GREEK / MEDITERRANEAN
Kefi: Greek. 505 Columbus @ 84th-85th; 23/16/$39; 873-0200; Insanely popular top flight experience; Two level setting after a recent move; Very affordable prices, though rushed service; They have a scrumptious lamb shank; Spacious bar; Grilled Octopus is a special dish; Meatball appetizers in incredible; Greek Mac n Cheese; Endless menu – all mouth watering.
Molyvos: Greek. 871 7th Av @ 55-6th; 24/19/$55; 582-7500; Greek greatness; Expertly prepared dishes; Stylish, spacious setting; Affordable $37 Prix fixe. Popular for lunch; Noted for Moussaka and whole fish specials. Baklava dessert is famous here; You can order online; Spiced Lamb spare ribs; There is a $37 prix fixe; Tons of appetizers to select from; Nice wine list.
Milos, Estiatorio: Greek. 125 W 55th @ 6-7th; 27/24/$97; 245-7400; Highest end Greek; Spectacular setting and unparalled service; Whole fish so fresh it personally greets you; Artic Char; Dover Sole from Holland; Sea Bass from NC; All selections served grilled with olive oil, herbs and lemon. Resort like décor; So frustrating it is so expensive; Seafood lovers dream. Grilled Calamari;
Periyali: Greek. 35 W 20th @ 5-6th Av; 24/21/$55; 463-7890; Fabulous fresh fish; Mature crowd; Upscale; Formal, friendly. Classic Greek dishes. Not as seafood focused as others; Strong menu with large appetizer section. Lamb chops and charred Octopus are musts; You will think your in the Greek Islands; Greek meatballs; Crisp Calamari; Wild Salmon; Rabbit stew; Nice wine list.
Fig & Olive: Mediterranean. 420 W 13th @ 9th Av; 21/20/$44; 924-1200; Very sleek and cool looking spot; Italian selections as well; Olive Oil infused selections rule; Cheese plates. Greek inspired small plates. Great wine list. Signature dish is the Beef Carpaccio; YellowFin Tuna Carpaccio available as well, almost as good; Becoming a chain somewhat with 5 area locations. Lunch, brunch available. Try the Crostini.
The Place: Mediterranean. 310 W 4th @ Bank-12th St; 22/23/$47; 924-2711; Ideal date setting – super romantic and cool; Fireplace dining in winter, outdoor in summer available; Char grilled calamari & tiger shrimp; Sexy scene with top service to boot. Braised Short Ribs; Hanger Steak; Seared Scallops; Very good brunch menu; Cod, salmon and a “loaded Seafood” dish. Mmmm.
Alta: Mediterranean; 64 W 10th St @ 5th-6th Av; 24/23/$46; 505-7777; Scrumptious Med small plates; Fireplace highlights a homey-décor; Romantic – order wine and relax; Seafood specialist. More spacious than your usual tapas-style restaurant; Cocktails/ wine: $11; Tapas – about 40+ to choose from, $5-$14… great prices considering the overall dining experience. Just terrific. Large dessert menu. Date central.
Extra Virgin: Mediterranean. 259 W 4th @ Charles-Perry; 21/17/$42; 691-9359; Sexy environment and scene; Sunday Brunch is famous; Excellent fare & outdoor seating in summer. Fries with Gorgonzola fondue; Sweet-pea Risotto; Fish dishes, pasta…has it all; Try the Chilean Sea Bass; Always crowded and ever popular; Rare Yellowfin tuna; Fairly tight seating so go off hours.
Snack Taverna: Greek. 63 Bedford @ 7th Av; 22/16/$41; 929-3499; Laid back feel but still top notch Greek dishes; Gourmet all the way without the over the top Greek stereotype. Café setting, similar to being in a store. Incredible Moussaka. French-inspired dishes. All-Greek wine list.
Pylos: Greek. 128 7th St @ Av A-1st Av; 26/23/$45; 473-0220; Reasonable prices for Greek; Elegant décor and staff; Sexy gem and amazing homemade quality dishes; Hellenic wines and modern dishes transport you to the islands. Damn damn good; $15 prix fixe brunch with a drink; Large assortment of appetizers; Could use more variety of seafood but otherwise exquisite. Wildly popular & rave reviews.
Olives: Mediterranean. 201 Park S @ 17th; 23/21/$57; 353-8345; Open kitchen run by Todd English; Hot looking staff & people in attendance; Great social scene at the bar; Creative takes on the Greek classics. You will pay for it; Fabulous wine list. Spacious, comfortable setting; Date friendly; The Fig & Prosciutto or Escargot Flatbread is popular; Ravioli with Oxtail ragu; Chatham Cod; Lamb Porterhouse.
Parea Bistro: Greek. 36 E 20th @ B-Way-Park; 23/22/$51; 777-8448; Amazing whole fish served here; Spacious and gracious service; Pricy but excellent Greek fare. Lively scene with energy to enjoy your meal; $29.95 early bird. Excellent date spot as it’s casual and fun; Grilled calamari; Appetizers as a whole excellent; Lobster pasta; Mediterranean Sea Bass;
Barbounia: Mediterranean. 250 Park Av S @ 20th; 21/23/$51; 995-0242; The setting has a lot going on- formal yet fun and high energy; Service is excellent; The bread is legendary- famous flatbread; Hip cliental; Cocktails all $14, beer $7; Greek fondue on menu; Smallish, healthier looking portions; Extremely fresh; Charred octopus and beef carpaccio stand out; Fresh whole fish and some pastas as well; Lamb shank.
Ammos: Greek. 52 Vanderbilt Av @ 44th-45th; 22/22/$53; 922-9999; Large spacious place that caters to a hopping lunch crowd; Modern interior that resembles a large open-air home; Freshest fish served whole as seafood is the house specialty; Giant menu of 15+ appetizers – all look incredible; Main course salads, some pastas, lamb shank and the aforementioned seafood. Something for everyone.
Ethos: Greek. 495 3rd Av @ 33-34th; 22/17/$41; 252-1972; Known for extraordinary fish; Very affordable prices; You can’t go wrong giving them a try. Taverna setting; Packed with locals & Greeks; Grilled octopus is flat out outstanding; Best bang for the buck in genre; Another location on 1st Av @ 50th; Best thing to do is order 3-4 appetizers and share 1 whole fish.
Kellari Taverna: Greek. 19 W 44th @ 5-6th; 22/22/$51; 221-0144; Amazing whole fish served here; Spacious and gracious service; Pricy but excellent Greek fare. Lively scene with energy to enjoy your meal; Popular area lunch spot; Four different 4-course tasting menus to choose from at different prices; Even have brunch and cocktail party events.
Avra: Greek. 141 E 48th @ Lex-3rd; 26/22/$64 759-8550; Greek seafooder with freshest possible fish; Classic preparations but the various grilled whole fish stand out. Fish priced per pound so beware of pricy main course. However, you will forget $$ after one bite of seafood perfection. They always have specials and will describe the fish for you and show you the one they will prepare in the back! Gorgeous space. Outdoor seating; Also- have endless other menu selections, mostly seafood.
Fig & Olive: Mediterranean. 808 Lex @ 62-63rd; 21/20/$44; 207-4555; Very sleek and cool looking spot; Italian selections as well; Olive Oil infused selections rule; Cheese plates. Greek inspired small plates. Great wine list. Signature dish is the Beef Carpaccio; YellowFin Tuna Carpaccio available as well, almost as good; Becoming a chain somewhat with 5 area locations. Lunch, brunch available. Try the Crostini.
Ithaka: Greek. 308 E 86th St @ 1-2nd Av; 22/18/$46; 628-9100; Enjoy wonderful whole grilled fish in a setting reminiscent of Santorini complete with white walls; Older crowd; Neighborhood favorite; Extensive menu with all the classics; Whole marinated calamari, charbroiled with lemon and olive oil- perfect; Well spaced tables; Moderate pricing for the genre.