New pasta place at Fayette Mall hopes to be ‘most ambitious place in Lexington’
An ambitious new restaurant set to debut at Fayette Mall wants to be your new favorite restaurant.
Mileta, which plans to open Nov. 9 near The Cheesecake Factory, bills itself as “Italian-ish” with a wide-ranging menu that will include pasta, as well as steak, seafood and locally sourced items.
“Pasta is at the heart of the menu,” said owner Dallas Rose, but with a contemporary feel. “It’s more Italian in ethos than in execution. It’s not going to be fettuccine Alfredo and spaghetti and meatballs. ... We want to get the best local ingredients we can, highlight them, treat them with respect.”
What’s on Mileta’s menu
Working with executive chef Alex Green and director of operations Aaron Wood, they aspire to be something special that can appeal to many different diners.
To showcase their pasta, they plan to make it in-house in a glass-walled corner room of the restaurant, which is centered around a marble-topped bar, with custom banquette seating along a wall, with tables scattered around.
Why Fayette Mall
Although it might seem an unusual choice to open a high-end restaurant in a mall, Rose and Green, said in an interview that they are thrilled with their choice, in part because of the high foot traffic and the convenient parking.
“I had this concept in mind and wanted to do it in the right location,” Rose said. “I knew I wanted to do it on the south side. ... I wanted to do it in my backyard, open a restaurant my friends and family could go eat at. ... We’re really excited about this location.”
There also is seating near the windows on the kitchen so you will be able to see Green and the other kitchen staff at work.
Rose Room for private parties
Nearby there is the Rose Room, which will be available for private parties.
Green said the menu will rotate with the seasons to incorporate as much Kentucky flavor as possible.
“I think we’re going to be the most ambitious restaurant in Lexington,” Rose said. “We want to be the favorite. We want to cook the most delicious food we can.”
He said they’ve hired talented chefs and managers who will be able to deliver on that.
How expensive will Mileta be
Prices will be moderate-high; pastas will be in the $20-$30 and two people will be able share small plates for under $50, Rose said. Prices will top out at $40-$70.
The cocktail and wine program also will feature “crushable” and delicious drinks, he said.
“It’s going to feel like a dinner party in here,” he said. “No white table cloths.”
And no dress code.
The restaurant will start with dinner and add lunch once the staff is comfortable, Rose and Green said.
Mileta
Where: 3565 Nicholashville Rd. Suite 932
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 3 to 5 p.m. (happy hour) and 5 to 10 p.m. (dinner.) Weekend brunch and lunch coming soon.
Online: miletarestaurant.com; reservations at resy.com
This story was originally published October 25, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
