Gianaras Sisters Continue Food Tradition with Novy

Kathryn Gianaras attributes the success of the Greek restaurant, Novy, she co-owns with her sister, Kristen, to perseverance and a strong team. They opened the Noe Valley restaurant in 2015 and for the first two years did nothing but work.

“There were no breaks, no time off. The grind was insane,” she said. “We got through that part while learning absolutely everything we could and listening to everyone’s feedback.”

After a period of constant turnover, Novy finally secured good staff that’s stuck around.

“That strong team is what got us to where we are today. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. We trust them to run everything when we’re not at the restaurant 24/7.”

Novy is open seven days a week for dinner and offers lunch Monday through Friday, brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Food service is in the Gianarases’ blood. Their parents, John and Vi Gianaras, purchased 4000 24th Street, the location of L&F Corner Market, in 1977. They turned it into the casual dining restaurant Panos, named after John’s father. It specialized in Greek cuisine until 1997 when John and Vi rented the space to Pasta Pomodoro. When that lease expired in 2014, they asked their daughters if they’d like to take it over and open an eatery.

“My first response was, ‘You’re crazy,’” Kathryn said. “Only a crazy person opens a restaurant.” 

But she changed her mind because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with her sister, with whom Kathryn’s always been close. 

“I’ve followed in her footsteps my entire life [because she’s two years older],” she said. “I wanted to do this with her, and we make a really good team. Where I have my weaknesses, she has her strengths, and vice versa. I said, ‘Let’s give this a chance and do our best,’ and here we are almost 10 years later.”

Novy has gained a following as an authentic Greek restaurant serving dishes such as lamb gyro, along with California classics like kale salad. Despite being on numerous “Best Greek Food” lists, Novy is primarily a neighborhood restaurant. 

“We have so many regulars that are here multiple days a week, or Monday through Friday for lunch,” Kathryn said. “It’s because they feel so welcome and at home here. My mission for this restaurant is that everyone who comes in feels like they’re a part of the family. We have a warm, welcoming vibe and serve good food that’s authentic.”

The authenticity comes from family recipes and visits to Greece. Novy’s chef, Carmelo Becerra, worked for John and Vi for 17 years at Panos. When Novy launched, the sisters recruited him back. Last summer, the Gianarases flew to Greece for Kathryn’s wedding; Becerra went as well. 

“And it was the perfect opportunity for him to taste real, authentic food in Greece and be inspired to make our menu even more authentic,” Kathryn said. “Now he’s motivated to work even harder on the menu and to be more creative. The recipes are family recipes but there’s room for specials and room for more Greek authentic food. I like where our menu is at and don’t want to spread ourselves too thin but creating one or two specials every day would give more reason for people to come in on different days, or more often, to see what the specials are and try something new. We’re grateful for the people who support us. Stop by!”