It’s all about respect at Kyria, a new Greek restaurant opening Aug. 29 in Harrison.
Owner Granit Shala, who grew up in the restaurant world — his father owns Tutta Bella in Scarsdale — wanted to respect his other restaurateurs, which meant not adding another Italian eatery to the neighborhood (“There’s already so many great ones here,” he said). He also wanted to show respect to diners by offering “authentic Greek food” in a modern, trendy atmosphere that’s welcoming to all.
Hence the name, which in Greek is the feminine title of respect for a woman, basically like madame, Ms., Miss or Mrs.
Shala’s other goal? To create a warm, welcoming environment where people feel special, happy and want to come back.
Décor details
To do that, he lightened and brightened the space on Purdy Street. What had been the short-lived J American Grill, and before that Patsy’s Pizzeria of Harrison, now sports a white and tan décor with posters of Greek islands on the walls, and to come, a large evil eye.
There are also reupholstered booths (in tan), new acoustic panels on the ceiling (to cut down on the noise), a new sound system, upgraded lighting fixtures, white tablecloths and two faux olive trees in the dining room to add a touch of greenery.
In the bar area toward the back, there’s a faux pink tree with branches dotted with twinkle lights, alongside a swing and the word Kyria, making for a great Insta pic.
The bar is a standout feature — with 25 seats, it’s long been touted as the longest bar in Westchester. There’s a cut-out window (it had been black; now it’s white) in the dining room that showcases the bar’s beauty, complete with backlit lighting featuring Kyria’s many spirits including a host of Greek wines. (Diners can expect Greek wines by the glass.)
The still original 60-year-old wood bar is now painted white with new shelving and a new backsplash.
The Kyria menu
Seafood and fresh fish are a huge focus of the menu, so much so that there’s a display case in the dining room showcasing various catches.
“We’re all about fresh ingredients and authentic flavors sourced from specialty vendors,” said Shala. “It’s simple, but with a nice presentation.”
Sample items include black sea bass, branzino, salmon and dorado, as well as classic dishes like moussaka, spinach pie, lamb chops, and a host of dips (think tzatziki, spicy feta and baba ghanoush).
Appetizers are large and meant for splitting, with standout dishes such as grilled octopus, served in pieces for easier sharing, colossal shrimp with tartar sauce and zucchini chips.
Specialty cocktails are another focus with drinks like the Ouzo Spirtz (with ouzo, prosecco, fresh lemon and mint); Santorini Sunset (vodka, peach liqueur, fresh orange juice, grenadine, splash of soda) and Athena’s Kiss (Mastiha liqueur, pomegranate juice, lemon and rosewater).
While there’s no happy hour yet, Shala said that could change in the future. “We want to be welcoming to all and really listen to what our guests want,” he said.
“We will adjust as needed.”
If you go to Kyria in Harrison
Address: 7 Purdy St., 914-848-4641, kyriawestchester.com
Hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday; to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Good to know: There’s plenty of room for private parties, including a back room with a dance floor (think up to either 120 or 180 guests).
FYI: The restaurant is dinner only with reservations strongly suggested. They hope to be open seven days a week at some point. They also hope to eventually add lunch and brunch. Watch their social media for updates.
Looking for more food and lifestyle content?
Want more details on dining and entertainment in the lower Hudson Valley? My weekly newsletter is free — and often includes behind-the-scenes info I don’t always share in my stories. Sign up at profile.lohud.com/newsletters/manage.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New Greek restaurant in Harrison promises fresh fish, seafood, one impressive bar
Reporting by Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
