GREEK / MEDITERRANEAN
BLOOMFIELD
Stamna Greek Taverna: Greek; Bloomfield; 1045 Broad St @ Johnson; 23/16/$31; 973-338-5151; Extremely affordable Greek cuisine; Menu has large selection of Grilled Meat and Seafood dishes; Also serves about every known appetizer and Greek traditional favorites in a comfortable, if uneventful setting. BYO. Try the appetizer spread platter (dips); Rabbit stew, Lamb Kabobs, Moussaka; Large portions; Family run; Always great.
EDGEWATER
Greek Taverna: Greek; Edgewater; 55 Promenade @ River Rd; 22/18/$35; 201-945-8998; The price is right; The selection is huge- particularly the appetizers; The food is excellent; Having a grilled whole fish may be way to go; It is BYO; Open kitchen adds an air of class to the otherwise laid back mini-chain. Lamb chops stand out as well.
ENGLEWOOD
Nisi Estiatorio: Greek; Englewood; 90 Grand Av @ Chester; 23/21/$54; 201-567-4700; Gorgeous, fresh feeling dining room- clean and elegant; Marvelous whole grilled fish- expertly prepared. Often 10+ selections available nightly; Calamari and Octopus- seasoned just right; Brilliantly cooked dishes & Appetizers; French influenced kitchen; Lunch Mon-Sat.
MONTCLAIR
Greek Taverna: Greek; Montclair; 292 Bloomfield Av @ Gates; 22/18/$35; 973-746-2280; The price is right; The selection is huge- particularly the appetizers; The food is excellent; Having a grilled whole fish may be way to go; It is BYO; Open kitchen adds an air of class to the otherwise laid back mini-chain. Lamb chops stand out as well.
Table 8: Mediterranean; Montclair; 615 Bloomfield Av @ Midland; 23/21/$48; 973-746-2233; Pros include excellently prepared food – influenced from all over Europe; Well presented and generally a stylish setting with good service; Cons include tight seating – cramped – and a little noisy. BYO. I would describe this as “New Mediterranean”. Also have a gorgeous looking Mac N Cheese entrée. Pre-fixe available Sun-Thurs.
NORTHVALE
Greek Village: Greek; Northvale; 211 Livingston St @ Paris; 25/13/$30; 201-750-8570; Local favorite; Small in size with about 10 tables; BYOB; Hummus, spanakopita, chicken souvlaki, and gyros stand out; Very inexpensive and delicious; Fabulous for a neighborhood joint. Absolutely rave reviews from locals. Diamond in the rough- go early for a table.
RAMSEY
Varka Fish House: Greek/ Seafood; Ramsey; 30 N Spruce St @ Main; 26/23/$59; 201-995-9333; Elegant, mature dining; Cottage house dining room feel; Hot bar scene; Outdoor patio in summer; 12-15 whole fishes to choose from- premium quality; Steaks selections; Seafood dishes; Expensive but worth it. Manhattan feel in Ramsey; Top of the line service and ambiance. Large menu for a gourmet place. Serve King Crab Legs.
RIDGEWOOD
Mediterraneo’s: Mediterranean; Ridgewood; 23 N Broad St @ Ridgewood Av; 20/18/$42; 201-447-0022; Reliable regional fare; Great outdoor seating in the spring and summer; Phyllo rolls, Falafel, Lamb dishes all stand out; Cuisine influenced by Greece and Turkey; BYO; Located in a ‘cute’ welcoming street in always nice Ridgewood.
TENAFLY
Axia Taverna: Greek; Tenafly; 18 Piermont Rd @ Central; 24/24/$48; 201-569-5999; Upscale bi-level Greek house of goodness; Beautiful setting; Large, mouth-watering menu; As good as Greek gets; Live music on Tuesdays; Date or night out with the parents. They nail it- décor, food and service all tops.