Greek Food News
Ivy Tavern team to open divine new Dallas restaurant-bar inspired by Greece
A glass of wine over the Aegean Sea in Greece.
A veteran hospitality team is opening a new hang: Called Nikki Greek Bistro & Lounge, it'll be a restaurant and lounge highlighting Greek cuisine and will open at 5757 W. Lovers Ln. #101, famous as the home to the former City Cafe.
Nikki was created by Lisa and Tom Georgalis, who own The Ivy Tavern, and incorporates their favorite family recipes as well as unexpected dishes not commonly served in Greek restaurants in the U.S.
According to a release, it'll open in early 2024, and the day cannot come soon enough.
Named for Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, Nikki will serve as an upscale modern bistro and lounge where guests can grab pre- or post-dinner drinks, or stay for the night. The couple say they've been concepting this for more than seven years but got the push after their son survived a traumatic near-fatal accident.
"We felt an immense sense of victory in our son surviving the accident and when the perfect location was presented to us we took it as a sign that it was time to finally bring our concept to life," they say.
Lisa Georgalis learned to cook from her Greek in-laws where she learned and perfected traditional techniques and recipes.
“Most importantly, I also came to learn that Greek cooking is an art form, an event, and a delight not just for the palate. It should strike all five senses too," she says.
Leading the culinary team will be executive chef Blake Andress, a Dallas native who's worked in prestigious kitchens such as Mister Charles and The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. His goal will be to use seasonal and natural ingredients while celebrating authentic cuisine and culinary traditions.
"There’s something so powerful about food that allows us to connect with others, not only in our own backyards but across the globe," he says. "Our goal with the menu at Nikki is to expose guests to flavors and presentations they’ve never experienced while also offering inventive takes on authentic Greek fare. On the menu you’ll see inspiration from all regions of Greece including the islands, coastal mainland towns, and interior regions of the country.”
Tom describes the lounge as having "a socializing atmosphere in an environment reminiscent of popular '90s social spots such as 8.0 and Star Canyon."
Nikki will offer an abbreviated late night lounge menu and entertainment on weekends with the option to hold private events as well.
Design is by Ricardo Torres of Estudio Ricardo Torres with an elevated, modern, and chic vibe that veers away from the stereotypical Mediterranean blue-and-white only Greek restaurant decor.
Instead, the palette will offer varying shades of blue, green, terracotta, yellow, and cream. The space will boast special ceiling treatments, 18th century natural stone floors in the vestibule imported from an estate in Athens, and custom lighting and furnishings.
Nikki will be open Monday through Saturday for early evening and dinner. The lounge will stay open for late night drinks and bites on Friday and Saturdays. Complimentary valet parking will be available.
