A Michelin-recognized Mediterranean restaurant from Washington, D.C. will expand to downtown Sarasota as "the sole retail anchor tenant" at a luxury condominium building.
Balos will open at The Edge Sarasota at 290 Cocoanut Ave., according to a press release. The approximately 7,200-square-foot restaurant will be open to the public.
Created by Stefanos Vouvoudakis, Tom Tsiplakos and Joe Ragonese, Balos is inspired by the lagoon of the same name on the Greek island of Crete. The restaurant offers a contemporary take on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with a menu emphasizing seafood, seasonal ingredients and dishes designed for sharing.
“Sarasota felt like a natural home for Balos — the coastal setting, energy and lifestyle align so well with who
we are," Vouvoudakis said in a statement.
"We look forward to bringing the spirit of the Greek islands to downtown Sarasota through fresh seafood, vibrant Mediterranean flavors and the lively, welcoming hospitality that defines the Balos experience. As the sole retail anchor tenant at The Edge, we have a unique opportunity to create something special for the community and introduce a dining experience unlike anything currently in the area.”
What is the story behind Balos?
Vouvoudakis and Tsiplakos founded For Five Coffee Roasters in 2010, which began as a coffee roasting operation in Queens, New York and now has numerous locations nationwide. After the success of For Five, Vouvoudakis and Tsiplakos joined Ragonese in forming their restaurant group.
Balos opened in December 2023 in D.C.'s Dupont Circle neighborhood, and the following year became a Michelin Guide selected restaurant. The Michelin Guide has expanded beyond its well-known star ratings to now also include Bib Gourmand, Green Star and Selected, or recommended, status. Sarasota earned its first Michelin Guide recognition earlier this year, with Lucky 8 earning Bib Gourmand status and Tralia and Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery selected.
Balos also made news in 2025 when Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin celebrated breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record by taking his family and friends to the bought-out restaurant for food, drinks, dancing and partying, according to Washingtonian.
The Edge Sarasota, at the corner of Cocoanut Avenue and Fruitville Road, is a 10-story luxury condominium building featuring 27 residences with panoramic views, floor-to-ceiling windows and private residential amenities.
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Michelin-recognized restaurant coming to downtown Sarasota
