A reader tip first put Dimi's Greek House on my radar.
Then came the social media chatter.
Photos of flaming saganaki, grilled meats and wood-fired pitas have circulated steadily since the restaurant opened mid-July. It takes NiMo’s former space, replacing chef Niven Patel's short-lived Mediterranean concept.
The newcomer serves an all day menu at lunch and dinner, with several patrons telling me evening reservations can be hard to come by, a sign the restaurant is already building a following.
Last week, I stopped in (anonymously, no reservation) for lunch with hospitality entrepreneur (and "Top Chef" contestant) Stephen Asprinio to see what the excitement was about.
For a weekday afternoon, the dining room was busy.
A family affair
Behind the restaurant are brothers
Dimitris, who runs front of house, and chef Ilias Korakianitis. Together they launched the original Dimi's Greek House in London, Ontario, in 2018 before bringing the concept to other cities.
That experience shows in the polished dining room and confident menu, which blends traditional Greek dishes with contemporary presentations.
The restaurant describes itself as a modern interpretation of Greek hospitality, and the staff's welcoming attitude helps support that goal.
Why Tequesta?
Although the Korakianitis brothers considered locations throughout Florida, Dimitris said northern Palm Beach County always felt like the right fit.
They frequently visited the area while spending time with a family mentor who owned a condo nearby. Over the years, they grew attached to the communities of Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach and Palm Beach Gardens.
"We absolutely fell in love with the area," Dimitris said. "When this space became available, it checked a lot of the boxes we were looking for. It just felt right."
The brothers explored opportunities as far south as Coral Gables and Delray Beach before deciding on Tequesta.
Beyond the restaurant itself, Dimitris said they wanted to build a business in a community where they could see themselves living long term.
"We wanted to have a business where we'd enjoy being in the area," he said. "This was perfect."
Start with the pita
If I return to Dimi's tomorrow, I already know my first order.
The wood-fired sourdough pita, served with the dip trio, was the most memorable item of the meal.
Fresh from the oven, the pita arrives warm, airy and lightly charred. Its chewy texture and smoky edges encourage a separate order.
While the trio of spreads generated mixed opinions, the bread itself was exceptional and a simple dish that can define a restaurant.
Three menu items worth your attention
Among starters, the pretty halloumi date skewers were a clear standout. Halloumi is a firm, briny cheese that holds its shape when grilled. Paired with dates, honey and pistachios, it struck a satisfying balance between salty and sweet without becoming heavy.
Another terrific choice was Metaxa crispy chicken with Attiki hot honey and bright Mediterranean accents that come together in a DIY lettuce wrap that feels both familiar and distinctive.
Dessert ended the meal on a positive note. Although our black forest-inspired spoon cake arrived somewhat differently than described, Stephen and I made short work of it.
Hospitality goes a long way
Service throughout lunch was warm, accommodating and eager to please.
As with many newly opened restaurants, the team occasionally appeared to be settling into the finer points of the menu, but the enthusiasm was genuine and appreciated.
Staff members worked hard to ensure guests enjoyed their experience, a quality that can be just as important as what's coming from the kitchen.
Worth the trip?
While not inexpensive, Dimi's is priced similarly to other elevated Greek restaurants, with the atmosphere, service and menu reflecting its ambitions.
Still, between the steady crowds, reader enthusiasm, social media buzz and several memorable dishes, it's easy to understand why the restaurant has generated attention so quickly.
For me, reasons to return are clear: halloumi skewers, Metaxa chicken and, most of all, that outstanding wood-fired pita.
In addition to a full bar, Dimi's also features several Greek wines, offering an opportunity to explore varietals that rarely appear on local wine lists. Pro tip: ask for a sip before committing to a glass or bottle.
The former NiMo space has a new identity. Judging by the weekday lunch crowd, Tequesta patrons appear happy to welcome it.
Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday.
Details: 157 U.S. 1, Tequesta, 561-510-3381, dimisgreekhouse.com
Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's food & restaurant writer. Her Aunt Nota is from Greece which set an early appreciation for the country's culture and food. Care to share news tips about the local dining scene? Please send them to dbiederman@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: A reader recommended this new Greek restaurant. Here's why
