This lively Mediterranean eatery includes a cozy patio nestled along the historic brick street. The menus and decor pay homage to Giorgio Bakatsia’s upbringing in Greece and history in Durham—a revival of one of his former restaurants, Niko’s Greek Taverna, which was in this area many years ago. Delicious small meze and larger plates embracing ancient flavors from Greece and its surrounding regions are perfect for sharing around a table with friends.
Beautifully decorated and ambiance for every occasion. Menu and wine list have a good variety. The food is fantastic, and Margaret Rose took very good care of us!! Thanks for a nice evening!!
Stacie Dye
Mar 29, 2025
5
We had an unforgettable dining experience tonight! We arrived early without a reservation, and were immediately impressed by the restaurant's beautiful ambiance and relaxed vibe. It did get busier and louder as the evening went on, but the atmosphere remained pleasant. Our waiter, Niko, was a true standout—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. He provided just the right amount of attention, answered all our questions, and made excellent recommendations.
We opted to share several small plates and were absolutely delighted by the hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita bread. I was thrilled to try a mocktail, while my friend enjoyed a glass of wine. The crispy calamari, Santorini lemon shrimp, and zucchini cakes were all bursting with flavor. The grand finale, however, was the Dubai chocolate dessert—it was a decadent combination of dark and white chocolate mousse, crunchy pistachio phyllo dough, and pistachio ice cream. My friend already declared that she’ll be starting with the Dubai chocolate next time! We’re already looking forward to our next visit to explore more of the menu.
Kerri-Lynn Scheitel
Mar 24, 2025
5
This place has stunning decor, amazing staff, and the food is authentic and delectable. My fiancé and I were drooling from the salad and the calamari to our mains. Dessert was a bonus, thank you to Athena for a special birthday treat! Next time I am in Durham I will definitely be going back here as it came highly recommended by all the locals.
Molly Olivia
Mar 21, 2025
4
The food here is very good and it is such a cozy environment. I wish the service matched. I have been two different times in 3 weeks and unfortunately had the exact bad service from two different teams. It is a restaurant with multiple small plate options, and you'd imagine it would be for sharing. But they don't course anything, so everything arrives at the table at once, and they never clear anything once it's done. Both times, our table was overflowing with empty plates and brought dessert menus, dessert, and checks. Nothing cleared. Every time a server passed or offered us dessert/check they left with empty hands.
I think the staff just needs better training. The management has failed their staff.
Stephen Mutz
Feb 27, 2025
5
Went here with my wife on a double date and we really loved it! The Brussels were amazing and the beets were so fresh. The potatoes were really good though felt like a little more crisp would have been solid.
Our waitress was really kind.
We were disappointed in the desserts - one had clearly just been taken from the freezer and was thawing, but the crème brûlée was good enough.
Will be back for sure!
Miranda Sterrett
Feb 27, 2025
5
Absolutely a wonderful dining experience in Durham, NC. From the moment I walked into this charming Greek restaurant, I knew I was in for something special. I enjoyed the Tahini Kale Caesar as a starter, followed by the Shaved Octopus Dakos, then the Marinated Lamb T-Bone Steaks, and finally the Banana Walnut Baklava. I truly enjoyed this dining experience. Located near Duke University, Durham Performing Arts Center and Downtown Durham.
Bugs Subu
Feb 16, 2025
5
Excellent place for a special dinner! Lots of varieties of vegetarian and vegan food! The ambience is warm and welcoming! Definitely going back to try some other delicacies! Fresh, flavorful and beautiful- everything I imagined for a Valentine’s Day dinner!
Noelia Bautista
Jan 18, 2025
3
I went on a Sunday morning with a reservation and sat inside the restaurant, which was nice. We ordered coffee drip and cappuccino, the grilled cheese & braised short rib sandwich (very tasty), and eggs shakshuka. For starters, we had the brunch meze platter (3 spreads), but there was a mistake with one of them—they brought the wrong one. The waiter seemed annoyed when we pointed it out, as if we were lying. When it was corrected, someone from the staff approached and made a snarky comment, asking, “Is everything okay now?” My recommendation: Instead of being rude, they should double-check the orders with customers to avoid situations like this. I recommend Nikos for the food and atmosphere, but not for the service, which is sad because it ruins the whole experience.
John Doe
Jan 18, 2025
5
Amazing food. The Greek Mac and Cheese is superb as is the Greek yogurt. Great staff. Parking is a challenge and the chairs are hard wood, but the food is excellent. Highly recommend.
Christy Godkin
Dec 7, 2024
5
Wonderful dinner pre-DPAC 'Twas the Night Before... By Cirque du Soleil. Highly recommend the Sough dough bread, salmon, Chicken Shawarma (which came with those awesome fries crisp on the outside and fluffy inside), Salmon, and definitely get the Horta!!!!!! The Assyrtiko white wine is very dry, crisp, hint of green apple, perfect with the meal.
Brad Davis
Dec 6, 2024
5
Had a reservation for Thursday night. It was really hopping, and we got seated right away. Service was excellent, and everything we tried was very good. Red Sangria was on point. Brussels were bursting with flavor, Muhammara had just the right spice, beets were very flavorful, Avgolemono Soup was very authentic.
Dan Jahn
Nov 12, 2024
5
Let's start with dessert....our table tried three...the baklava was the winner with a nice warmth and crispiness that brought great delight. The other big standout from our meal was the Muhammara - it was lightly blended dried red peppers with a sweet hint that was paired with a delicious flat bread. All in all a great meal.
Rachel B
Oct 27, 2024
5
The ambiance and food were excellent! We sat at the chef's table and it was a great experience. The head chef was so friendly and accommodating. We will be back!
Carlye Daugird
Oct 10, 2024
5
My new favorite Mediterranean restaurant of all Chapel Hill - Durham are. Perfect all around.
Food: Fresh ingredients, best flavors, authentic, innovative flavor forward presentation of the dishes. I really can't say enough about how good the food is.
I felt like every bite surpassed what I was hoping for! : zucchini cakes, seafood, salad, cooked greens, creme brulee and more. 🥗🍮😍
Friendly, professional, kind and personable staff, never pushy.
Ambience was relaxing and beautiful. Exposed bricks, beautiful finished wood columns, eclectic chandaliers, fresh flowers. I absolutely loved the whole vibe!
Mark Thepro
Aug 25, 2024
5
Met my mother who is a cross country trucker at a nearby rest stop. Picked restaurant and made reservation at random based on menu and rating.
The atmosphere and decor were very welcoming with intriguing art pieces. I like that the menu was fairly small. Often in my experiences with Greek places, they go off the rails. My wife loved the Salmon and Tres leches dessert. Mother loved the NY strip even though she prefers a cut they didn't have as an option. Chris ( unsure of spelling) handled my mother like a pro, real emotional Intelligence and professionalism throughout the dinner. Can't expect any better service. Knowledge and in depth descriptions of all dishes and cocktails. Recommendations of the dishes post receiving palate preference.
We never felt unattended. The lamb I ordered was possibly the best lamb I've ever had. I would consider myself a lamb lover in all cultural foods. 10 out of 10 and one of the last 2, the kitchen had this night.
Audrey White
Aug 10, 2024
5
FANTASTIC GREEK FOOD! i love this place. i wish i could go back every week because i want to try every single thing on this menu. I have yet to have a dish I don’t like. Tonight I got the Lamb Manti as a main, even though it’s not recommended as a main, but it was still enough food for me after sharing a grand platter for an app. Last time I had the braised short ribs which also phenomenal. Service has also been great and the ambience is so lovely. I will be back many times!
NSA
Aug 6, 2024
5
L L L LOVED IT 4.5/5
located in a cute district, the location has indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor seating is very beautiful and is ordained with different artwork , it's very suitable for a date night. they also have a more private large table for events on the side.
most dishes we had were very delicious. our favorites being the octopus, beets and flaming cheese.
for the manti, Even as someone who loves garlic, the raw garlic was too much, It was still delicious, but it overpowered the dish and I couldn't taste the lamb.
The flaming cheese had very little cheese, but the jam that accompanied it. was its saving Grace.
I was very happy to find some of my favorite Lebanese wines and they also serve Greek beer which was delicious, and I don't like beer.
I definitely come back here for another date night.
service was good as well.
Cece Peterson
Jul 23, 2024
5
Our food and drinks were all fantastic and looked so pretty... from our calamari appetizer to our scrumptious dessert. I could have eaten an entire bowl of the ice cream, it was so good! I ordered the bronzino fish and summer watermelon salad while my husband had the short ribs and potatoes. Our server was so kind and gave us some wonderful recommendations. My only negative is that the tables are fairly close together and the restaurant is a little noisy because the space is small. Years ago we used to go to the original Nikos: this reincarnated version has a new and fresh Mediterranean vibe. Here's to a make-over of Brightleaf Square.
Liz Crampton
Jul 15, 2024
4
Great flavors and everything was cooked well. We got the Greek Mac n cheese which was heavenly (rich and nutmeg I think but delish), the special which was haloumi in lettuce with bacon and dates (fresh, crunchy), the cauliflower which was really incredible (sour/acidic, really different) and my husband got the slow cooked ribs which were good but not the best thing on the table. I also got a tequila cocktail with ouzo which was different, the ouzo really came through (very liquorish flavor) which isn't what I was after but it was different.
The service was okay, staff were helpful recommending dishes but then disappeared. Hard to order another drink and no check in during dinner.
We got an early seating at 5.15 on Friday night so it was quiet before the rush. It's pretty hard to get a table otherwise.
I would definitely come back and try other dishes. The chef(s) know what they're doing.
ibraheem kh.
Jun 23, 2024
5
I recently brunches with family at Nikos and was thoroughly impressed. The food quality and flavor were outstanding, with dishes like Hummus, lemon potato and chicken shawarma made with fresh ingredients and tasting delicious. The charming and cozy setup added to the pleasant atmosphere. The service was excellent, with friendly and attentive staff ensuring a great experience. Overall, it is a fantastic spot for Greek cuisine with great ambiance and service. Highly recommended!
