There’s a new Mediterranean spot in town, and it happens to be four stories and 12,000 square feet. Mona is a new island-inspired restaurant and bar in Midtown Village from local culinary crew, Craft Concepts.
Craft has already built a monopoly around Philly with Uptown Beer Garden, BRU Craft & Wurst, Tradesman’s, Tinsel and more on its roster. Mona, however, specifically is the “brainchild” of Teddy Sourias, president of the group.
“Mona has been a passion project of mine for quite some time and really became a reality and goal to work towards pre-pandemic,” said Sourias in a statement. “It’s important for me to honor my roots and family heritage, while integrating new, fun, and intentional elements to every aspect of the restaurant, its design, and of course, the food.
“Mona is set to be unlike any other concept we’ve created in our tenure as CCG (Craft Concepts Group), and we cannot wait to welcome both locals and visitors into the venue to hopefully feel as if they’ve been transported to the islands while still in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia.”
This nod to Mediterranean culture and cuisine is highlighted by its design, which features floor-to-ceiling olive trees, vibrant florals, contemporary chandeliers, European-influenced textiles lining the floors and a massive mermaid mural installation on the third-floor landing. Plus, of course, its menu.
The opening offerings span salads, soups and spreads (think hummus, tabbouleh, tirokafteri feta dip and baba ghanoush) an assortment of small plates (falafel, hallounmi fries, and kibbeh), an assortment of souvlaki or “kebabs” including filet, kafta, and chicken, plus gyros (like lamb, chicken, and kafta).
While there, Philadelphians can also try seasonal pastas (the opening currently features shrimp orecchiette and pasta primavera) and entrées like bronzino with sautéed spinach, pommes purée, and Provençal sauce, and herb crusted lamb chops with dijon, pommes purée and seasonal veggies.
Drinks-wise, the theme of fresh and flavorful lives on with options like a Baklava Old Fashioned (Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey, honey-cinnamon syrup, and walnut bitters) the Mona Martini (crafted with dill-infused Glendalough Gin and housemade brine), Masticafe Martini (Verino Mastiha Liqueur, Kahlua, and espresso) Passion Fruit Margarita (prepared with Codigo Blanco Tequila, Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur, and lime) and an Olympian Lemondrop (Metaxa Ouzo, simple syrup, triple sec, lemon, and olive oil drops.)
As a release notes, the multi-level restaurant and bar will open with the dining room and bar on the first floor, located atop a “dimly-lit and sexy lounge” and bar housed in the bottom level. Mona will expand operations and capabilities in the following months to add on a third and fourth level for imbibing, dancing, and so on, as well as adding weekend brunch into the mix.
Reservations are currently available on OpenTable for Mona (1308 Chestnut St.), for more information, visit monaphilly.com
