Greek Restaurants in Astoria, NY
Reviews on Best Greek Restaurants Astoria, New York. The quaint and quiet residential streets of Astoria have been home to some of the best Greek restaurants and cafes outside of the Hellenic homeland.
That’s nothing to be surprised about. During the heyday of Greek immigration to our shores, from the 1960s through the 80s, Astoria was sometimes referred to as a “suburb” of Athens.
In 2015 nothing has really changed. The melodic tones of the Greek language can be heard on every street in Ditmars. And the delicious smells of hearty Greek cooking come wafting out of cafes and restaurants along 23rd Avenue, Ditmars Blvd. and 30th Avenue. A new, young, dynamic generation of Greek men and women has settled in Astoria. The ancient Greeks gave us democracy and philosophy. If you live in Astoria, you could say with pride that there’s a little bit of Greece in all of us especially when it comes to the culinary arts. Now, there is a whole new generation of Greek chefs and restaurateurs from Athens to Astoria that keep up with traditional trends, but break new ground as well. The owners and chefs are intriguing people who you will definitely want to get to know. They are the taste-makers of Astoria.
Ovelia - Astoria, NY
The mood and ambience at Ovelia is sleek and sexy. Ovelia’s décor is unique and colorful with some really eccentric, eye-catching touches. The overall atmosphere calls to mind a hip, modern Greek nightclub.
Ovelia’s menu definitely lives up to the state-of-the-art décor. Every dish served here is an ode to traditional Greek cooking as well as a celebration of new and unexpected culinary innovations brought to you by Ovelia’s master chefs. The tastes on your plate are eclectic and the kitchen pays close attention to every little detail. That is the only way that owner and Chef Peter Giannakas knows how to conduct business. The very personable Peter is a former scientist and chemist who always had a love of cooking. Several years ago, Chef Peter was a contestant on the Food Network’s hit show, Chopped.
Peter's personality and persistence left an indelible impression on the viewing public. Peter likes to say that Ovelia offers a taste of modern Greek lifestyle and philosophy via its food, cocktails, sounds and environment. The restaurant is very much a family affair. Ioannis and Evangelia Giannakas bring years of experience to the kitchen. Chris Giannakas designed the place. Chris, Peter’s brother, also manages the day-to-day operations at Ovelia.
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The name Ovelia refers to a traditional Greek Easter lamb barbeque celebration. A large portion of the menu is devoted to dishes that you’d find at an authentic Greek grill house, including lamb and figs on a skewer. The house-grilled platter consists of your choice of chicken or pork loin souvlaki served with grilled tomatoes, hot peppers, onions over grilled pita bread with French fries and creamy tzatziki.
The tiropita toast sandwich is as Greek and as good as it gets. And you may order several versions of it. The sausage tiropita sandwich comes with halloumi cheese, tomato and cucumbers. The apple tiropita is a blend of cream cheese, bacon and house-made apple-pear chutney. Spice things up with Ovelia’s fiesta grilled chicken tiropita: a fiery combination of cheddar cheese, avocado, jalapeno, tomato and cilantro-lime mayo.
Nobody does yiouvetsi like Ovelia. This traditional Greek seafood casserole is Instagram-worthy. But you’ll probably be too busy spooning up this bounty from the sea to remember to pull out your cell phone and snap a picture. Ovelia’s yiouvetsi has it all, galeos, shrimp, little neck clams, kalamari with orzo, tomatoes, onions and Greek saffron, for that extra touch of lusciousness.
Chef Peter and his family do a wonderful take on Southern-style pulled pork. Their version consists of Greek style roasted pork, apple-cabbage coleslaw, house-made sweet or regular potato chips on a ciabatta or seven grain roll. If you are craving down-home American BBQ, then check out Ovelia’s Rock N’ Ribs Wednesdays. For only $16.95, you get a half-rack of meaty and tender house-smoked ribs along with a slab of cornbread and two sides. On Wednesdays, Ovelia also offers the chef’s very special organic, buttermilk fried chicken.
Ovelia’s style and cuisine have achieved fame far beyond Astoria. The restaurant, along with the Giannakas family, has been the subject of features and profiles on media outlets such as the Village Voice, am New York, CNN, the New York Daily News, Oprah.com and NBC TV.
Whenever one walks into Ovelia and encounters Chef Peter, he always seems to have a smile on his face. The Giannakas clan are the poster guys and gals for genuine Greek hospitality. Chef Peter wants everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy his food and that’s why his menu price points are so affordable. Ovelia is certified gluten-free by GIG.
Location and Hours
Loukoumi Taverna - Astoria, NY
Loukoumi Taverna is the authentic Greek food experience in Astoria. The philosophy and mission statement of Chef/owner Kostas Avionitis is simple, direct and charming "Remember, life is a gift, life is Loukoumi. Come and share it with us." Chef Kostas has been at this for a while. Nothing fazes this talented gentleman, whose goal in life is to provide busy Astoria residents with a “Greek Island Oasis” in the heart of Ditmars Boulevard. The interior is very rustic and romantic with soft lighting and beautiful stone walls. In the summer, the Greek Island experience is elevated to new heights when you dine outdoors in Loukoumi's secluded back garden, adorned with colorful flowers and plants.
There is also a cute story behind Chef Kostas choice of Loukoumi as a name for his restaurant. Loukoumi is originally a Turkish delight confection. These small cubes come in a variety of flavors and ingredients, chopped dates, pistachios, walnuts, rosewater, powdered cream, lemon or icing sugar. In the Greek language, Loukoumi is often used to describe great food. “This food is Loukoumi” means that it is a perfect 10.
That is exactly what you can expect when you order from Chef Kosta's menu. Chef’s small meze plates are big on flavor. The Arni Tou Papa are succulent baby lamb chops with potatoes. For a real taste of the Greek Isles, try the Loukoumakia Xoirina. You won’t be able to pronounce it, but you will love this dish. It is a generous portion of sautéed pork fillet, dressed with cheese and herbs in the chef’s special white sauce. And please, have extra pita bread on hand, for your dipping pleasure, when you order the Skordalia garlic and potato dip with olive oil or Tirokafteri. It’s kind of like cold seasoned mashed potatoes and feta cheese taken to another level.
Loukoumi is one of the best places for fresh fish in Astoria. You will not be able to get enough of the Solomos Ampelofyllo. This well-put-together seafood lovers’ delight consists of Atlantic salmon with herbs wrapped inside grape vine leaves. The salmon is oven roasted to remains moist and tender. The Garides Methismenes is a veritable feast on your plate, with a side of rice, or perhaps orzo. Lightly sautéed with fresh tomatoes, scallions, mushrooms, fresh herbs and feta cheese, this dish is a celebration of jumbo-sized shrimp.
An important part of enjoying the sweet life is, of course, indulging in dessert. After all, Chef Kosta's pride and joy, Loukoumi, is partially named in honor of the Turkish delight sweets. From the best Baklavas ever, to Kataifi and Galaktompoureko, the kitchen bakes what your sweet tooth is craving. What would an authentic Greek dining experience be without a nice glass of wine to accompany your meal? Loukoumi has a full bar service and a great selection of Greek and Californian wines. They will even special order a specific brand and year if you call and make a reservation five days in advance. If you want to set the mood at home and have a special evening, Loukoumi will deliver Greece to your door. It’s that easy.
Location and Hours
45-07 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria NY 11105
Phone: (718) 626-3200
Email:
Weekdays 12 PM-11 PM
Weekends 11 AM-1 AM
Telly's Taverna - Astoria, NY
Want to taste avgolemono soup that is so good, it was featured on Fox-5’s Good Day New York? Well, you don’t have to be a celebrity talk show host like Roseanna Scotto or Greg Kelly. All you need to do is head over to 23rd Avenue between 28th and 29th Street, walk into Telly’s Taverna and order up a bowl of Greek chicken soup.
The ingredients may be deceptively simple, but it’s all in the mix and preparation. Good Day New York’s hosts and studio crew could not get enough of Telly’s Avgolemono, a tasty blend of organic chicken, eggs, lemon juice, orzo pasta, a touch of flour, as well as salt 'n’ pepper. As you might be aware, Roseanna Scotto and her family have been in the restaurant business for a number of years, so she knows what she is talking about. Telly’s Taverna is old-school when it comes to treating their customers with respect and consideration. But everything else about this restaurant feels so very contemporary.
Let’s start with their really cutting-edge cocktail menu. Telly’s proudly serves USDA-certified organic and vegan spirits from Green Bar craft distillery. Telly’s mixologists also utilize vegan mixing ingredients. Unlike many Greek restaurants, where having a basic coffee or glass of wine will suffice, you cannot say that you’ve truly dined at Telly’s without enjoying one of their signature drinks. Start with the devilishly addicting Naxos, a blend of fruit lab organic jasmine liqueur, sparkling wine and barkeep organic apple bitters. For something light and refreshing the Telly’s cocktail is a must!. The drink mixes Skinos Mastiha, pomegranate juice with club soda. The Santorini lives up to its promise of sun-filled relaxation in a glass. It is a simple but effective blend of IXA organic silver tequila, organic hibiscus liqueur, organic Swedish bitters, fresh lemon juice and agave nectar.
The kitchen keeps it real. Appetizer highlights include saganaki (pan-fried Kefalograviera cheese), Lima beans baked in tomato sauce, Taramosalata (fish roe dip) and fried meat balls. Telly’s expertly tossed salads come in different portion sizes. Small serves 2 to 3 people, while large serves 6 people. You should go family style with your friends and order a beet or horta salad, along with Nana’s green salad with lots of feta cheese.
The char-broiled menu selections feature a delicious chicken souvlaki with veggies, a black angus, grass-fed rib eye steak and the classic biftekia, a spiced, well-seasoned burger, Greek style. Telly’s waitstaff are always at your service and they really don’t mind if you linger a while at your table, while you savor your food and drink. Get used to a slower paced way to have lunch or dinner. Must-try Greek Loukoumades with honey and cinnamon accompany every weekday meal for free! You'll get more out of life and find your happy place at Telly’s Taverna.
Location and Hours
28-13 23rd Ave. Astoria, NY 11105
Phone: (718) 728-9056
Email:
www.tellystaverna.com
Mon-Wed: 11 AM-12 AM
Thu-Sun: 11 AM - 1 AM
MP Taverna - Astoria, NY
Way back in the day, the year 2006 to be exact, a young, talented chef by the name of Michael Psilakis joined fellow restaurateur Donatella Arpaia to open Dona. Chef Michael served fish generation cuisine… food that blended the modern American experiences of the two owners with the cuisines of their respective parents homelands, Greece and Italy. It was a culinary concept whose time had come. And the restaurant took off, earning plaudits from the New York Times and Esquire.
The rousing success of Dona led Chef Michael on a path where he established a restaurant empire, if you will. Today, Michael Psilakis is the Executive Chef and owner of FishTag, Kefi and MP Taverna. From Manhattan and Roslyn, Long Island, to Irvington, N.Y., and Astoria, Chef Michael Psilakis is influencing food trends everywhere with his creative, take no prisoners, all-in approach to cooking. This is a man who knows exactly what he wants and knows how to get it. Michael was, after all, the co-star and producer of BBC America’s original adventure cooking competition series, No Kitchen Required.
The series, which launched in April of 2012, followed three chefs as they were dropped into some really exotic and remote locations. As Michael and the other chefs competed for the win, they also tested themselves. Michael has over the past few years been named Food and Wine’s Best New Chef and was nominated for A-List Chef by Bravo TV. Despite all the awards and accolades, Michael has remained humble and very down to earth. He enjoys making people happy one fantastic dish a time. After graduating college (with a BA in accounting, no less), Michael worked as a waiter a T.G.I. Fridays. It was at T.G.I. that he learned what the restaurant industry was all about. If you can survive, you will thrive. Easier said then done.
It was Michael’s roots that instilled a solid work ethic and passion for food. Michael’s Mom taught him everything he knows about the flavors and techniques of classic Greek cooking. Her influence can still be felt in every one of her son’s kitchens, but nowhere more than at MP Taverna. MP Taverna is Chef Michael’s contemporary interpretation of a traditional Greek Taverna and the food served here is unpretentious and delicious. Whether you come in for dinner, Happy Hour appetizers or brunch, there is so much to choose from.
Brunch creations include Ricotta pancake with caramelized apples, almonds, raisins and zabaglione sauce. The roasted tomato skillet baked eggs are savory and filling. Some of chef's most popular entrees include the Greek Paella, which places sausage, clams, mussels and prawns a top a mound of orzo instead of spinach-style yellow saffron rice. Another must-have is the Hangar Steak with braised dandelion, lemon and olive oil. MP Taverna’s waitstaff are forever bringing out orders of Lamb Shank. One of Chef Michael’s most celebrated recipes is his Kefi Mac and Cheese, which will make you forget that not so healthy craving for Velveeta. Chef’s macaroni and cheese is packed with spinach, feta cheese and also has an intriguing touch of cinnamon. MP Taverna in Astoria has two very spacious levels but for intimacy, we recommend the second floor with its chandeliers, leather chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Great for people-watching along Ditmars Blvd.
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Location and Hours
31-29 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria, NY 11105
Phone: (718) 777-2187
http://michaelpsilakis.com/mp-taverna/mp-taverna-astoria/
Lunch: Mon-Fri 12 PM-3 PM
Dinner: Mon-Thu 3 PM-11 PM
Fri-Sat: 3 PM-12 AM
Sun: 3 PM-10 PM
Brunch: Saturday/Sunday 11 AM-3 PM
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