Lexington, KY – A new upscale dining experience has arrived at Fayette Mall with the opening of Mileta, a restaurant designed to evoke a dinner party atmosphere infused with European elegance. Launched in early November, Mileta offers a selection of housemade pastas, shareable plates, and an extensive cocktail and wine program.
The vision for Mileta is spearheaded by Dallas Rose, a Lexington native and managing partner, with support from executive chef Alex Green and director of operations Aaron Wood. The restaurant’s name carries significant meaning: “Mileta” means “gracious” in Serbian and honors both Rose’s grandfather, Milo, and his daughter, Mila.
Rose’s entrepreneurial journey began in college with his successful venture, Bunk’s Burger, inside Two Keys Tavern. After time at Goldman Sachs in Texas, he returned to Lexington, where he spent six years refining his restaurant concept. Rose and Green teamed up about 18 months ago, working together to create what would become Mileta.
Chef Green brings a wealth of culinary experience from upscale Italian restaurants in New Orleans and has a background from the Culinary Institute of America. His return to Kentucky during the pandemic saw him transition to corporate dining, where a mutual acquaintance introduced him to Rose.
Mileta features a distinctive dining area that accommodates around 120 guests, with an additional 40-seat private dining space, known as the Rose Room. A dedicated pasta-making area allows guests to watch chefs craft fresh pastas, adding an interactive element to the experience. The precise interiors blend mid-century modern and bohemian styles, creating an inviting environment enhanced by local artwork.
The menu prioritizes locally sourced ingredients and changes seasonally. Highlight dishes include beef tartare with celery vinegar and smoked oyster aioli, crispy potato bites with cultured cream and sturgeon caviar, and handmade pastas like radiatori with red wine ragù. The halibut entrée is elegantly paired with wilted leeks and pistachio beurre blanc.
As the restaurant gears up for warmer months, the outdoor patio will boost capacity to approximately 200 guests. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.
With an upbeat ambiance supported by a soundtrack of hip-hop and R&B, Mileta aims to provide diners with a thoughtfully curated experience where every detail is intentional. Rose compares the atmosphere to hosting a dinner party in their own home, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for all who visit.
