Imagine the sun-soaked islands of the Mediterranean, where a warm breeze moves through the air and a scoop of pagoto melts slowly on a hot summer day.
The atmosphere is transporting to Philadelphia, where a new Mediterranean cafe is set to open in the Fairmount neighborhood.
“The experience is what trumps everything. I want people to experience the kafenio, an old-school coffee shop where people come, they hang out, play cards, drink their coffee, and sit there for hours,” owner Matt Maltepes told What Now Philadelphia.
Thalassa will debut at 918 N. 28th St., aiming to create that welcoming space where Mediterranean flavors bring people together.
“No matter where you go in the Mediterranean you’ll find a shared love for hospitality and a rhythmic way of life that stems from the soul. In Greek we say Philoxenia—a deep cultural value of profound, unconditional hospitality and generosity. Transforming strangers into family. Transcending simple hospitality into love. We plan to bring this to Thalassa,” Maltepes said.
The name Thalassa nods to the Greek sea goddess Thalassa, the embodiment of the ocean, and also translates to “Mediterranean Sea.”
The menu will include pastries such as baklava and croissants, along with house-made ice cream in rotating weekly flavors. Small plates will feature items like feta grilled cheese with honey, avocado toast and bagels with cream cheese.
European coffee drinks like frappes and Freddo espresso round out the offerings. Freddo espresso is a popular Greek iced coffee made by pouring a double shot of espresso over ice and shaking it until it becomes chilled and lightly frothy.
Maltepes looks forward to sharing his culture and heritage with the community.
“I am half Greek and half Puerto Rican. Family is everything in both cultures. And I have tons of friends from all over the Mediterranean. Whether it be from Spain, Syria, Egypt, Italy, or Lebanon. We all share the same hospitality. We’re bringing those values to Thalassa,” he said.
Maltepes is targeting an August opening for Thalassa. Follow along on Instagram for the latest updates.
[Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include an official interview with Matt Maltepes.]
