Fort Lee has a new dining destination with a distinctly Mediterranean spirit. Lefkes at The Modern, located at 200 Park Avenue in the former Ventanas space, brings modern Greek cuisine, creative sushi and craft cocktails to a location that has long been known for fine dining and lively nightlife.
We attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome Lefkes at The Modern to Fort Lee. The occasion offered our first opportunity to experience the restaurant’s spacious setting, enjoy cocktails and appetizers, and sample some of its creative sushi. It was an enticing introduction to a new chapter for this familiar address, and one that left us looking forward to exploring more of the menu.
A Familiar Address with a New Mediterranean Buzz
The new restaurant occupies the space formerly home to Ventanas, a popular Fort Lee destination known for its stylish setting and lively atmosphere. Rather than completely reinventing the interior, Lefkes has retained much of the existing character while introducing decorative touches that give the space a fresh Greek identity.
A striking new mural adds visual impact, complemented by other details that bring Mediterranean warmth to the surroundings. The result is a spacious, elegant setting that evokes the spirit of the Greek islands — from the whitewashed charm and relaxed sophistication of island living to the vibrant energy of a night out.
The two-story restaurant combines an upscale dining room with a more relaxed lounge atmosphere. Its landscaped outdoor patio overlooks a charming park with a pond and offers an inviting option for al fresco dining. Whether planning an intimate dinner, a special celebration, a corporate event or an evening with friends, the setting is ideal for different occasions.
Modern Greek Cuisine Meets Creative Sushi
Lefkes is known for its approach to Greek cuisine, combining familiar Mediterranean flavors with contemporary presentation. The Fort Lee menu offers an extensive selection, from traditional Greek spreads and appetizers to seafood, steaks, lamb and signature dishes.
During our visit, we enjoyed a couple of their craft cocktails and we sampled the golden calamari, veggie chips with tzatziki, stuffed eggplant, as well as some of the creative sushi. All were delicious and superbly presented. These first tastes offered a glimpse of the variety that sets Lefkes apart: Traditional and modern Greek dishes share the menu with a fine seafood selection and substantial sushi offerings, creating an appealing mix for any palate.
Among the Greek specialties on the menu are grilled octopus, spanakopita, stuffed eggplant and a selection of traditional spreads. Seafood offerings include branzino, Mediterranean sea bream, grilled wild Atlantic salmon and miso cod. Those looking for heartier fare will find dishes such as lamb shank, filet mignon, prime ribeye and Australian lamb chops.
The sushi menu adds another dimension to the dining experience. Signature rolls include the Lefkes, featuring lobster, avocado, cucumber, truffle mayonnaise and tobiko; Santorini, with crab salad and shrimp tempura; and Mykonos, combining spicy crab, spicy tuna and tempura flakes. The island-inspired names complement the restaurant’s Mediterranean identity, while the inventive combinations bring a contemporary touch.
For seafood enthusiasts, the raw bar features Kumamoto oysters from Washington State, Wellfleet oysters from Massachusetts, littleneck clams from Long Island, jumbo shrimp cocktail and lobster. Seafood platters designed for sharing offer another option for a leisurely meal with friends.
Cocktails, Happy Hour and Weekend Brunch
Lefkes at The Modern is designed to be enjoyed throughout the day and late into the night. Lunch and dinner are complemented by craft cocktails and a daily happy hour from 3:30 to 7 p.m. On weekends, brunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The combination of food, drinks and atmosphere makes the restaurant a destination for more than a formal dinner. Guests can stop in for lunch, meet friends over cocktails, plan a celebratory evening or enjoy a relaxed weekend brunch.
The opening also marks a new chapter for Lefkes owner Georgia Dumas, who has partnered with Alexander Duran, the restaurateur behind Ventanas. Lefkes’ former Englewood Cliffs location closed in June 2026 after the building was heavily damaged in a four-alarm fire. The Fort Lee restaurant brings the Lefkes name and quality cuisine to a wonderful new home.
A First Look at Fort Lee’s New Dining Destination
Our visit for the ribbon-cutting ceremony offered a first impression of Lefkes at The Modern and its blend of Greek hospitality, contemporary dining and creative cuisine. The spacious interior, Mediterranean-inspired details and outdoor garden create an inviting setting, while the menu offers plenty of possibilities for a return visit.
This was an introduction rather than a full restaurant review, and we look forward to coming back to explore more of the menu and experience the restaurant in greater depth.
The restaurant’s philosophy is aptly captured by the Virginia Woolf quotation featured on its menu, from A Room of One’s Own: “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
At Lefkes at The Modern, the invitation is to gather around the table, enjoy good food and drinks, and experience a little of the Greek-island spirit without leaving New Jersey.
Plan Your Visit
Lefkes at The Modern
Address: 200 Park Avenue, Fort Lee, New Jersey
Phone: 201-408-4444
Website: www.lefkesatthemodern.com
Instagram: @lefkes_nj
Hours
- Sunday–Wednesday: 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Thursday–Saturday: 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m.
- Daily happy hour: 3:30–7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday brunch: 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Check the restaurant’s website for current information and reservations.