Violí, a taverna-style Greek restaurant, is planning to launch this fall at Mercato in North Naples.
The new restaurant is moving into the large, longtime space of Bravo Italian Kitchen at 9110 Strada Place, Suite 6145.
Bravo closed at the end of the Independence Day holiday weekend after operating for more than 15 years at Mercato. When the Italian restaurant launched locally in fall 2009, it was one of the first dining spots to open in the mixed-use center that launched in 2008.
Violí will bring an immersive Greek dining experience to that 6,500-square-foot restaurant space with a 1,500-square-foot open-air patio adjacent to the Piazza public common area at Mercato. The center is expected to break ground this month for a redevelopment project that will expand the green space and outdoor seating and create a stage for live entertainment.
The new 350-seat restaurant is envisioned as a Mykonian escape that builds on a sister concept, Lýra — a Greek restaurant in Chicago that also is part of Chicago-based DineAmic Hospitality’s more than a dozen restaurant brands. DineAmic anticipates sharing authentic Greek flavors to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
“We have spent many years in Naples and have always felt a deep connection to this city,” said DineAmic co-founder Luke Stoioff, whose family resides in the Naples area. “After the success of Lýra in Chicago, we’re excited to bring the warmth of Greek hospitality to Southwest Florida.”
DineAmic also has operated Taverna Violí since November 2022 at a mall in Oak Brook Village, an affluent western suburb of Chicago. Violí was sparked by Stoioff and his DineAmic Hospitality partner, David Rekhson, during their travels throughout Greece, where they acquired an appreciation for the Greek lifestyle.
Taste of taverna
After the trip to Greece, their hospitality group opened Lýra, which began their partnership with world renowned Chef Athinagoras Kostakos.
A Greek native and “Top Chef Greece” winner, Kostakos also will helm Violí’s open kitchen, expanding his signature taverna-style cuisine to Florida with a focus on wood-fired techniques and bold, rustic flavors. Dishes will include grilled lamb chops, Mediterranean branzino, charred octopus and spanakopitakia — all designed to be shared and enjoyed with lively conversation, DineAmic promises.
To complement the menu, Violí plans a beverage program with elevated mixology, Greek wines and signature cocktails such as the Mykonian Mezz, featuring mezcal, yellow chartreuse, pineapple, lime and cardamom. Daily happy hours will offer craft cocktails, Mediterranean bites and an anticipated taverna vibrancy.
“We wanted to bring a true taste of Greece to Naples while embracing the relaxed, inviting atmosphere of a traditional taverna,” Rekhson said. “Violí is an elevated, yet approachable Greek experience.”
Violí, which means violin in Greek, is inspired by the music of Greek street performers and the coastal charm of the islands. The restaurant’s interior decor intends to transport guests to Mykonos through a blend of earthy textures, olive trees, flowering bougainvillea and a breezy, Bohemian-Mediterranean design.
The spacious outdoor patio will feature floral accents and thoughtful design details to create a welcoming and vibrant setting. Expect a lush, laid-back atmosphere for sunset dining, weekend lounging and cocktails.
Violí also will accommodate private dining, group celebrations and special events — embracing philoxenia, the Greek philosophy of making guests feel like family.
More at Mercato
In addition to Violí and the common space expansion project at Mercato, the center near the corner of U.S. 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Road will add at least three more eateries in 2025.
The much-anticipated Shake Shack burger chain is targeted to open its first regional location near the end of the year in the former retail space of the Charming Charlie clothing store at 9105 Strada Place, Suite 3135. Pura Vida Miami is targeted to expand its health-conscious concept this fall in the former pizzeria space at 9118 Strada Place, Suite 8170. Pure Green, a cold-pressed juice and smoothie chain, is expected to open this summer at 9100 Strada Place, Suite 2115, the former space of Le Macaron French pastries.
Bravo encore
The Bravo upscale casual dining chain previously had more than 50 locations, but less than half of those restaurants are still operating today. The North Naples location was the only one operating in Florida. Originally named Bravo! Cucina Italiana before anglicizing into Bravo! Italian Kitchen, the first Bravo location opened in 1992 in Columbus, Ohio.
Because Bravo and Brio Italian Grille are part of the same restaurant group, Bravo gift cards may be used at Brio, which has a longtime location nearby at Waterside Shops in Naples.