Chef Nicholas Poulmentis, who has appeared on Food Network shows like “Chopped” and “Beat Bobby Flay,” is preparing to open his first solo restaurant. Poulmentis plans to open a modern Greek fine-dining restaurant called Kythira at 32 Grand Street in SoHo.
Poulmentis, who was raised in Greece, told What Now New York that he is looking to showcase his culture through the spot. He also published a cookbook in 2021 called “The Novelty Of Greek Cuisine.”
Customers can expect a seafood-heavy menu, with the remainder of the menu focusing on meat-driven dishes, as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes. The proposed menu listed in community board filings includes ceviche, oysters, stuffed calamari, spinach pie, goat cheese gnocchi, lamb chops and vegetarian moussaka. Poulmentis is also hoping to serve a Mediterranean brunch on the weekends.
The 3,500-square-foot space will feature a Mediterranean-inspired design. Expect to see colors like white and beige to create a light atmosphere that Poulmentis describes as “inviting” and “refreshing.” Poulmentis is excited for the location in SoHo and feels it fits with his vision.
“I love the outside. It’s very rustic — it’s an old building,” Poulmentis said. “I would like to maintain it and make it a nice Greek-Mediterranean spot. That’s the goal.”
Poulmentis is targeting an opening at the end of October, though the timeline will depend on permitting. When it opens, it looks like the hours of operation are expected to be 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., with hours extended to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Poulmentis is looking forward to being part of the diversity of the culinary landscape in the area.
“It’s a very healthy concept. I want to give [customers] a dining experience to enjoy a nice glass of wine with a beautiful feast,” Poulmentis said. “There’s going to be a lot of love. It’s going to be my first restaurant as an owner and chef, and it’s a dream for me to bring to the table the taste of Greece with the ingredients, the hospitality and the welcoming. This is how I have planned the concept — to be inviting for the people.”
