A new option for Mediterranean cuisine is coming soon to Greektown.
One of the newest concepts from Forte Hospitality called Ithaki Estiatorio will soon open at 314 S Halsted Street. This will be a full-service restaurant with contemporary Greek cuisine. The hospitality group is aiming to open by late summer.
Founder and Partner of Forte Hospitality Kosti Demos told What Now Chicago the location will be very appropriate as it was home to the famous The Parthenon Greek restaurant which closed in 2016. He said the space will be larger than the former Pantheon.
“It’s been a process, but we are near the finish line,” Demos said.
Forte Hospitality also manages Sapori Trattoria at 2701 N Halsted Street and Butcher & the Bear at 2721 N Halsted Street. This will be the third business venture from the company.
Demos’ family also had a restaurant in Greektown called Costa’s. As he regularly walked around the neighborhood, he saw firsthand how much of an influence Greek culture had on Chicago. After opening the two restaurants from Forte, he wanted to work on a new project that was close to his family roots.
“Opening Ithaki in Greektown isn’t just a business decision, it’s deeply personal,” Demos said.
For the dishes, an executive chef directly from Greece will be making the cuisine. The exact menu hasn’t been released, but there will be Mediterranean-sourced ingredients, fish from Greece and roasted over a wood hearth and grill, and french dips, pitas and wines.
The restaurant will be 5,500 square feet and will be able to seat 180 people. There will also be a downstairs cocktail lounge to be introduced later this year.
For more information, visit their Instagram @ithakiestiatorio.
