New Greek Steakhouse Focuses on the Meat in a Stunning Space

Is this the year’s most perplexing name yet? No, that honor goes to XYST, but Merakia: Greek MountainThief Spithouse + Steak comes pretty damn close. Named for revolutionary fighters in 1821’s Greek War of Independence who stole livestock and spit-roasted them, the restaurant opens today in Flatiron, in a high-ceiling, brick-walled, stone-cold-stunner of a space.

This temple to meat takes over the old Kat & Theo space, from the same owners Renee and Andreas Typaldos. That concept wasn’t quite catching on, though, so Andreas tapped into his Greek heritage to create a steakhouse menu with chef Tassos Ballas. The result is tons of spit-roasted and grilled steak, lamb, pork, and chicken with Greek-inspired sides. The full menu is below, which — while including a lot of vegetarian options — shames people who want to eat them by jokingly asking them to wear a green hat while they order.

As for the impressive 120-seat space, Anna Niedermeyer created a warm interior that features antiqued mirrors, worn-in brick, a reclaimed wood floor, and coffered ceiling.

Merakia is now open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.