Árdana Bringing Vibrant Flavors Of The Mediterranean To Newtown

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Two brothers who grew up in Newtown and have gone on to become successful restaurateurs are bringing their talents and good food back to their former hometown.

Mike and Antoni Christou will be opening a second location of Árdana Food & Drink, their popular Mediterranean family style restaurant in Warrington, in early March at the former site of Solstice in the Village of Newtown Shopping Center.

"We are so excited. We can't wait to show people why we are so passionate about this concept, the quality of the food we're serving and the level of service we provide," said Mike.

Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean and their own Cyprus roots, the brothers opened Árdana in 2019 at the Shops at Valley Square in Warrington. They also operate KC Prime, a high end steak house, also in Warrington.

Ricotta Ravioli

The restaurant gets its name from Árdana, a small farming community in Cyprus rich in culinary culture where the Christou’s grandmother was raised.

Their goal at Ardana is to transport guests to the Mediterranean and showcase the beauty of the native style of eating known as “meze,” where the meal is shared amongst family and friends.

The inspiration for Árdana’s cuisine also comes from the village of Árdana and influences from across the region, including Italy and the Middle East.

Among the restaurant's most popular dishes are its fresh pastas, its wood-fired pizza and its Mediterranean-style dishes, including whole-char grilled Bronzino and roasted lamb chops.

Some of its small plates include whipped ricotta, calamari, Mediterranean olives, spiced lamb and chicken skewers, salted roasted beets and humus.

Other menu items include pan-seared Atlantic salmon, eggplant Milanese, prime grade sirloin, vodka rigatoni, braised pork ragu and mushroom cavatelli.

Baklava, a Mediterranean favorite.

Brothers Mike and Antoni were raised in Newtown Township not far from Goodnoe Elementary School and graduated from Council Rock High School North. Their calling to the restaurant industry came early when they began working in their family’s restaurants in New Jersey as young teenagers.

Mike fondly remembers growing up in Newtown, enjoying the food and ice cream at the former Goodnoe Dairy Bar and Restaurant, Issac Newton's (before and after the fire) and the Italian dishes served at La Stalla, Meglio and Vecchia Osteria by Pasquale.

"It feels like a homecoming," said Mike of their return to Newtown. "Once we put up our sign people started calling and emailing. We have heard from people we haven't heard from in a while. But we love Newtown and Council Rock. And we're looking forward to renewing all of our old friendships."

Mike and Antoni Christou with their father, who operated three of his own restaurants in New Jersey.

Mike went on to attend Culinary School at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. After graduating, he worked for one of the most renowned restaurateurs in Philadelphia before returning to where he got his start, flourishing steakhouse concept KC Prime, with his brother Antoni, father and uncle.

The brothers said they are thrilled to be bringing a piece of their heritage back to Newtown with Ardana Food & Drink.

"Once you enter our doors you’ll feel as if you’re amongst family with a fresh and airy environment and plates that draw inspiration straight from the coast of Árdana," they wrote on their website. "After one visit, Árdana will quickly become a favorite amongst family and friends - for dinner, parties, and every meal in-between."

The restaurant will be serving the same menu as Warrington, but it also will be open for lunch service during the work week with brunch served on the weekends. To view the Ardana menu, click here.