Nika grand opening

The first Greek-Turkish restaurant, Nika, has officially opened its doors. It offers a unique fusion of Greek and Turkish culinary traditions in a modern setting. The restaurant's name pays homage to Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory, symbolizing triumph and harmony.

The grand opening was a true Mediterranean celebration, immersing guests in an atmosphere of exquisite flavors, music, and warm hospitality. The evening featured welcome drinks and signature tastings from the restaurant’s top chefs, complemented by live music and spectacular performances – from the spirited Greek sirtaki to the mesmerizing whirling dervishes of Turkey, creating a cultural and culinary journey like no other. 

Singer, influencer, and blogger Malika Gazieva shared her impressions: "I’ve been to other Sun Group restaurants before, like TKH and CuCucina, and every experience has been unforgettable.

Today, for the first time, I visited Nika, and I must say that this place feels like stepping into Greece. Even though it's cold outside, inside, it feels like spring with flowers, warmth, and coziness. Hostesses greeted us in traditional Greek attire, and the service was impeccable. The staff explained each dish in detail, making the experience even more enjoyable.

I know I’ll return to this restaurant again and again, bringing my family and loved ones. I’m even planning to celebrate my son’s birthday here!"

Lifestyle blogger Madinet, a regular at Nika, spoke about what keeps her coming back: "I love attending the openings of Sun Group restaurants; they are always creative and concept-driven. The cuisine here is truly special.

My absolute favorite dish is the Greek doughnuts with ice cream and nuts – they’re simply incredible! And there are so many amazing dishes I could list forever. What makes this restaurant stand out is the unexpected yet perfect flavor combinations."

Blogger Barno praised the design and atmosphere of the restaurant: "This isn’t my first time here, so I’m already familiar with the menu. What I love most is the beautiful interior – it’s so aesthetically pleasing, which is really important these days. The presentation of the dishes is also stunning, making them not only delicious but also visually striking. It’s a place that makes you want to come back."

Nika is part of the Sun Group restaurant empire, led by renowned restaurateur Alexander Orlov. The restaurant group is rapidly expanding in Uzbekistan, with three locations in Tashkent – CuCucina, TKH, and now Nika. By the end of this year, three confirmed projects are set to launch, but we expect more.

Orlov, the founder of Sun Group, shared the inspiration behind the concept:

"We noticed that Greek-Turkish cuisine wasn’t yet represented in Tashkent, despite its rich culinary traditions. Our chefs traveled to Greece and Turkey, exploring authentic recipes to create a menu that brings together the best of both cultures."

The restaurant’s menu was crafted by Sun Group’s top chefs Andro Sobolev and Pavel Rukomeda, with the kitchen now under the leadership of Chef Ilya Kotyakov. Each dish tells a story of tradition and culture, with menu highlights including more than 20 varieties of artisanal jams, authentic milk baklava, traditional Greek homemade wine, sand-brewed Turkish coffee, and live-fire specialties, including baked pumpkin and quince.

Chef Ilya Kotyakov shared his perspective on the restaurant’s concept: "From the very beginning, our idea was to merge the rich spices and warmth of Turkey with the lightness and freshness of Greece. We carefully curated an exclusive menu that captures the essence of both cultures, and we will continue to refine and expand it."

At Nika, every visit is an experience, full of surprises, seasonal delights, and an ambiance that transports you straight to the Mediterranean. Whether it’s rain or shine, winter or summer, this is a place where you can always step into the feeling of a never-ending celebration of flavors, culture, and warmth.

Photo: Stanislav Boyko