REVIEW: MILAS, Schenectady
Kaytrin + chef Devin Ziemann transformed the perception of Schenectady dining with Milas, a modern Mediterranean restaurant in a 120-year-old former bank.
Inspired by restaurants in Europe, the bank’s high ceilings and architectural greenery suspended over the bar are focal points for the stylish design.
This is the fourth restaurant from the Ziemanns. We’re big fans of sibling restaurant The Nest (especially for brunch), but Milas may be their best yet.
Chef: Executive chef Devin Ziemann; Chef de cuisine Mihalis Tzovaras
(Michelin-starred Alinea in Chicago, Bourbon Steak by Michael
Mina in Miami and Middle Eastern Golda in Brooklyn.)
The Vibe: Stylish, casual dining. Small plates with bold Mediterranean
flavors; main courses from pistachio dukkah filet to za’atar roast
chicken; fantastic, kitchen-inspired cocktails.
Good for: Dinner with friends, date night, special occasion dinners, solo
dinner, craft cocktails, global wines, happy hour, pre-theater
drinks at the bar.
Must try: Pides. Ceviche. Queen of Sheba cocktail or any cocktail special.
Sound: A house playlist gives off South Beach poolside vibes with tracks
like Mark Ronson - Late Night Feelings (feat.Lykke Li), Olivia Dean
- Messy, Moguai ft. Cheat Codes – Hold on, Summerbreeze -
Deep Chills, Diplo & Damian Lazarus -Don’t be Afraid (feat.
Jungle.)
The Vibe: Stylishly upscale (inspired by Eleven Madison Park) but with an
inviting vibe for dinner or meeting friends at the bar.
Dishes: Share small plates like pides, labneh and pita or short rib manti.
Bigger appetites might add whole branzino or Tomahawk steak.
At the bar: Grab a ‘Crave’ lamb burger or split a seafood platter.
Drinks: Bar manager Andrew Patterson (Attic Bar, Kuala Lumpur; The
Roosevelt Room, Troy) uses sous vide and fat-washing
techniques in a signature ‘Tzatziki’ (gin, Greek ouzo, Greek
yogurt, pineapple, dill, cucumber), the toasted ‘Queen of Sheba’
(pistachio butter-washed bourbon, fig-infused sweet vermouth,)
and fruity ‘Mai-Ter-Ranean’ (Turkish raki, pistachio-cardamom
orgeat.) A mostly European wine list has varietals from Serbia,
Greece and Lebanon. Most priced around $40-$50.
Style: Soft minimalist design; low partitions to create banquette nooks;
plants cascade from 34-foot high ceilings over the bar. The
black-and-white portrait on one wall is the Ziemanns’ daughter,
Mila. Spot the 1904 savings bank’s original terrazzo floor logo
under a booth in the bar and an original bank vault in the back.
Inside/Out? Indoor only.
Volume: Conversational/ambient playlist
Parking: Rear lot.
Accessibility: ADA accessible through front double doors.
Nearby: 1. The Nest 2. Ember & Cork 3. UnBeetable vegan eatery & arcade
The Dishing Intel: The Nest (Milas’ sibling just steps up the block) has just finished a full rebrand timed to coincide with The Belmont Stakes in June 2025.
IYKYK: They may eventually open a lower level speakeasy at Milas where there is an additional bank vault.