Plateia, Glenview

In the old PeriYali space. Has anyone been yet?

9860 N Milwaukee Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 296-2230

No, but they have a website and a Facebook page.

Yeah...we were there about a month ago or so as a group of five; we ended up there because it's close to where mom lives and she loves Greek food. I'm remiss in not posting. But the reason I didn't post frankly--other than sheer laziness--is that I didn't have a whole lot to say. In a few words, the food was solid but not noteworthy. We liked the size of the menu and the breadth of the offerings but any time I see such a broad spectrum of dishes, I always wonder what the kitchen's strength is and what I should try and what I should avoid. I no longer recall others' dishes but I had the pastitsio, a comfort food dish that I will often use to gauge what I think of the kitchen. In this case, the portion was generous and the dish extremely rich...unusually so, in my experience. Having never been to Greece I can't comment on how "authentic" this version is, but it was enjoyable; I'd certainly order it again if I was in the mood.
Surroundings were pleasant enough--I don't think they did much of anything to the interior since they took over from the prior Greek restaurant owner, Periyali (he closed after 40 years to retire--good for him!). The staff was plentiful and friendly and the place was busy (We were there on a Sunday evening about 6 pm.)
If we found ourselves in the neighborhood again, I would have no particular objection to returning but I wouldn't expect anything exceptional. Good solid, reasonably done (and reasonably priced). I wouldn't go out of my way to return or consider it a destination worth a special trip. I find that there is better Greek food to be had closer to us.

I was there about a month or so ago. It was good, but considering how I'd have to drive right past Plateia but I'd still go to Lincolnwood's Psistaria says a lot.

They're going for some modern cuisine, a little more diverse Mediterranean, but ultimately Greek food. It may be a little too upscale for the neighborhood (although no more pricey than its predecessor).

It's also amazing how three remodels later it still looks like a Red Lobster on the inside.

Well, we couldn't hold out any longer, and dined out. Weather was ideal tonight: warm and pleasant, low humidity.

Plateia in Niles is not in the same class as LTH fave Psistaria, but they were perfect tonight. They've got a patio nearly as large as their main dining area, and they've added more space out back.

Wow, I've missed table service and food presentation. Greek Trio (skordalia, taramasalata, tzatziki) was three small square bowls each with an olive and four pita wedges (the first two could have used a bit more lemon, but still very good). Keftedakia are fried meatballs served with more pita and tzatziki and halved grape tomatoes. Very tasty (if a little oily). Fried calamari was a very good, crisp, tender rendition with romesco sauce. Greek salad had bright fresh ingredients (decent tomatoes in June!) and a light, slightly sweet dressing. Probably a little more food than we needed, but we are it all.

They're running a limited version of their menu, but there's still plenty to choose from. All staff were masked, we were the only ones we saw who masked up for all interactions. The only gaffe I saw was refilling water glasses from a pitcher, but I didn't see any contamination potential, it was poured from a reasonable height.

It really felt good to dine out after nearly three months. I still don't think we'll do so as frequently as we did "before", at least for a while.

JoelF wrote:Well, we couldn't hold out any longer, and dined out. Weather was ideal tonight: warm and pleasant, low humidity.

Plateia in Niles

How was the distancing of the seating?

JoelF wrote:Plateia in Niles is not in the same class as LTH fave Psistaria, but they were perfect tonight.

As in being vastly superior? Although your non-order/mention of grilled octopus, calamari or shrimp may indicate their calling card isn't something you like, or are used to ordering. I slightly prefer Psistaria's more tart vinaigrette, but adding a skewer of the grilled shrimp to the salad puts Plateia over them. Fried eggplant and zucchini appetizers would need to be my favorite item to put Psistaria on top.

nsxtasy wrote:

JoelF wrote:Well, we couldn't hold out any longer, and dined out. Weather was ideal tonight: warm and pleasant, low humidity.

Plateia in Niles

How was the distancing of the seating?

About 10 feet apart. There were a few tables I'd have been a little less comfy than others, but we sequestered in a corner.

The wife and I also ate there this week. Terrific patio, quiet, great service, well spaced tables, and very organized. It was very enjoyable!

bweiny wrote:

JoelF wrote:Plateia in Niles is not in the same class as LTH fave Psistaria, but they were perfect tonight.

As in being vastly superior? Although your non-order/mention of grilled octopus, calamari or shrimp may indicate their calling card isn't something you like, or are used to ordering. I slightly prefer Psistaria's more tart vinaigrette, but adding a skewer of the grilled shrimp to the salad puts Plateia over them. Fried eggplant and zucchini appetizers would need to be my favorite item to put Psistaria on top.

The items you list as Plateia's best are things SueF isn't fond of, so as we tend to eat meze style we're less likely to order. They certainly were better last night than they have been on previous visits which I found uninspired. Psistaria has a classic Greektown feel -- that atmosphere is certainly part of why I love it so much (tho I haven't been since their recent remodeling). Plateia is going for a modern Greek island vibe with all the white stucco.