Noema, led by chef Konstantinos Kvasilava, brings charcoal-fired seafood, mezze, and a 2,400-square-foot Mediterranean patio to Fullerton Avenue.
Source/Kristen Mendiola Media
Lincoln Park has a new dinner destination worth knowing about. Noema opened last month at 1443 W. Fullerton Avenue without much fanfare—but with its completely booked patio, word of mouth has clearly spread.
The space crafted by Chef Konstantinos “Chef Kosta” Kvasilava, who previously worked at Kyma in New York City, and co-owner Stelios Mitris, a Chicago hospitality operator. Together, they’ve built a restaurant that genuinely transports you to the Aegean Sea (there’s literally a projection of the islands on the wall) without trying too hard.
Source/Kristen Mendiola Media
Kvasilava grew up between Cyprus and Greece, and his Mediterranean roots show up across every section of the menu. Expect delicious mezze, charcoal-fired fish and meats, housemade spreads, fresh herbs, and premium olive oils — all designed for the kind of long, communal meals that are the point of Greek food in the first place.
A few standouts: Crisped Lavaraki Risotto (Mediterranean sea bass on aged mizithra cheese, asparagus risotto), Charcoal-Grilled Octopus with celeriac purée and butter sauce, and a deconstructed Noema Pastitsio built around braised beef cheeks and halloumi. There’s also a butter candle served alongside freshly baked bread — the kind of dish that will leave you thinking about it.
Source/Kristen Mendiola Media
On Instagram, Kvasilava has built a following of more than 250,000 through educational cooking content focused on technique. That same obsessive attention to texture and flavor carries into the Noema kitchen.
The space covers roughly 3,000 square feet, with a 100-seat dining room, a 10-seat bar, and — the real draw this summer—a 2,400-square-foot patio shaded by olive trees, warm ambient lighting, and flowing burlap linen. It seats 80 and is exactly what a long Chicago summer evening calls for.
Noema is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:30–9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 4:30–10 p.m.; and Sunday from 1–8:30 p.m. (closed Tuesdays).
Reservations are available at the official website, and the restaurant is on Instagram at @noema_greek_gastrobar.
