Chef Nikol Zarbalas: A Culinary Visionary
Chef Nikol Zarbalas, the indefatigable chef and restaurateur, is on a mission to redefine Greek and Mediterranean-inspired dining with her latest venture, Hellenic Restaurant, located in Coral Springs. Officially opening later this month after a successful soft launch, Hellenic is built on a foundation of heritage, heart, and a commitment to 100% house-made, from-scratch cooking.
Community in Mind
“We started small by design, focusing on our flavors and execution so that when we officially opened with all the bells and whistles, we’d be ready,” Zarbalas explains. With a full bar program on the horizon, Hellenic promises to deliver an experience that prioritizes substance as much as soul, ensuring guests feel right at home.
A Growing Legacy
Since its inception in a much smaller space in 2019, Hellenic has quickly become a hotspot for food enthusiasts, earning recognition from shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and featuring Chef Zarbalas on Guy’s Grocery Games. Now, with a larger footprint at 10436 West Atlantic Boulevard, both loyal fans and newcomers can enjoy the bold flavors and soulful cookery Zarbalas is renowned for.
Menu Highlights: A Culinary Journey
The menu at Hellenic celebrates traditional Greek flavors, reimagined through Chef Zarbalas’ modern lens. Diners can indulge in a variety of dishes, whether they prefer shareable plates or traditional à la carte options. Here are some signature selections that should not be missed:
- Greek Heat Wings: Fried crispy and tossed in a spicy house sauce.
- Greek Quesadilla: Pita with mozzarella, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, and a choice of protein, famously known as the dish featured on the Food Network.
- Greek Dip: Braised lamb, caramelized onion, and cheese on crusty French bread with a sidecar of au jus.
- Kataifi Fried Shrimp: Shrimp wrapped in kataifi, served atop cheesy Greek-style grits.
- Moussaka: A classic baked dish layered with flavors.
- Smothered Chicken: Charbroiled chicken breast over rice with sautéed vegetables and feta cream sauce.
Brunch and Sweet Indulgences
Brunch at Hellenic is a must-try, featuring unique dishes such as the Waffle Melt—a fried chicken sandwich served on a waffle—and Shrimp & Trahana, sautéed shrimp with trahana and crumbled feta. And for dessert, indulge in Bougatsa—warm semolina custard wrapped in phyllo and baked to perfection—and the iconic baklava cheesecake.
A Community-Centric Approach
The ethos behind Hellenic is as community-oriented as it is flavor-forward. Chef Zarbalas prioritizes sustainability, ensuring that no food goes to waste. Surplus ingredients are donated directly to local charities, echoing her belief that hospitality is an act of service.
Her commitment to community service extends beyond food. Zarbalas regularly supports the homeless and those in need, showcasing her conviction that a restaurant should serve as a cornerstone of its community.
From Roots to Restaurant
Born into a family steeped in hospitality, Chef Zarbalas draws inspiration from her Greek upbringing in a home where food was the heart of family gatherings. Her parents owned the beloved Zorba’s Diner, where she learned that the kitchen is more than just a workplace.
Before launching Hellenic, she operated a successful catering company and “The Food Republic” in Fort Lauderdale, defining her culinary philosophy around the idea that food is a bridge between cultures. Now, she stands in the kitchen alongside her oldest son, Dimitrios, who serves as Executive Sous Chef, continuing her family’s legacy.
Designing a Home Away from Home
The ambiance at Hellenic reflects its mission. Designed entirely by Chef Zarbalas, the restaurant features polished concrete floors, warm lighting, and cozy seating. The centerpiece is a striking 20-seat communal table, repurposed from Hellenic’s original location, designed for shared meals and special gatherings.
Tucked into a cozy corner is a free library with over 2,000 books, encouraging guests to take or leave a book—an invitation to gather, linger, and connect.
Experience Hellenic Today
As Hellenic steps into its official opening, Chef Nikol Zarbalas remains dedicated to authenticity, family, and heartfelt hospitality. What began as a small neighborhood eatery has transformed into a vibrant gathering place where tradition meets innovation, ensuring every guest feels like family.
Hellenic is located at 10436 West Atlantic Boulevard in Coral Springs. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 10 PM, and brunch on Sundays from noon to 4 PM. For more information, visit orderhellenic.com or call (954) 323-2450 for reservations via OpenTable. Follow @eathellenic on social media for updates.
Join us in experiencing the flavors and heart of Hellenic Restaurant. We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
