Greek Sensations
Nikko Moulagianis opened Nikko's restaurant 4 years ago to bring authentic Greek cuisine to Lakewood residents in the ever-expanding world of food available in our fair city. Nikko moved his business to Lakewood after operating two successful taverns in Parma and Brunswick The restaurant has a loyal following
Walking into Nikko's, one is immediately impressed by the beautiful colors on the walls and the high tech look. Nikko offers up an array of authentic Greek dishes, "Greek-anized", according to Nikko, that impressed us as we tasted our way through a variety of items
For starters we tried the Saganaki, which is Greek Kefalotyri cheese pan-fried in olive oil; rich, crispy-creamy, and so delicious. Next, we tried the Sautéed Calamari. This dish consisted of fresh squid sautéed in olive oil, white wine, and vegetables; not your ordinary battered and deep-fried counterpart. The fresh squid was of the highest quality and literally melts in your mouth.
Moving on to salads, we sampled the Elliniki which is a typical Greek salad with crisp Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives and feta cheese. The salad was incredibly fresh and appetizing. Another recommendation in the salad department is the Horiatiki, an authentic Greek salad, same as above but with no Romaine and the goodies arranged beautifully on the plate.
Gyro sandwiches remain a perpetual hit at Nikko's. The Gyro Platter is the number one selling item on the luncheon menu. The two entrees we ordered are both crowd-pleasing favorites according to Nikko. Chicken Parthenon ($15,) includes chicken breast, rice pilaf, feta cheese, and roasted bell pepper all wrapped in phyllo dough and baked to a golden brown topped with a creamy dijonaise sauce. This rich dish will satisfy the most discriminating culinary guru. Our personal favorite, the Kokkinisto Arni ($16), is similar to Osso Bucco with a twist. Kokkinisto is braised lamb shank (instead of veal shank), slow roasted in a tomato-based sauce and served with rice pilaf and green beans. Fork tender and flavors so intense - this entrée is to die for.
Desserts are authentically Greek and all homemade. Baklava, a standard, is delicious and delicate and the "Sweet Ariana" (named after Nikko's daughter) is actually a combination of 3 desserts; Baklava, Sweet Custard, and Shredded Wheat pastry. This dessert is more than a treat it is an experience.
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Nikko shared with us that he is working on the space next door to accommodate private parties. The space is ready and plans have been drawn up but there are issues with the city and specifically, the building department. Nikko believed he has tried to follow strict guidelines put forth by the building department but an unresolved issue remains. The city requires 12 parking spaces for an approval. Nikko has been working overtime to be able to provide an excellent space for us Lakewood folks to enjoy a beautiful space for political fund raisers, graduation and holiday parties etc. Yet, it seems as though the building department doesn't see the benefits of assisting growing businesses in accommodating the needs of local business and public folks for adding a "party center" to our fair city. We hope this can and will be resolved soon.
Nikko has built a truly beautiful restaurant that supports a full bar and wine list. Nikko is the chef each day, all day. His cuisine rivals the best Lakewood has to offer. The atmosphere is pleasant and family oriented. Friday nights at 9:00 PM there is a "Belly Dancing" performance and yes, it is suitable for the kids to watch. Nikko's is highly recommend for fun, food, and entertainment.
Nikko's is located at:
15625 Detroit Avenue
(216) 226-7050
Hours Mon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. till 11:00p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 a.m.
Closed Sundays
Walking into Nikko's, one is immediately impressed by the beautiful colors on the walls and the high tech look. Nikko offers up an array of authentic Greek dishes, "Greek-anized", according to Nikko, that impressed us as we tasted our way through a variety of items
For starters we tried the Saganaki, which is Greek Kefalotyri cheese pan-fried in olive oil; rich, crispy-creamy, and so delicious. Next, we tried the Sautéed Calamari. This dish consisted of fresh squid sautéed in olive oil, white wine, and vegetables; not your ordinary battered and deep-fried counterpart. The fresh squid was of the highest quality and literally melts in your mouth.
Moving on to salads, we sampled the Elliniki which is a typical Greek salad with crisp Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives and feta cheese. The salad was incredibly fresh and appetizing. Another recommendation in the salad department is the Horiatiki, an authentic Greek salad, same as above but with no Romaine and the goodies arranged beautifully on the plate.
Gyro sandwiches remain a perpetual hit at Nikko's. The Gyro Platter is the number one selling item on the luncheon menu. The two entrees we ordered are both crowd-pleasing favorites according to Nikko. Chicken Parthenon ($15,) includes chicken breast, rice pilaf, feta cheese, and roasted bell pepper all wrapped in phyllo dough and baked to a golden brown topped with a creamy dijonaise sauce. This rich dish will satisfy the most discriminating culinary guru. Our personal favorite, the Kokkinisto Arni ($16), is similar to Osso Bucco with a twist. Kokkinisto is braised lamb shank (instead of veal shank), slow roasted in a tomato-based sauce and served with rice pilaf and green beans. Fork tender and flavors so intense - this entrée is to die for.
Desserts are authentically Greek and all homemade. Baklava, a standard, is delicious and delicate and the "Sweet Ariana" (named after Nikko's daughter) is actually a combination of 3 desserts; Baklava, Sweet Custard, and Shredded Wheat pastry. This dessert is more than a treat it is an experience.
.
Nikko shared with us that he is working on the space next door to accommodate private parties. The space is ready and plans have been drawn up but there are issues with the city and specifically, the building department. Nikko believed he has tried to follow strict guidelines put forth by the building department but an unresolved issue remains. The city requires 12 parking spaces for an approval. Nikko has been working overtime to be able to provide an excellent space for us Lakewood folks to enjoy a beautiful space for political fund raisers, graduation and holiday parties etc. Yet, it seems as though the building department doesn't see the benefits of assisting growing businesses in accommodating the needs of local business and public folks for adding a "party center" to our fair city. We hope this can and will be resolved soon.
Nikko has built a truly beautiful restaurant that supports a full bar and wine list. Nikko is the chef each day, all day. His cuisine rivals the best Lakewood has to offer. The atmosphere is pleasant and family oriented. Friday nights at 9:00 PM there is a "Belly Dancing" performance and yes, it is suitable for the kids to watch. Nikko's is highly recommend for fun, food, and entertainment.
Nikko's is located at:
15625 Detroit Avenue
(216) 226-7050
Hours Mon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. till 11:00p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 a.m.
Closed Sundays
Volume 1, Issue 10, Posted 11.30 AM / 15th November 2005.