Edinburgh's newest dining experience is set to open later this month, with Greek restaurant Kuzina set to launch in the New Town.
Described as an ‘Authentic Taste of Greece with a Modern Twist’, Kuzina will open at 18 Howe Street on April 28 and will offer the "finest Greek food and flavours".
Kuzina, which in English means Kitchen, will see owner Konstantinos Karvelis who arrived in Edinburgh in February 2018, realise a dream of his.
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"Having graduated from the National Theatre of Greece and worked as an actor for around 15 years I have an artistic outlook on life and I believe this is reflected in Kuzina," he explained. "When we found our space in the New Town it required a significant upgrade in terms of the presentation of the building.
"It has been wonderful to use my skills and see my artistic passion come alive in the design and ambience."
He added that developing the menu alongside executive chef Dimitris Dimitriadis and head chef Konstantinos Sakellariou has been a "pleasure".
Konstantinos stated: "At Kuzina you will enjoy dishes that are a true demonstration of our philosophy – through honest, respectful and mindful cooking we can take you on a journey to explore Greek food like never before. ‘We are excitedly looking forward to welcoming our first diners."
Creative chef Dimitris, has previously worked alongside many distinguished Greek chefs and with many prestigious restaurants as head chef both in Greece and abroad, explained that the menu has been created to reflect an "authentic taste of Greece"
Adding: "It features some of our most traditional and well-loved ingredients – the olive oil that accompanies our sourdough comes from Sitia, Crete and has won a number of prestigious awards in Greece and internationally; oregano from Taygetos, a famous mountain close to Sparta, gathered locally; and Mastiha, found exclusively on an island called Chios in the Aegean Ocean."
Head chef, Konstantinos, who has worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star hotels and private members clubs said he has joined Kuzina restaurant "to be able to bring his enthusiasm, creativity and attention to detail and to present to Edinburgh diners Greek food with a modern twist".
Konstantinos continued: "Our signature lamb giouvetsi dish brings together so many delicious flavours, flavours that have been part of the Greek palate for centuries. Wild fennel, thyme and lemon thyme, sundried tomatoes and of course lamb. It is a personal favourite of mine as it brings back so many happy memories."
The exterior of the building in the New Town features a famous Greek poem – Ithaka by C.P. Cavafy, widely considered the most distinguished Greek poet of the 20th century.
This poem was specially selected by Konstantinos Karvelis as he wanted to present a sense of the ancient Greek wall paintings carved in stone which is inextricably linked to Greek History. He added: "It represents man’s constant struggle for survival and the triumph of values against the fear we ourselves put in our way. I am always inspired and feel strong when I read it, particularly now that I am starting on the next stage of a constant journey."
Kuzina is beginning to take bookings and will be open Wednesday and Thursday 12pm-3pm and 5.30 pm-9pm; Friday and Saturday 12 pm-3 pm and 5.30 pm-10 pm; and Sunday 12pm-8.30 pm.
You can find out more on the Kuzina website.
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