New Greek Restaurant, Inspired By Family Roots, Opens In Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A new Greek restaurant, Rizes Greek Taverna, is now open in Hillsborough.

Pulling from his Greek heritage and a decade of restaurant management experience, Somerset resident Dimitri Manioudakis achieved his dream of opening his own restaurant.

Rizes Greek Taverna is hosting a grand opening on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 378 S Branch Road in Hillsborough.

The BYOB restaurant serving up authentic Greek flavors took over the location formerly known as Cafe Basilico at Kingsbridge Shopping Center at 378 S Branch Rd. in Hillsborough.

Since Manioudakis was younger, he had always dreamed of opening his own restaurant.

"I think Greek cuisine is something everyone loves, and that's what I always wanted to open since I was little," said Manioudakis. "Just sharing family recipes, traditional recipes."

The name Rizes has a deep meaning to Manioudakis and his Greek heritage. Rizes in Greek means roots, family bond, and deep connections to tradition.

"Specifically in Crete, the island that I'm from, it has more meaning," said Manioudakis. "In Crete, Rizes means more than roots. Rizes is used to count olive trees, and each Rizes, that's an individual olive tree, each Rizes is a living story passed through generations."

And that's exactly what Manioudakis is hoping to share in his restaurant - family bonds and traditions.

"A lot of our recipes are going to come directly from my mom, my grandmother. Growing up always eating these traditional dishes," said Manioudakis.

The restaurant will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Online ordering, takeout, catering, private events, reservations, and gift cards are offered.

For more information, visit rizesgreektaverna.com or instagram.com/rizesgreektaverna or facebook.com.

• Previous Reporting: Inspired By Family Roots, New Greek Restaurant To Open In Hillsborough

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