New Greek, Mediterranean Restaurant Planned In Port Washington

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Port Washington is getting a new restaurant offering Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The eatery is planned on Orchard Beach Boulevard in Manorhaven, at the site that once housed DiMaggio's Trattoria. The Italian restaurant left the location in the mid-2000s and reopened on Port Washington Boulevard.

Chris Fillas, an investor of the new eatery, told Patch he hopes the Greek restaurant will open before Memorial Day, which falls on May 25. He faces a few hurdles that could alter those plans though, mainly involving fire alarms, water and parking. A planning board meeting is scheduled for site plan approval Feb. 4, according to a public notice provided by Manorhaven village officials.

Fillas also hasn't settled on a name, though he has a couple in mind.

While the new joint will be Fillas' first foray into the restaurant business, he said his partners have previously opened a variety of restaurants. So far, Manorhaven neighbors who have heard the plans seem receptive, he said.

"Everything so far has seemed very favorable in the neighborhood," he said. "Everybody who showed up to the community board meeting was more or less in favor of it."

Fillas said he likes Port Washington because he knows the area well, having frequently dined at the old DiMaggio's location and knowing people who have boats in the nearby marina. He highlighted this specific location for its enviable water views, as patrons will be surrounded by water.

"I don't know too many Greek or Mediterranean restaurants that are literally on the water," he said.

The planned opening comes amid recent restaurant openings — and closings — in the area. As Patch previously reported, Margarita's Cafe officially opened for business last month on Manorhaven Boulevard, near Edgewood Road. About a month later, Mi Ranchito, which sat down the street near Kirkwood Road, permanently shut its doors.

Fillas acknowledged opening a new business always comes with challenges, and success is not guaranteed. But he believes he has a good group of restaurant operators. And just as importantly, a good product.

"We're hoping everybody that comes realizes that and becomes a continual customer there," he said.