"Award winning chef and restauranteur Michael Mina, who’s Mina Group boats dozens of outposts nationwide, is opening its first Greek-inspired restaurant, Ornos Estiatorio, on September 29 in Aventura Mall. Led by Mina and Las Vegas’ own Girair “Jerry” Goumroian and Chef Nikolaos Georgousis, the 160-seat restaurant will feature traditional fare inspired by the Greek Isles. The restaurant will mark South Florida’s first-ever “fish sommelier,” who will help guide guests through the seafood heavy menu. Ornos Estiatorio will serve up dishes like Greek sea bass, Mediterranean snapper, lobster, and will include a raw bar displaying oysters, calamari, octopus, and a wide selection of fish. For meat lovers the restaurant will feature several popular traditional items such as lemon chicken, lamb shoulder, and classic spreads such as tzatziki, hummus, and roasted eggplant. For those looking to order for takeout or delivery, the restaurant will offer items that travel well like traditional egg-lemon soup, grilled octopus, grilled filet mignon, and more. As for the design of the space, Mina Group tapped Foundry Concept & Design to bring the space, which once housed in the same space that Mina’s former eatery International Smoke, to life. Inspired by traditional Greek interior designs, Ornos Estiatorio will have neutral palettes, white wall planks, and hanging modern lights filled with plants. The 3,200 square-foot interior space will include pops of blue, a symmetrical wall mural, and touches of limestone-inspired titles to create a rustic look. Plus, it features a 1,600 square-foot outdoor patio featuring plenty of wood textures, tribal patterns, side chairs, and sofas. Ornos Estiatorio will be open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, and will be launching a lunch, brunch, and happy hour menu later this year. To make reservations to dine-in, call 786-697-1681." - Olee Fowler
