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A true Greek kitchen and what an absolute treat. Naōs Hellenic Cuisine in Cary left a lasting impression from the moment we walked in. From the food to the service to the ambiance, everything felt intentional, refined, and thoughtfully executed.
First impressions matter, and one small but meaningful detail immediately stood out. Our server came to the table and asked what type of water we preferred. I personally do not drink tap water, and I truly appreciate when a restaurant takes the time to ask rather than automatically pouring it while I am trying to decline. It set the tone for the level of attentiveness we experienced throughout the evening.
The restaurant itself is stunning. Elegant, polished, and full of class without feeling stiff or pretentious. The space feels warm and elevated at the same time, like the kind of place where time slows down just enough for you to enjoy every bite.
We started with the Spanakopita and the Calamari, and both were excellent. I will say that lemon is used generously throughout the menu. While I am not a huge fan of overpowering citrus, it never crossed into unpleasant territory.
The Spanakopita was not traditional in the classic sense, but the chef absolutely got it right. Perfect balance of flavor, cheese, and texture with an incredible crunch. This is the kind of dish you would happily take home and snack on later.
The Calamari was cooked to perfection. Light, tender, and full of flavor. It came with a lemon aioli that was not my personal favorite, but our server suggested pairing it with a side of the tomato sugo that accompanies the Shrimp Saganaki. That suggestion changed everything. The sugo was rich, savory, and completely elevated the dish.
For soups, I ordered the beef cheek soup, which I would describe as just okay. Not bad, but it did not stand out compared to everything else we tried. Another person in our party ordered the chicken lemon soup and felt the lemon flavor was too overwhelming to fully enjoy.
Now, let’s talk about the mains, because this is where Naōs truly shines.
The pork chop. Whew. Pure perfection. Perfectly seasoned, beautifully cooked, juicy, and full of flavor. Nothing extra needed. This dish was executed with confidence and restraint, and it showed.
The Souvla completely surprised me. I am not typically a dark meat chicken eater, but wow. The chicken was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. Paired with the warm pita, creamy tzatziki, and the fresh side salad, this dish was outstanding. Every element worked together effortlessly.
The short rib was the least favorite at the table, but that speaks more to how strong the other dishes were because it was still very good. Savory, comforting, and the gravy was rich and delicious. It simply did not steal the spotlight like the others.
The Shrimp Saganaki was a small but mighty dish. The shrimp were truly colossal and cooked perfectly. The tomato base was bold, rich, and incredibly satisfying. Personally, I would have loved a side of noodles to soak up every drop of that sauce.
We also ordered the Greek salad and my, my, my, it was so good. Fresh, crisp, and beautifully balanced. The thick slice of feta on top was the perfect finishing touch and made it stand out from your typical Greek salad.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed our experience from start to finish. Thoughtful service, elegant surroundings, and food that clearly reflects care and craftsmanship. Naōs Hellenic Cuisine is a fantastic addition to the Cary dining scene, and it is absolutely a place we will be returning to. If you appreciate elevated Greek cuisine with heart and intention, this is a restaurant you should not miss.