Team behind Athens' Funky Gourmet restaurant to open Ino in Soho

The team behind acclaimed Athens restaurant Funky Gourmet and London's Opso are to open a new venture in Soho next month.

Andreas Labridis, Nikos Roussos and Georgianna Hiliadaki, who run hospitality company Modern Greek Food Group, are converting their PittaBun site in Carnaby into new restaurant Ino.

It will open on 24 May and draw inspiration from Greek tavernas, with a focus on charcoal grill cooking.

The team's Funky Gourmet restaurant held two Michelin stars before closing in 2019 to relocate to the Athens Hilton hotel.

Ino will seat 25 covers split across two levels, with a 13-seat bar stretching around an open kitchen with a grill and rotisserie. An outdoor terrace will allow guests so sit on the pedestrianised street during the warmer months.

The opening menu will be based around small plates, including prime short rib chops; house-cured mackerel; and lamb sweetbread skewers. Several signature dishes will be cooked over the charcoal grill, such as ‘secreto' souvlaki with Ibérico pork, and fish ‘cheeks' with tomato and parsley salsa.

Roussos and Hiliadaki said: "Cooking over charcoal is a method which is close to our hearts and one which has been inextricably linked to Greek cuisine throughout the centuries. We are excited to introduced an elevated counter dining menu, which uses exceptional produce, showcasing authentic flavours of Greece."

Ino will feature an entirely Greek wine list, all available by the glass, alongside draught beers and cocktails.

"Greek wine is currently undergoing an exciting renaissance and I'm looking forward to introducing these new producers and their wines to London," said Labridis.

The Modern Greek Food Group also runs Bakaliko Foods in London, which sources Greek produce for its restaurants.

PittaBun is still available for online delivery to selected London postcodes, and the team hope to reopen in a new site soon.