star Costas Spiliadis opened the brand’s 12th worldwide location—and its second in Florida, after Miami Beach. The sleek, 294-seat space was designed by London’s Tara Bernerd & Partners.
“Fresh fish will arrive daily from the Mediterranean, complemented by stone crabs and delicacies from local fishermen in the Florida Keys. Among the sunniest of Milos restaurants, with stylish seating overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and Palm Beach Island,” according to the Milos site.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
SIMPLY GREEK
yelp.com/biz/simply-greek-north-myrtle-beach
This fast-casual spot, opened in January, serves homemade Greek dishes inspired by owner Andreas Hartas’ Greek-born godmother. On the menu: staples like spanakopita, avgolemono, gyros, Greek salad, baklava, and flatbread pizzas. Hartas also operates Famous Andy’s Pizzeria nearby. According to a local news site, Hartas had plans for a second pizza location, but when the pandemic hit, “things changed.” Hartas decided to shift his restaurant concept and instead lean into his heritage.
Cary, North Carolina
NAOS
naosnc.com
Prolific local estiator Giorgios Bakatsias and his Giorgios Group opened a 20th location last month near Raleigh. The emphasis is on seafood and fish, large cuts of lamb and beef, and slow-braised dishes in clay pots, along with mezzes.
“Guided by the ancient Greek adage ‘Let food be medicine and medicine be food,’ the menu celebrates simplicity and the purity of ingredients,” its site enthuses. Naos’ opening comes on the heels of the group’s launch of Giorgios Epicurean Market, a nearby eatery, market, and “community space.”
