Norwalk Greek Taverna Hosts Grand Opening Event Nov. 5

Ilios Greek Taverna & Bar will hold its grand opening celebration at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, in partnership with the city of Norwalk’s Economic and Community Development agency. The event marks the official public launch of the restaurant, which has been serving customers since late spring.

Co-owner George Valouktzis said the family brought their recipes from Naoussa, a village in Greece, to the new South Norwalk location. Although Valouktzis and his sister were born in the United States, many of their relatives immigrated from Greece in 1971. The owners want diners to identify the spot strictly as a Greek restaurant rather than a broader Mediterranean establishment.

“We want to be known as a Greek restaurant because that’s what we are, we’re Greek,” Valouktzis said.

The menu features traditional dishes including moussaka, pastitsio, branzino fillets, souvlaki, and gyros. Valouktzis noted that the taverna’s wine list currently features several Greek wines, with plans to eventually stock only bottles from Greece. He said most of the current selection comes from within 10 minutes of his family’s home in northern Greece.

Diners frequently order multiple small plates, according to Valouktzis. Popular items include Cheese Saganaki, which is pan-seared kefalograviera cheese flambéed at the table with Metaxa brandy and drizzled with fig compote. Other favorites are Greek Bifteki, flame-grilled beef patties served with tzatziki, and Loukaniko, a grilled Greek sausage seasoned with citrus peel and herbs. Vegetarian options include Melitzanosalata, a mixture of roasted eggplant, tomato, garlic, and fresh herbs, and Skordalia, a traditional potato and garlic purée.

Alex Cross, assistant director of business development and tourism for the city of Norwalk, said he is looking forward to the event. He recently dined at the restaurant on a date and shared the Ilios Signature Board with his companion. “I’m still thinking about the bifteki and lamb chops,” Cross said. He added that he is excited to see the business start off strong in South Norwalk, noting that it has already made its mark with great drinks and delicious plates.