New Arrivals – September 2025
Posted by estiator at 10 September, at 15 : 17 PM Print
A coast-to-coast glance at some of the industry’s newest additions
Laguna Beach, California
STUDIO MEDITERRANEAN
montage.com/lagunabeach/dining/studio-mediterranean
Dormant for years, this striking space inside the upscale Montage resort has come back to life. Chef Dennis Efthymiou, a Greek native who trained in Athens, is leading the kitchen; his menu features fish flown in fresh from around the world and locally sourced produce. The restaurant launched for hotel guests in June, and opens to the public in October, Eater reports. Cocktails include a Mastiha Spritz with Kleos Mastic, amaro nonino, grapefruit bitters, and Mediterranean tonic.
Royal Oak, Michigan
BLUE GOAT
bluegoatroyaloak.com
This sleek new spot in suburban Detroit offers a traditional menu in upscale surroundings. Along with saganaki, kalamarakia, and horiatiki, Blue Goat is serving up classic and vegetarian gyros, lamb chops, branzino, and a prime ribeye. Desserts include a “Baklava Flight,” a whimsical selection of baklavas chosen by the chef.
Owings Mills, Maryland
BIG GREEK CAFÉ
biggreekcafe.com
Known for platters of feta-sprinkled French fries and $7 gyro sandwiches on Wednesdays, this family-owned chain has planted a flag in Baltimore’s northwestern suburbs. The Owings Mills location is Big Greek Café’s 14th store since the brand’s launch in 2009. The brand’s promise is food “just like yia yia used to make,” according to its website. “New customers, new clientele and new beginnings,” director of operations Nico Kontos told a local news site.
Houston, Texas
YIAYIA’S PAPPAS GREEK KITCHEN
yiayiasgreekkitchen.com
Houston’s beloved YiaYia Mary’s Mediterranean Kitchen closed in 2020; the Pappas family has resurrected it with a new name, a snazzy room, and a rejuvenated menu. The renovated space is anchored by an olive tree, while walls are lined with art created by Greek creators. Cocktails are also stars here, including an Athenian Spritz with Greek vermouth, tonic, strawberries, and sparkling wine, and a Ginger Vesper with ginger liqueur and Greek mountain tea.
Columbus, Ohio
YAPPY GREEK
yappygreek.biz
Billed as an “American deli and Greek restaurant,” this Columbus institution moved locations in June after nearly three decades. “We’ve proudly served Columbus for 28 years, and this new location is a continuation of everything we love about food, family, and community,” owner Alex Mousa told a local TV station. Signatures include fusion sandwiches like a Greek-style cheeseburger topped with feta cheese, garlic dressing, onions, and banana peppers.
Grand Blanc, Michigan
MELLI CAFE
instagram.com/melli_cafe
Kathy and John Saites opened this café—named for honey, or μέλι—in June. Canadian-born, the couple has lived in Greece. They’re serving Loumidis Papagalos Coffee, baklava, and loukoumades, which Melli’s menu calls “loukos.” Dough is imported from Appollonia and cooked in a fryer built in Greece. “It’s made just to make loukoumades, so that’s what we wanted to specialize in here,” John Saites told a local news site.
