Varka Estiatorio, located in the heart of Chicago’s Greektown, is the city’s most expensive restaurant. Vassilis Xanthopoulos, a restaurateur of Greek descent, founded it in 1998.
Varka Estiatorio: A Masterpiece Dining Place
Varka Estiatorio, founded in 1998 by chef Vassilis Xanthopoulos of Greek heritage, has received multiple distinctions. The restaurant, located in Chicago’s Greektown area, has swiftly become one of the city’s most popular eateries.
While growing up in Greece, Xanthopoulos worked as a server in his family’s restaurant during the summer. He fell madly in love with Chicago after relocating there for college in 1990. Varka entered this world after graduating from college to open a restaurant.
Varka’s genuine Greek cuisine is well-known for its use of fresh and locally obtained ingredients. The menu features a variety of Greek foods, including souvlaki, lamb chops, and moussaka. The restaurant offers a large selection of Greek wines and beers.
Xanthopoulos’ commitment to quality and honesty has earned him recognition. Many journals and newspapers have profiled him, including Food & Wine, The Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times. Varka has earned multiple honors, including the Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Atmosphere
Traditional Greek furnishings, gentle lighting, and exposed brick walls combine to create a warm and friendly atmosphere. You will get the sensation that you are in an Aegean tavern. Varka is busiest on weekends. The air is filled with lively conversations, the sound of glasses clinking, and the aroma of cooked food, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.
Menu
Varka Estiatorio serves a vast selection of traditional Greek cuisine cooked with fresh, in-season ingredients. The menu includes the following areas:
- Appetizers: A variety of bite-sized foods suitable for spreading around. Some of the most popular options include Greek yogurt dip with cucumber, saganaki (pan-seared cheese), and moussaka (an eggplant and lamb dish).
- Main Course: This section’s main dishes include grilled meats, fish, and vegetarian choices. Popular dishes include grilled octopus with roasted peppers, lemon, and herbs, grilled lamb chops, and Santorini shrimp in a tomato broth with white wine and feta cheese.
- Stews: Varka serves a variety of soups and stews, including vegetable and seafood chowder (Greek fisherman’s chowder), lentil soup (onion, carrot, celery, and lentils), and moussaka soup (eggplant and lamb in tomato broth).
- Side Dishes: Varka offers a variety of side dishes, including rice, potatoes, and roasted vegetables. Favorites on the menu include roasted asparagus with garlic and olive oil, lemon roasted potatoes, and Gigantes, a dish of giant beans cooked in tomato sauce.
- Sweet Treats: Varka serves a variety of sweet delights, including baklava, galaktoboureko, and loukoumades, among others. The first is a phyllo dough filled with honey and almonds, while the second is a custard pie. Favorites include galaktoboureko (custard pie), loukoumades (fried dough balls in honey syrup), and baklava (phyllo pastry filled with almonds and honey).
- Salads: Varka’s salad menu includes both classic Greek salads and more innovative versions. Popular dishes include Cobb salad with chicken, bacon, avocado, egg, and blue cheese, as well as seafood nicoise with grilled vegetables, scallops, shrimp, tuna, and olives. Greek salad also contains onions, oregano, feta cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Final Words
Finally, Varka Estiatorio is a culinary gem in Chicago’s Greektown. This high-end Greek restaurant, founded by chef Vassilis Xanthopoulos, is known for its fresh, local ingredients. The warm and inviting setting and vast menu of traditional Greek delights make Varka Estiatorio a Michelin Bib Gourmand and another magazine favorite. The restaurant is Chicago’s most costly and esteemed due to its quality and Greek cuisine.