Open as of October 16, the 7,500-square-foot Kellari Taverna brings fresh Mediterranean and Atlantic catches and traditional Greek cuisine to the K Street corridor in the heart of downtown. Owners Stavros Aktipis and Gregory Zapantis have a restaurant by the same name in New York. The partners brought in New York-based Skordas Design Studio, which used antiqued white woodwork with gold accents for the walls and hardwood and stone tiles for the floors.
The focal point of the 140-seat main dining room is a fish display showcasing the catch of the day. Servers encourage guests to choose their own fish, which is grilled moments later, dressed with olive oil, oregano, capers, and lemon. For sharing in the Greek tradition, executive chef Anthony Acinapura, creates small plates, such as lamb and beef meatballs in a wine sauce and goat cheese baked with apricots, almonds, and honey.
Just to the left of the door and main dining room, there is a 30-seat lounge and bar with two 24-inch flat-screen TVs, and beyond, a 12-seat chef’s table, which offers glimpses of the kitchen and much of Kellari’s international wine collection. Nearby, the private Wine Room seats 50 and is equipped a 60-inch flat-screen TV for presentations.
The venue is available for full buyout.
