GREEKTOWN — With roots in one of Greektown's most successful restaurants, a new Mediterranean restaurant will bring new flavors to Halsted in March.
Aviva, which means springtime in Hebrew, will offer a modern take on traditional Mediterranean fare at 310 S. Halsted St. in the heart of Greektown. The new restaurant takes over The Parthenon's former banquet room and will open March 1.
Inspired by the cuisines of Spain, Italy, France, Greece, North Africa and the Middle East, the seasonal menu will feature traditional Mediterranean dishes and new spins on familiar classics. Chef consultant Alan Lake will also honor iconic Chicago fare with a twist, and the dishes will be complemented by a curated list of Mediterranean wines, traditional cocktails and domestic spirits from the region.
The restaurant, designed by owner Lorraine Rieff-Liakouras and Christina Pavlis of C. Pavlis Interiors, features white-washed walls inspired by the seaside scapes in Greece, a grey brick herringbone accent wall and slightly arched windows. The bar and dining room will seat about 60 guests.
Rieff-Liakouras’s husband co-owns The Parthenon, a Greektown pillar that has been open since 1968.
Check out more photos of Aviva's menu below.
Avocado bombe stuffed with crab, shrimp, scallops, tarragon and lemon zest at Aviva in Greektown. [dnainfo/Stephanie Lulay]
Seared duck risotto with brussels sprouts, roasted butternut squash, mushrooms, currants, pine nuts and a balsamic onion relish. [dnainfo/Stephanie Lulay]
Pan-fried Branzino with Israeli couscous, saffron tomato broth and an herb salad. [dnainfo/Stephanie Lulay]
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