James Mallios partnered with New York restaurant pioneers Steve Tzolis and Nicola Kotsoni (Il Cantinori, Periyali, Bar Six and formerly Aureole, Chez Essada) to open Amali, a Mediterranean restaurant located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Name

The name Amali is inspired by a historical region that encompassed much of the modern day Mediterranean. Similarly, our food draws its inspiration from the classic ingredients, distinctive flavors and traditional dishes that form Mediterranean dining tradition – from the Bosporus through Italy and along the Mediterranean coast to Spain.

Origins & Philosophy

An afternoon lunch at a tiny restaurant in the Mediterranean – a humble restaurant with no refrigeration, classic flavors and simple, local ingredients – was the inspiration for Amali. While flavor combinations vary from region to region in this part of the world, the aesthetic of fresh, humble ingredients prepared in a simple manner is a hallmark of Mediterranean food and the guiding principle behind Amali’s ambiance and cuisine.

Food

Amali’s menu follows the dining experience common to Mediterranean cultures but rarely seen in American Mediterranean restaurants. Chef Devon Gilroy’s menu highlights seasonal vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, cheese, lamb and fish – ingredients vital to the Mediterranean tradition but which are sourced from local purveyors who practice responsible farming. Many of our dishes are designed to be shared by your table.

Design

The décor of Amali incorporates archetypal elements of Mediterranean household design – marble, plaster, wood, shutters and chiaroscuro. Amali contracted with Mapos LLC, a design firm led by Caleb Mulvena, who designed the Louis Vuitton flagship stores in Manhattan and Paris, to create our interior look.

In keeping with Amali’s and Mapos’ philosophy, almost all the materials inside Amali are repurposed from New York City buildings (including our own) and practically every item was crafted by carpenters, steelworkers and plasterers who live and work in New York City. Some of them actually serve your food at our restaurant.

Our artwork is from Malcolm Brown Photography. Maneli Wilson Interiors and the Katonah Building Corporation also collaborated with Amali on this project. For more information, email info@amalinyc.com.

Our Team