By Elisabeth Brigham By Elisabeth Brigham | November 14, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Features, Food & Drink,
Avra Estiatorio makes its Lone Star State debut with a dazzling new location in Uptown Dallas at The Crescent.
Avra’s secret recipe? Fresh seafood is imported daily from Greece, and the extra virgin olive oil is hand-pressed in a form in Greece’s Peloponnese.
Weekend around Dallas’ buzzy Uptown neighborhood and you might notice a new face in the mix. Cue Avra Estiatiorio—a renowned dining destination best known for its Mediterranean cuisine and ultra-luxe interiors. Set to debut early in spring 2025, the nearly 14,000 square-foot space at The Crescent carefully creates a tropical essence reminiscent of the coastal locale, complete with a mouthwatering menu of traditional bites and innovative cocktails. “We are excited to bring the Avra experience to Dallas, a city known for its up-and-coming culinary scene,” says co-owner and co-founder Nick Tsoulos. “Our goal is to create a dining destination that not only offers exceptional food but also transports our guests to the idyllic shores of Greece, right here in Dallas.”
Chilean Sea Bass Plaki
At the helm of it all is award-winning architecture and design firm, Rockwell Group, who is well-versed in carefully curating one-of-a-kind eateries with alluring vibes and ultra-luxe aesthetics. Inside, the expansive dining room pays homage to its Greek roots (think natural design elements, lush greenery and a neutral color palette). And, while the impressive private dining spaces and vibrant bar match the brand’s level of excellence you’d find at its other locations scattered around the U.S., Dallas takes it up a notch with the Conservatory: an all-glass cafe adorned in vibrant foliage and sleek tabletops—illuminated by stunning window displays.
As for the fare, expect nothing less than a decadent menu that transcends regional boundaries and gives creative twists to Greek classics. Indulge on crowd pleasers like the Avra Chips, made with crispy paper-thin sliced zucchini and eggplant, the whole grilled branzino or, our personal favorite, the traditional dips made from grandmother’s recipes. To top it off, this location keeps Avra’s signature fish ceremony alive, allowing guests to select their seafood from an ice display featuring in-season catches. From there, guests can have the fish grilled whole over charcoal, deboned, and finished with Avra’s signature ladolemono sauce, or baked in salt. (And yes, raw preparations such as carpaccio and ceviche are also an option.)
Trio Dips
As if you’re not enticed already, Avra also boasts an extensive wine list, showcasing both Greek and international wine, plus a creative cocktail menu with nods to Greece’s sun-kissed islands. Our drink of choice is The Santorini with Hendrick’s Gin, Crop Cucumber, basil, and Giffard Pamplemousse. Keep an eye out for updates, and get your tastebuds ready for dinner service this spring—we have no doubt this will be the hottest reservation of the season. 300 Crescent Court, Suite 120
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AVRA GROUP