Elia Gourmet debuts its new menu of Mediterranean-inspired delights

Elia Gourmet has been a local favorite and neighborhood gourmet go-to for delicious contemporary Mediterranean cuisine since 2012.

It os owned and operated by hospitality pros Dimitris Harvalis and Mario Harvalis, brothers originally from Athens, Greece who enjoy a combined 45 years’ experience at establishments such as Prime 112, Timo, Rokbar and Opium Group.

Nestled in the bottom floor of 900 Biscayne Bay, across the street from the AmericanAirlines Arena, Elia has distinguished itself as a casually sophisticated dine-in and grab ‘n’ go gem with an inviting ambiance and delectable dishes at accessible prices.

In the kitchen, Dimitris, a veteran of Miami’s nightclub scene, spent years cooking with family, and is a self-taught oven master. For his Mediterranean-inspired menu, he sources fresh fare from near and far. “We don’t have a freezer at Elia,” he admits. “The kitchen is small and the design definitely plays to my approach, which is fresh is best. We use what we order, cook with love and make sure the flavors complement the ingredients rather than overshadow them.”

Running the day-to-day operations is general manager Mario; his attention to detail and specific interest in hospitality is what makes Elia Gourmet a stand out in the market. He ensures that the restaurant stays true to the brothers’ Greek roots and that guest enjoy an authentic experience when dining with Elia.

“For us, it is a priority to represent our upbringing and deliver amazing food to our customers” Mario said.

The restaurant is debuting a creative new dinner menu blending classic favorites and contemporary creations. Starters ($9-$12) include addictive Bacon Wrapped Moroccan Dates stuffed with goat cheese and mascarpone, dressed with a balsamic fig glaze; Atlantic Sapphire Salmon lettuce wraps with roasted sweet peppers and a dollop of house-made tzatziki sauce; Baby Back Pork Ribs with a touch of kale, ginger, apple purée and citrus-pickled portabella mushrooms, and Artisan Flatbread with blue cheese, thin sliced Bosc pears, shiitake mushrooms, fresh arugula and a drizzle of truffle oil.

Entrees boast delicious variations for everyone from vegetarians and pescetarians to carnivores. Main dishes ($14-$19) include Double Stacked Eggplant Parmesan smothered in mozzarella cheese and fresh chopped basil; Atlantic Sapphire Salmon crusted with whole grain mustard and served with a brown rice spinach risotto; Crispy Panko Breaded Chicken Breast with arugula and fresh mozzarella topped with a cherry tomato salad; Pastitsio, layers of hollow pasta, topped with Greek style ground beef Bolognese sauce and homemade béchamel, and a classic NY Strip served with tricolor organic baby carrots, sautéed red bell peppers and pearl onions topped with red wine rosemary butter.

For the perfect ending to any meal, Sweets ($5-$6) range from Vanilla Crème Brulee with fresh berries and classic New York Cheesecake with strawberry or chocolate sauce to an indulgent Baklava Creamy Cheesecake and a Chocolate Ganache Cake.

The 1,28-square-foot restaurant features a charming rustic décor complete with exposed wood panels and vintage light fixtures. Elia Gourmet’s open kitchen and juice bar greet guests; it seats 60 between a lively dining room and covered patio, which sports views of Biscayne Bay. The perfect setting for a quick business workday lunch and dinner with friends and family, Elia Gourmet also offers grab ‘n’ go and a variety of catering packages that can be personally tailored to fit any group size and budget. In fact, a major part of the Harvalis brothers’ success has been their go-to status awarded to them by area businesses for catered lunches and corporate functions.

“Our fans have been very good to us,” Mario said. “Their support has helped make us a success and generate a great deal of business out of a small but efficient space. It’s been a great four years and we’re looking forward to what’s next.”

Dimitris also has teamed up with Atlantic Sapphire, the world’s first environmentally friendly salmon farming brand. As an ambassador, Dimitris said, “The product is proof that fresh, sustainable seafood can be accomplished and I am delighted to serve it.”

That next thing up for the team is a new market in Wynwood, with a variety of products for sale, including freshly-made, ready-to-eat items. Jarred and bottle products from the Elia kitchen as well as curated goods featuring amazing olive oils, sauces and an international selection of wines and beers on offer. The new Elia Mediterranean Products market (located at 196 NW 36 St.) is scheduled to open is early summer.

Elia Gourmet, located at 900 Biscayne Boulevard (Suite 105) is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Hours of operation are: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Metered and municipal parking are available. Call 786-558-ELIA or visit www.eliamiami.com for information.


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