Restaurateurs are banking on New Yorkers craving Greek food — with a handful of splashy new spots on the way.
Stelios Tsappas, managing partner of Avra, who was with that group since its initial opening in 2o00, has left to open his own place, and it’s no small undertaking. Pixida, which means compass in English, is due to open at 245 Fifth Avenue, at West 28th Street, in the spring. It will occupy three floors with amenities that include seven private rooms and a wine cellar built into a former bank vault. In addition to classic seafood dishes, it will feature dry-aged fish, which Tsappas said is becoming a trend in Greece.
Avra itself is opening a fourth Manhattan location in early October: a giant, 20,00 square-foot restaurant near Penn Station at 398 Ninth Avenue, at West 33rd Street — in the newly revamped area they’re calling the Penn District. It will have all the classic favorites, from tomato salad and grilled octopus to grilled branzino and langoustines.
Carnegie Diner & Cafe owner Stathis Antonakopoulos is at work on Delos, at 1185 Sixth Avenue, at West 46th Street, scheduled to open in late October. Among the dishes slated for the menu are fagri fillet with chickpea puree and celery broth, grilled fennel pie with cheese and basil, and lamb neck with eggplant cream, couscous, and broth.
Dean Pashalis, who owns Anassa Taverna locations in Manhattan and Astoria, will debut Dear Margo, named after his Greek grandmother, at the end of October. Located at 961 Lexington Avenue, at East 70th, uptown, it will feature small plates, lamb meatballs, and several skewers, including Mediterranean sea bass.
Astoria’s Artion Bakery has expanded at 293 Church Street, at Walker Street, in Tribeca. In addition to the mini spinach pies, almond shortbread, and Oreo cheesecake, the new location has brunch items such as variations on avocado toast — with feta, olives, and eggs, or smoked salmon and goat cheese.
Meanwhile, in Astoria, Vasiliki Lampropoulou will open Koukla Espresso Bar at 30-09 35th Avenue, at 31st Street, an all-day restaurant serving focaccia sandwiches with an array of meats and cheese, such as duck prosciutto with fig and ricotta, along with pastries, coffee, and cocktails.