Tuscan Grill brings Mediterranean to Rehoboth

Tony Nomikos has opened his 24th restaurant, bringing 40 years of experience in the industry to his new location, Tuscan Grill, on Wilmington Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.

The new Mediterranean restaurant opened just after Memorial Day and now serves lunch and dinner daily. Nomikos plans to stay open year-round.

"I bought the restaurant last November because I really liked the street," said Nomikos of his new location, formerly the Cultured Pearl. "Before Wilmington Avenue was the best street in town, and it seems to be reviving now with plenty of new restaurants coming in."

Nomikos serves modestly-priced pasta and seafood dishes. His son, George, is the chef, and they specialize in fresh ingredients, prepared to order.

"My mother is from the Tuscany region and I really like the spices we use," said Nomikos. "We serve a lot of grilled items."

Happy hour at the bar is another big draw at Tuscan Grill. Bar manager Tony Ozturk has worked to create a unique martini menu, featuring $5 martinis during happy hour, as well as $1 oysters at the bar. Happy hour is served Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Nomikos is the former owner of the popular Ocean Point Grill on Route 1 and in Long Neck. After selling that restaurant, he decided he wanted to open a location in downtown Rehoboth and found a location to suit his needs.

"I wanted to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to town," Nomikos said. "We are a casual, family-friendly restaurant. We have one of the best wine lists in town, and our house-made sangria is a best-seller. Everything is fresh, even the drink menu."

Tuscan Grill features nightly specials in a unique atmosphere.

"Restaurants are in my blood," said Nomikos. "I came to the U.S. at 17 and have been cooking ever since. We work very hard to provide authentic cuisine at reasonable prices."

For reservations or more information, call Tuscan Grill at 302-226-2201.