New upscale Mediterranean restaurant coming from popular Lexington Greek chef
If you think Greek food is just gyros and hummus, better sit down: An ambitious new restaurant is coming to Lexington from the chef and owner behind the popular Athenian Grill.
Ilias Pappas, a native of Athens who started with a local food truck before opening brick-and-mortar restaurants that cater to those who love grabbing a quick and savory meal, is planning to open an elegant sit-down restaurant that will showcase the finest Greek cuisine.
“I want to give them, from the bottom of my heart, the food I eat when I travel back home, in an environment that I’ve designed carefully and I’m very proud of,” Pappas said.
The new restaurant, which he plans to call Santorini for the picturesque Aegean island, will be at 3801 Mall Rd. #120 just off Nicholasville Road near Fayette Mall by El Asadero Bar & Mexican Grill, Chuy’s and Bella Notte, in the location where the original Saul Good closed earlier this year.
What Santorini will have on the menu
Pappas said he hopes to open Santorini by the end of the year. It will be a full-service restaurant with a full bar featuring Greek wines and spirits, with carryout available as well.
He also hopes to have a special chef’s table space for curated multi-course meals for an elevated experience.
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The upscale Mediterranean restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner during the week, then for brunch and dinner on the weekends and closed on Mondays, he said.
The menu will be traditional Greek food, he said. “The best Greece has to give, with ambiance in an open-kitchen environment. ... We’re going to try to make the place as beautiful as it can be.”
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He said for years customers have asked him for a full-on Greek restaurant, not just the fast-casual menu that Athenian Grill serves.
“Personally, I’m pretty thrilled. This is something I’ve wanted to do for 14 years and I know there’s a demand from customers,” Pappas said. “That’s the inspiration, hundreds of conversations with customers.”
Athenian Grill, located at 313 S. Ashland in Chevy Chase and 120 E Main St. downtown will remain open, Pappas said.
