New Greek Taverna Coming To Darien; Here's When It Could Open

DARIEN, CT — A new restaurant is set to open in Darien soon, filling a void in the local food scene and bringing classic yet modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine to the area.

Lykos Taverna, an independent concept from Bareburger co-founder Euripedes Pelekanos, will open inside the 3,400 square-foot space that formerly housed Seamore's in Darien Commons at 110 Heights Road.

Seamore's, a New York City-based seafood chain, recently closed all of its locations, the brand's website says. The Darien location opened in 2023.

"I've been waiting forever for an opportunity to open up this style of Greek tavern in Connecticut since I moved here," Pelekanos told Patch this week.

Crews are still working to finish renovations, said Pelekanos, who is eyeing a soft opening in mid-February if all goes according to plan.

A native of New York City whose family is from Greece, Pelekanos moved to CT in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The one cuisine and restaurant that I didn't really see, I just didn't see represented the way it should be represented in Connecticut, was really an elevated Greek modern tavern," Pelekanos added. "I think the community needs something like this."

Pelekanos described Lykos Taverna as an "upscale, fun, casual place that's still family friendly," but has a bit of a social scene at night.

The menu figures to be "tight and highly curated," Pelekanos said, noting the concept is a blend of some of the finer Greek restaurants and hip Mediterranean/Middle Eastern eateries that have opened up recently in NYC.

"It's going to be a very fish-forward menu; branzino, large sardines, salmon, swordfish, giant shrimp, grilled octopus, calamari. The menu will have a really nice mezze share section with some really nice skewers and Greek salads and dips," he said.

The wine list will boast a strong collection of Greek wines, to go along with French, Italian and American offerings. The wine list and cocktail program are being developed by NYC sommeliers and mixologists, according to Pelekanos.

The restaurant will have about 125 seats inside and 50 outside.

"It's going to be a very sort of classic but modern Greek island tavern, with a beautiful bar, a big bar area, big wooden communal tables, big wooden rattan chandeliers. It's going to be very comfortable and cool," Pelekanos said. "I think it's going to be a great, great place for large gatherings and big parties."

Lykos Taverna will open for dinner at first, and eventually offer brunch and lunch in the coming warmer months.