A select group of Greek restaurants in New York City has been featured on Chowhound’s “Absolute Best Greek Restaurants in the US” list.
Published on Tuesday, October 14, the list highlights 17 standout establishments across the country that have earned acclaim for their authentic, flavorful Greek cuisine and dedication to traditional recipes. Many of these restaurants have also received recognition from major media outlets and food critics in cities like New York, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., and more.
To celebrate this recognition, TNH is spotlighting the New York City restaurants that made the cut.
3. Eléa
Location: 217 W 85th Street, Manhattan, Upper West Side
Eléa, ranked third, is an upscale Greek restaurant known for its contemporary take on Greek cuisine. The Upper West Side gem blends a warm, elegant atmosphere with a split-level layout, dark wood floors, and Grecian décor including pottery, olive branches, and bottles of Eléa olive oil—transporting guests to a Greek island.
The interior of Elea in New York City. Photo: Facebook
Designed for sharing, Eléa offers large plates featuring seafood and meat dishes, along with a diverse dessert selection. Guests can enjoy mini baklava rolls, cheesecake, Greek yogurt, portokalopita, sokolatina, gelato, and more.
- Avra – Multiple Locations
Locations:
- 1271 6th Avenue – Avra Rockefeller Center
- 14 East 60th Street – Avra Madison
- 141 East 48th Street – Original Avra
Avra, ranked fourth, is a Michelin-recommended Greek restaurant offering New York-style contemporary Greek cuisine in elegant spaces. The interiors are bright and inviting, featuring white accents and greenery, while the menu emphasizes fresh seafood and creative cocktails.
Outdoor dining at Avra 48th Street. Photo: The Avra Group
Avra sources many ingredients from artisanal producers in Greece and imports seafood from across the globe. The branzino comes from Southern Spain, the fagri from the Aegean Sea, and Dover sole from the North Sea. Lamb is sourced from Australia, while beef comes from small U.S. ranches. The founders are committed to finding the highest quality products worldwide.
12. Pylos
Location: 128 E 7th Street, East Village
The interior of Pylos restaurant in New York City. Photo: Facebook
Pylos, coming in at number twelve, is a cozy East Village restaurant specializing in traditional Greek dishes made from fresh ingredients sourced from across Greece. The restaurant is celebrated for its selection of Greek wines and its mezze offerings, including spanakopita, poikoilia (assorted dips), piperia gemisti me kfteri feta (roasted red peppers with spicy feta), pitakia kaisarias (phyllo pastries with spiced cured beef, tomatoes, and kasseri cheese), and kolokythakia kai melitzanakia tyganita (fried zucchini and eggplant rounds with tzatziki).
17. Taverna Kyclades
Locations:
- 36-01 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria
- 39-28 Bell Boulevard, Bayside
Taverna Kyclades in Astoria, New York, New York’s selection as the best Greek restaurant. (Photo: tavernakyclades.com)
Closing the list at number seventeen, Taverna Kyclades in Queens is known for its authentic Greek flavors and seafood offerings. Despite not taking reservations, the wait is always worthwhile. Guests can enjoy an extensive menu featuring fried calamari, jumbo stuffed shrimp, lobster, grilled swordfish, pork and chicken souvlaki, lamb chops, and more, making diners feel like they’ve been transported straight to a Greek island.
From the upscale elegance of Eléa to the bustling authenticity of Taverna Kyclades, New York City’s Greek restaurants continue to bring the taste of Greece to the U.S., delighting locals and visitors alike.
Source: thenationalherald
Edited by Bernie
