Santorini puts the Greek back in Greektown

Tired of holiday leftovers yet?  Head on down to Greektown for a new dining spot featuring excellent food, friendly service, and a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

Monroe street has long been known for authentic Greek food— metro Detroiters have been flocking down there for decades. But several smaller venues have gone, prompting the owners to close down popular Mosaic and re-open as a new modern Greek restaurant with classic touches and an exciting menu.

Some specialty items include:

 Appetizers

·         Saganaki Feta – Warm and crispy feta wrapped in phyllo dough, drizzled with Greek honey, topped with sesame seeds. This is one of the more interesting appetizers I’ve had in a while. It could easily be listed on the dessert menu. Slightly sweet, creamy and delicious.

·         Octopodaki Skaras– Grilled marinated octopus in a balsamic reduction sauce and caramelized onions. Slightly fishy, nice and tender.

Entrees

·         J.P.’s Lamb Chops – Marinated in a Mediterranean mix of olive oil with rice or potato and vegetable. Good portions, grilled to perfection.

·         Arni Kleftiko – Lamb baked with potatoes, carrots and zucchini, served in a parchment ‘purse’. The lamb is tender and still pink inside. Layers of flavors highlight this dish.

·         Solomos – Pan-seared salmon with asparagus and rice, topped with an orange vodka sauce.

·         Lavraki – Classick Greek presentation of whole fish, baked in sea salt, served with a mixture of oil & lemon, rice or potato and vegetable. I’m going for this one on my next visit.

For dessert, there's two kinds of baklava and a chocolate lava cake. All highly recommended.

The entire look and feel of the restaurant has been redesigned to make customers feel like they have been transplanted to Greek island.  Grecian shutters, light colors, open windows (in season) and a locally constructed boat hull add to the atmosphere. On Monroe Street, the wall was replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows and French-style accordion doors. A patio will be installed in the spring.

Santorini Estiatorio is located in the heart of Greektown at 501 Monroe St. in Detroit. For more information and updates, find them on Facebook.   

                                                                                                     

OPA!