Kapnos, Mike Isabella's Greek Restaurant, To Open July 5

WASHINGTON -- One of D.C.'s most anticipated restaurants finally has an opening date: Kapnos, the third Washington offering from Chef Mike Isabella (Graffiato, Bandolero), will open July 5 on 14th Street.

G, a concept Italian restaurant specializing in sandwiches, will open under the same roof soon after.

Kapnos may be a Greek restaurant but don't expect typical Mediterranean decor; instead the interior, designed by Streetsense (which also worked on Chinatown's Daikaya), was inspired by Greece's mountain region. Earth tones and natural materials are in abundance, including contrasting shades of woods.

For the best seats in the house, find a spot at the 10-seat chef's table, where guests can order an entire animal of their choice to be carved up right at the table.

As for Kapnos' menu, Isabella told The Washington Post that the options range from traditional Greek fare to modern twists:

“Touristy” types of dishes, such as moussaka and spanakopita, will be offered only as daily specials and then as “cleaned up” versions: Taramosalata, the pink whip of fish roe and mashed potato, will be made using steamed cauliflower puree, for instance. Another starter, hummus, will incorporate raisin chutney.

A $65 chef tasting menu is also available.

Isabella shot to fame on season six of "Top Chef," the same season that introduced America to Maryland's Voltaggio brothers, Bryan and Michael. Bryan will next appear as a contestant on Bravo's "Top Chef Masters," which returns July 24.