Nikos-Durham

Nikos draws inspiration from the Bakatsias family heritage. It revives a former Durham staple in Brightleaf, paying homage to Nikos Bakatsias, the father of Giorgios and the pioneer of the family in North Carolina and the US. At its core, Nikos celebrates an integral part of Greek culture, deeply cherished and practiced by the Bakatsias family in every aspect of life: philoxenia. Derived from the Greek word meaning hospitality or love of the stranger, it can be traced back to ancient Greek times when the arrival of a 'xenos'(stranger) was regarded as a sacred occasion, warranting warm welcome and honor. Today, this tradition can be traced in the sharing of small meze plates around the table – being present with friends and engaging with strangers, over a glass of wine. Philoxenia was organically instilled in the restaurant and in the household of Nikos and Panayiota Bakatsias. Their doors were always open to those in need, offering shelter and hospitality during times of abundance and scarcity alike. Panayiota, the heart of the family, delighted in indulging guests with feasts comprising a diverse range of meze and dishes, regardless of the time of day. Hosting both friends and strangers, she wove her food, love, and homegrown ingredients into gatherings, creating cherished moments and connections. Nikos stands as a treasure trove of flavors distilled from Greece and the surrounding regions—spanning the southern coast of Crete to the north of Mount Athos, and from the Ionian islands to the Aegean Sea. We proudly honor our ancestral fare, inviting guests to embark on a culinary journey that encompasses health, wisdom, dreams, passions, and the timeless pursuit of ideas that transcend boundaries.