Vasili’s Opens In Naperville With Hearth-Focused Mediterranean Fare

Vasili’s (135 Water Street) opened on January 1st in Downtown Naperville. Vasili’s offers classic Mediterranean flavors with hearth-cooking inspired by recipes passed down through generations.

Vasili's joins Francesca’s Restaurant Group’s lineage of 23 restaurants spanning 6 concepts, as the group’s inaugural Mediterranean hearth-focused brand. Paying homage to namesake Papou Vasili, the concept’s idea sparked from FRG Chef/Owner Scott Harris’ father-in-law, Papou Vasili (Papou is Grandfather in Greek and Vasili is Bill).

Born from the shared vision of Harris and Executive Chef/Partner Jaysen Euler (Francesca’s, Parlor Pizza Bar, The Sofitel), both of whom married into passionate Greek families, Vasili’s honors Papou’s love for authentic, flavorful cooking which blossomed at his own mother’s table.

Inspired by family recipes passed down through generations and centered around a blazing hearth, Vasili’s will offer homemade hearth-fired Mediterranean fare. Euler’s menu features both cold and hot Mezze and Mediterranean items, alongside traditional hearth-fired proteins—Souvlaki, Paidakia, Bone-In Ribeye, Lavraki, Octopodi, and more. 

Vasili’s hearth-grilling technique utilizing white oak is seen throughout nearly every menu item including the Paidakia with certified halal Superior Farms American lamb chops, burnt onion petals, and confit garlic. Renditions of Greek village market fare are seen throughout the menu like Gyros, Chicken Souvlaki, Pastitsio, and classic Greek spreads with scratch-made pita. Some menu highlights to note:

Cold & Hot Mezze:

● Hamachi Escabeche ($15): yellowtail crudo, capers, Castelvetrano olives, Fresno
chili, pine nuts, Jerez vinegar 

● Vasili’s Chips ($12): lightly fried zucchini and eggplant, tzatziki 

● Saganaki ($9): fried Greek cheese, lemon, oregano, flambéed with
brandy 

● Spanakopita ($11): spinach & feta pie with layered phyllo 

● Loukaniko ($15): house-made Greek sausage, tzatziki 

Spreads (with scratch-made pita):

● Htipiti ($8): whipped feta, roasted peppers, Aleppo chili, tomato

● Melitzanosalata ($8): coal roasted eggplant, garlic, onion

● Taramosalata ($8): whipped fish roe, thyme, smoked paprika 

From The Hearth:

● Paidakia ($40): 1 lb. Superior Farms American lamb chops, burnt onion
petals, confit garlic 

● Pork Blade Chop ($24): sumac, Marcona almonds, celery hearts, kalamata olive
caramel 

● Souvlaki ($11-30): traditional Greek skewers served with tzatziki, cucumber,
and shaved onion—Lamb, Pork, Chicken, or Shrimp 

● Octopodi ($25): Santorini fava, celery hearts, charred lemon, colatura,
smoked paprika 

● Lavraki (MP): Mediterranean whole grilled sea bass, grilled dandelion
greens, blistered cherry tomatoes

Vasili’s beverage program, developed by Kevin Roskoskey (Managing Partner and certified sommelier), complements Euler’s cuisine paying homage to Mediterranean fare. Roskoskey has curated a wine list of 100+ bottles spanning old world and new. Selections pay reverence to Greece and historic Mediterranean wine regions. The concept’s cocktails are designed to offer spirited versatility to guests with classic libations with Greek inspiration, featuring:

● Eleni ($13): Ketel One Cucumber & Mint, Fiorente ,Chamomile Tea
Syrup, Lemon Juice, Dibon Brut Cava

● Epika ($12): Stray Dog Gin, Cointreau, Fresh Lime Juice, Rosehip
Syrup, Egg White

● Portokali ($13): Los Vecinos Del Campo Mezcal, Don Julio Reposado,
Averna Amaro, Grapefruit Shrub, Rosemary Soda

Vasili’s (135 Water Street in Naperville) is open Sunday through Thursday from
4pm to 9pm and Friday, and Saturday from 4pm to 10pm with socially-distanced dining, contactless carryout, and delivery.