Eli Kosturi, left, with Yilka and Alban Gashi
There’s a new restaurant in town, Gigi Mediterranean Counter; a welcoming, family-owned spot at 139 Fifth Avenue—that opened for business last week.
From the moment I walked into their soft opening on December 1st, I felt an immediate sense of comfort. Whether it was a smile from one of the staff or the cozy setup of the dining room, Gigi instantly felt like a relaxed, friendly place to grab a meal in town.
The restaurant is run by Eli Kosturi, his sister Yilka and her husband Alban Gashi, who are all part of a family with deep restaurant experience. Alban Gashi’s father operates Sergio’s—the popular Italian restaurant just down the street. Alban Gashi explained that it was Eli who first introduced the idea of opening another restaurant, and from there the family ran with it. “We fell in love with the idea of owning a restaurant two years ago,” he said. The three wanted something casual and family-oriented, similar to Sergio’s, but with its own identity.
The name “Gigi” came from an unexpected place. On a trip to Paris, the Gashis stumbled upon a restaurant with that name and immediately loved how simple and memorable it was. “We knew we wanted something easy to pronounce, and after seeing it on our trip, we fell in love with the name Gigi,” Alban explained.
And while the atmosphere sets the tone, the food is really what makes Gigi stand out. You can build either a bowl or a wrap, starting with a lettuce base—romaine or a seasonal blend—and a grain like vermicelli rice or tri-color quinoa. From there, guests choose from seven different proteins, including chicken shawarma, lamb kofte, falafel and roasted cauliflower, with the option to mix and match as much as desired. Then come the unlimited toppings: roasted corn, pita chips, tomatoes, feta, and plenty more. After choosing dips like hummus, baba ganoush or tzatziki, everything is finished off with a warm piece of pita.
The December 3rd grand opening took things up a notch. There was a professional photographer, calm background music, and even a bar offering drinks to go with the complimentary meal. The owners moved around the room chatting with guests, giving the whole place a friendly, community feel.
“I loved the shawarma chicken, and with the right combo—which I definitely got—the bowl tastes delicious,” said Ethan Krivicka, who attended the opening. “The atmosphere felt really calm and casual even though it was crowded.”
“Delicious,” said Allison Dominique Anderson. “The Mediterranean food is super fresh, healthy and everything is made-to-order according to your preferences. The space is also lovely!”
Looking ahead, Alban Gashi said they’re likely to add pastries, simple desserts, and coffee to the menu to round out the experience. They also hope to bring in more tables so they can welcome even more customers.
If the grand opening is any sign, Gigi is well on its way to becoming a new Pelham neighborhood favorite.
Dining and Cooking