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, both 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
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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.
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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.
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Multiple locations / Website
Estiatorio Milos' philosophy is philoxenia, an ancient Greek hospitality concept of turning strangers into friends. The best way to do that is by making a stranger feel at home, starting with a sumptuous meal. Serving Greek classics like the Greek spread with taramosalata, tzatziki, htipiti, grilled pita and raw vegetables, there is no need to pronounce them perfectly to know they are to die for. In both style and taste, Estiatorio Milos is a winner in our book.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Multiple locations / Website
Anassa Taverna takes after its namesake, the ancient Greek queen of the Mediterranean, and always stands out among its peers. This restaurant has a memorable menu with dishes like lavraki, a grilled Mediterranean sea bass and saganaki, a traditional pan-fried Kefalograviera cheese. When you can't make it to the Mediterranean, Anassa Tavern brings the authentic flavors of Greece straight to you.
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232 N 12th. St., Brooklyn / 929.745.2806 / Website
You know when you close your eyes and just imagine yourself in your favorite destination? No need to imagine because when you head over to Gus and Marty’s, you're already there. Every bite of their souvlaki skewers, or even their moussaka a la eggplant parm, whisks you straight to Greece without the plane ticket.
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
