New Arrivals – May 2025
Posted by estiator at 15 May, at 18 : 59 PM Print
A coast-to-coast glance at some of the industry’s newest additions
New York City
THE GYRO PROJECT
thegyroproject.com
Estiator cover stars George Tenedios and Spiro Kokkosis have planted a flag in Manhattan, opening an Upper West Side location of their popular “fast-fine” Greek concept. Gyros, souvlakis, and build-your-own bowls take center stage, along with whole feta-brined rotisserie chicken, Greek-style lamb chops, and moussaka.
“With our recent and upcoming expansions, we look forward to serving anyone craving Greece’s beloved culinary traditions,” Tenedios said in an announcement. A Kips Bay store is next.
Ridgewood, New Jersey
MELTEMI
meltemirestaurant.com
This newcomer took over the former space of It’s Greek to Me, a beloved local spot that closed in November. Meltemi’s owners have introduced a more elevated menu of Greek comfort food, from tzatziki and taramosalata to moussaka, lavraki, and New Zealand lamb chops.
Pink floral arrangements adorn the dining room; at the center of each table are white roses, and the walls feature depictions of sweeping seascapes.
Atlanta, Georgia
PSITO
eatpsito.com
Southern restaurant powerhouse Nick Pihakis is behind this Atlanta newcomer. “Psito is the sparky offshoot of Tasty Town Greek Restaurant and Lounge, the Pihakis Restaurant Group’s casual dining venue in Birmingham, Alabama,” according to the company.
“When the opportunity came up to open a fast-casual version in Atlanta’s busy Summerhill neighborhood, the team jumped at the chance to bring the bright, fresh, thoughtful, flame-kissed menu to the area.” The restaurant’s name, ψητό, means “roasted” in Greek.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
UTOPITA
utopitafresh.com
Cousins Michael L. and Michael P. Dontas, who own local eatery Copperhead Grille, opened this fast-casual spot last month. “Utopita was founded on a passion for sharing the vibrant, street-food culture of Greece with the world,” the duo says on Utopita’s site.
“Inspired by the bustling markets and lively streets of Athens, our name—Utopita—combines ‘Utopia,’ the ideal place, with ‘Pita.’” Along with bowls that diners can build with proteins and bases, frozen Greek yogurt is a specialty.
Charlotte, North Carolina
YASSOU GREEK
yassougreekcuisine.com
Yassou Greek offers recipes that “come from family tradition handed down generation after generation,” co-owner Landa Daglas told a local news site.
The menu skews traditional: spanakopita and grilled octopus among the starters, main courses including arni giouvetsi and thalassina, and a wine list whose Greek bottles include Lantides Goldvine from the Peloponnese and Naoussa Xynomavro from Naoussa.
Pueblo, Colorado
SHAH’S THE AMERICAN GYRO
pickupshahs.com
Greek fusion is the name of the game at this popular spot, which opened its second location in March.
A Philly Cheese Gyro tops meat with grilled onions, grilled green peppers, white cheese, and tzatziki sauce; the Italian Grinder Gyro mixes Italian vinaigrette, banana peppers, lettuce, onion, provolone cheese, and mustard with the proteins.
Breakfast burritos are served all day, and gyro meat is sold by the pound for DIY-ers.
