Chicago Gets Massive Mediterranean Spot
Chicago's Riverwalk is getting NAIA, a massive 12,000-square-foot Mediterranean restaurant and event venue opening this spring. The ambitious waterfront project promises to become a go-to destination for riverfront dining and events. The scale and location suggest it will be a major addition to Chicago's dining scene.
NAIA is a venture from DineAmic Hospitality, the group also behind prominent Chicago restaurants like Lyra and Violi. The culinary program will be spearheaded by Chef Athinagoras Kostakos, who is a partner in those existing DineAmic concepts and was the winner of Top Chef Greece. The restaurant's pan-Mediterranean menu will draw inspiration from a wide array of coastal cuisines, including those of Southern France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, and Turkey. Diners can expect a diverse offering, from a raw seafood bar and mezze plates to grilled meats, house-made pastas, and flatbreads. Spanning nearly a full city block at 300 N. LaSalle Street, the venue will feature over 150 feet of direct river frontage. The space is designed for year-round use, incorporating heated pergolas and operable window walls to adapt to Chicago's changing seasons. With seating for approximately 250 guests indoors and another 150 on the patio, NAIA is positioned to be one of the largest dining establishments along the Chicago Riverwalk. The venue will also serve as a significant private event space, with the capacity to host gatherings for as few as 30 and as many as 500 people.
