By Jayna Rohslau By Jayna Rohslau | March 1, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
It’s all Greek to us, but not all Greek restaurants in New York City are created equal. Hearkening back to traditions that are thousands of years old, Aegean cooking is a treasured part of New York’s culinary scene. Not to mention, delicious and nutritious, the Mediterranean diet is well-loved for good reason. We've rounded up the best Greek restaurants in NYC so you can enjoy an evening of good wine and great food.
See also: The 9 Best Mexican Restaurants in NYC
Multiple locations / Website
With Mediterranean charm, Kyma is a staple in the NYC dining scene thanks to its equally delicious food and lively atmosphere. Expect dancing, sparklers, plenty of wine and dishes such as grilled octopus and lamb chops.
Multiple locations / Website
Rooted in the family traditions of cofounder Nick Tsoulos, Avra melds Aegean heritage with new vitality. From Midtown to Madison, diners flock to this restaurant for fabulous coastal dining. If you ask us, simple grilled seafood and fresh greens are best enjoyed with a glass of wine and drizzled with freshly harvested Peloponnesian olive oil.
Multiple locations / Website
Culinary treasure awaits at the decadent culinary experience that is Milos, a modern restaurant serving the finest seafood and shellfish. Consider the lobster, grilled to crisp perfection on a bed of Greek fried potatoes and lobster pasta Athenian-style. In both style and taste, Milos is a winner in our book.
128 E. 7th St. / 212.473.0220 / Website
Honoring the breadth of traditional Greek cuisine, Pylos is a staple when it comes to East Village dining. The clay pots on the ceiling may catch your eye, but make no mistake: the real highlight here is the lemony, olive oil-infused cuisine that we can't get enough of.
31-14 Broadway, Queens / 718.204.8968 / Website
Appreciate Greek hospitality at Bahari, the classic Queens outpost notable for exotic and delicious flavors dating back to the Byzantine era. Whether you’re game for a feast of legendary proportions or want to enjoy the best Greek food in the borough, this restaurant extends an olive branch and an inviting atmosphere for your meal.
130 Division St. / 646.882.7052 / Website
We confidently pronounce Kiki an oracle in the kitchen. The team here knows their Greek food, with classic culinary options including simple fare like tzatziki, saganaki, moussaka and Greek salad. You don’t come here because they have reinvented the wheel; you turn up repeatedly because it’s delicious and the vibes are impeccable.
1185 Broadway. / 212.804.9070 / Website
James Beard Award-winning chef José Andrés delights the senses by embracing the rich regional diversity of Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines. The small plates dining style is perfect for intimate gatherings of families and friends.
217 W. 85th St. / 212.369.9800 / Website
Anyone who says it’s impossible to visit Greece without taking a flight ought to visit Elea. At the very least, the tasting of Greek spreads is the next best thing: hummus, taramosalata, tyrokafteri and grilled pita are the way to go. Or try the grilled octopus. Either way, you can't go wrong.
Why settle for just one? Once you try one of these incredible Greek restaurants, you’ll want to try them all.
Photography by: courtesy of the Avra Group