Greek Cuisine in Astoria, NY

Where the Mediterranean Diet meets Instagram-worthy dishes and trend-setting cocktails. Greece is the land that gave us civilization.

Many of the ideals and philosophies that we live by today, started off life in ancient Greece. The seeds of democracy were even planted there, thousands of years ago.From Aristotle and Socrates to Plato and the astute mathematician Pythagoras, the wisdom of the legendary Hellenic philosophers and writers lives on to this day.

Yet another contribution that we can thank the Greek people for is their cuisine. At the epicenter of the famous Mediterranean Diet, Greek chefs and home cooks have handed down, from generation to generation, meals that are centered around fruits, veggies, herbs, olive oil, whole grains and lean, better-for-you proteins such as chicken and fish. And, let's not forget stomach-friendly yogurt, another staple ingredient in most Hellenic households. Rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, the Mediterranean Diet is all about the FRESHNESS of ingredients. Even if you are not lucky enough to reside on the Greek mainland or Islands, where fresh seafood is always close to home and many villagers still grow their own veggies, fear not!

In New York City, particularly the community of Astoria; All Greek restaurant owners and chefs take an enormous amount of pride in the fact that they source their ingredients LOCALLY, from farms in the Hudson Valley. And, the fishmongers who work the waters of Long Island Sound, can always be counted on to reel in the catch of the day that will soon make its way to your table at one of Astoria's fine Hellenic dining establishments. So, without further adieu, let's take a look at some of the local Greek restaurants that are creating a genuine buzz on the NYC foodie scene.

Anassa - Astoria

From the moment you enter the spacious, sun-splashed dining room at Anassa, you will feel nothing but warm Mediterranean vibes. Aside from the intoxicating scents emanating from the kitchen, one of the first things that will captivate you is the decor. Large faux Aqua blue windows and flowing white curtains separate the refined bar area from the main dining room. At night, the space is lit by gorgeous, stylish chandelier-like lighting fixtures. Colorful sketches of iconic ladies such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Maria Callas and Marilyn Monroe decorate the walls of the restaurant. The stunning, theatrically-lit bar is a great place to settle down for a drink while you wait for your date or friends to appear.

A quick word about the name of the restaurant. In ancient Greece, the title ANASSA was bestowed on women of note who exuded rare qualities and talents, exhibiting benevolent
leadership. Being crowned with the title of Anassa was similar to being acknowledged as a "Queen". Like the ancient Greek Anassa, the team behind the restaurant believes that its mission is to represent all that is good in Greek culture, particularly its culinary traditions. Or, as the chef and owners say on their website; " We look forward to welcoming you to Anassa Taverna and giving you some of our very own " Royal" treatment, something that only an Anassa can bestow."

Keep an eye out for fall, when the folks at Anassa Taverna will be introducing their special Brunch Party. For groups of four or more, you are invited to take part in a very exciting brunch experience complete with entertainment, live DJs, an interactive family-style meal and a variety of liquor packages including bottle service. Just email the team for more information.

As with any Greek establishment worth its salt, mezze plays a primary role on the menu. Small plate options to tempt your tastebuds include fried saganaki cheese and Gruyere with honey and lemon, sea bass skewers with roasted red peppers and signature, can't stop eating them Anassa chips, which are paper-thin fried zucchini and eggplant.

Whole fish selections are available by the pound. Your server will happily bring you over to the display case where you can pick out fresh fish on ice like branzino, red snapper, Black Sea bass, pink snapper and salmon. Grilled shrimp is accompanied by flavourful rice, and sauteed spinach while the branzino is served with baked onions and potatoes, carrots, all inside an outrageous tomato stew sauce. Yum-Yum!

There are also some fantastic pasta selections including lobster ravioli, lobster spaghetti dressed with basil and other fresh herbs and pasta alla greca which consists of rigatoni, spinach leaves roasted tomatoes and it's all topped with crumbles of feta cheese.

One simply cannot dine here without trying one of the bar's superb cocktails. The mixologists here know their spirits and their magical potions will certainly keep YOU in good spirits. A must-have is the Madame Onassis which blends peach-infused vodka with Sumac, peach puree, lemongrass and lime juice. It's a very refreshing taste. You'll also adore Anthos, made with a generous pour of stray dog gin, Ancho reyes, Kombucha elderflower, lime juice and fresh blackberries.

Contact Info and Hours :

28-10 Astoria Blvd.
Astoria N.Y. 11102
(718) 721-5050
www.anassataverna.com

Hours :

Monday to Thursday 5 PM to 9:30 PM
Friday 5 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM

Loukoumi - Astoria

A true labor of love for chef-owner Kostas Avlonitis and his wife Maria, Loukoumi celebrates the pillars of Hellenic cuisine.....the freshest, most vibrant of ingredients, seafood, charcoal grilled meats and, of course, cheese, especially feta. As anyone who has visited Greece already knows, the Hellenic people are big on hospitality. You'll find that welcoming vibe here, as well. The Avlonitis family considers the restaurant to be an extension of their home. And YOU are the honored guest.

The decor is rustic with a contemporary feel. The premises are spacious yet also give off a very cozy feel. Take your date here to celebrate life and all it has to offer. No doubt, they will be quite impressed. And, the place works too, for a night out with the family. Loukoumi is just a touch off the beaten path, being located on forty-fifth and Ditmars Blvd., somewhat removed from the real action on the Blvd. But, don't let that fool you. It is absolutely well worth a short walk out of your way. Really, it's not THAT far from the last stop on the N and W train. But, if you totally don't feel like strolling over, then just summon an Uber with your phone.

The menu will tempt you with a wide array of both hot and cold appetizers. Even before you can settle in at your table, the waiter will bring you a small plate of warm pieces of pita bread. Dig in and enjoy. but, don't spoil your appetite for the delights that await! A perfect accompaniment for the pita is a dish called Kopanisti, which is a slightly spicy, creamy feta spread with roasted peppers, a touch of olive oil, fresh herbs and Kalamata olives. The beets tzatziki is to die for, consisting of boiled beets, made from scratch with authentic Greek yogurt, chopped apples and roasted almonds. Among the HOT selections of mezze is the charred calamari which is topped with a light fruit sauce. never saw that on any menu. But, it works, so give it a try. Another option you'll enjoy is the grilled veggies done Loukoumi style. Perfectly grilled carrots, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms are topped with a homemade balsamic vinegar dressing.

The main dishes are chock full of flavor and imagination. A must-have is the grilled Halloumi cheese that is stuffed with finely cut layers of tomato slices and eggplant. Now, you've probably had a dish of mussels many times before. But, have you enjoyed steamed mussels swimming in a light sauce made with red wine and ouzo? We'll reckon not! The charcoal-grilled portion of the menu features succulent dishes that range from baby lamb chops to Biftekia which is ground beef that has been mixed with fresh herbs, spices and, what else but feta cheese. A favorite of regulars is the Lithohoritiki, a plate of tender pieces of pork loin and homemade sausage that's been sauteed in white wine.

Contact Info and hours :

45-07 Ditmars Blvd.
Astoria N.Y. 11105
(718) 626-3200
www.toloukoumi.com

Hours :

Monday to Saturday 1 PM to 11 PM
Sunday 1 PM to 10 PM

Amylos Taverna - Astoria

A modern take on a traditional island taverna, Amylos will immerse you in Greek culture, from the Hellenic Republic's art and architecture to its culinary masterpieces. But, the nice thing at Amylos is that you can also expect the unexpected....and be pleasantly surprised by the delicious twists and turns that the chefs take in the restaurant's open kitchen. If you're looking for plain food, the kind that is safe and unadventurous; well, you thankfully won't find it here. Instead, be prepared for a culinary ride that you will not soon forget.

The restaurant has glass, floor-to-ceiling walls which, during the Spring, Summer and early Fall, are thrown open, creating a very inviting outdoor cafe ambiance. Located on Broadway, in the heart of Astoria, Amylos is destination dining at its best. So, even if you live in Manhattan or Brooklyn, the restaurant is convenient to the R, N and W subway lines. Amylos occupies the hallowed space that, for many, many years, was home to one of the most beloved Greek establishments, Uncle George's. But, if you ever dined there you wouldn't recognize the space now.

Kick off your evening ( or brunch ), the right way by enjoying one of the bar's delectable craft cocktails. The mixologists here take the same care with fresh ingredients that their counterparts in the kitchen do with your meal. You will see and taste this innovative use of ingredients in the butterfly effect, an elixir that has floral notes of elderflower, blended with mountain tea, cardamom, figs and aromatic gin. The Super Paradise mule definitely has Mykonos Beach vibes dancing around in your glass. This potion pairs up pear vodka, (get it?), with passion fruit, elderflower liqueur, ginger and a touch of spice. Customers rave about their Dirty Greek martini, made with vodka and garnished with Kalamata olives and feta. If you are looking for something super refreshing then Yiamas is calling your name with ingredients like Don Julio tequila, fresh watermelon, juicy blackberries and organic agave.

Whenever possible, Amylos features antibiotic-free meats and a myriad of natural ingredients as well as fruits and veggies that are sourced from carefully curated purveyors who CARE as much as Amylos' ownership does. Do yourself a HUGE favor and begin the proceedings with a bowl of their avgolemono soup. It is a perfect delight, filled with chicken, veggies and a hint of lemon.

When it comes to Mezze, Amylos has rewritten the book or menu, shall we say. Yes, they make a tasty spinach pie. But, be a little daring and try the Phyllo purses stuffed with butternut squash, caramelized onions and goat cheese. The chef's take on Taramosalata combines fish roe with bacon, crispy prosciutto and caramelized pearl onions. Plan to share a plate of the Moussaka croquettes with your date. These small bites are filled with feta and bechamel. It's classic meets modern. Salads run the gamut from Horiatiki and Spinach to beets and a superb truffle Burrata salad. Their fig salad is out of bounds consisting of mixed field greens, Prosciutto Di Parma, Manouri cheese, a fig compote, topped with a not-too-sweet honey balsamic vinaigrette.

Entrees are meant to stimulate your appetite. Choose from either a Lamb Burger ( topped with pickled onions, melted feta cheese and sided up with truffle fries), Seafood Risotto, Roasted Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and lemon potatoes, or lamb shank enveloped in molasses and herbs, EVOO and topped up with a smoked eggplant puree. The Papoutsaki is Vegan and beyond delicious. A large eggplant is stuffed with potatoes, zucchini, fresh onions and tomatoes, crowned with crispy leeks and a lighter-than-air coconut cream. You KNOW that this dish is going to be on your culinary bucket list!

Contact Info and Hours :

33-19 Broadway
Astoria N.Y. 11106
(7180 215-0228
www.amylos.com

Hours :

Sunday through Thursday 12 PM to 11 PM
Friday and Saturday 12 PM to 11: 30 PM

Stamatis - Astoria

No Article on Greek cuisine in Astoria would be complete without mentioning Stamatis, a neighborhood staple that has been catering to the community for a couple of generations.

The food is wholesome, tasty and just like your Yia-Yia used to make. No frills, here. But the ingredients are fresh and the portions are HUGE! If you dine here with your date for a special evening out, you'll have enough leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. You will leave the premises happy with your tummy nice and full.

The service here is old-world. The servers actually care about their customers and, should you not be familiar with Hellenic food, they will gladly guide you through the rather extensive menu. In this way, the staff is following the tradition and standards set by the restaurant's founders Chef Stamatis Bililis and his wife Ioanna, way back in 1990 when the place first opened its doors. You will also love the decor. The dining room walls have colorful murals depicting Greek island scenes and in the back area, there is a skylight that creates a beautiful "outdoor" ambiance. In addition, Stamatis has a very cool outdoor dining area right on 23rd Avenue. The space is semi-enclosed and lit up at night in a very sexy manner.

Naturally, when dining at Stamatis, you can expect bountiful selections of fresh-caught fish as well as char-grilled chunks of souvlaki. However, you totally need to look into some of their special dishes which offer delicious and unusual ingredient combinations. For example, the Nest consists of chunks of beef in a stew-like gravy, together with spaghetti, mushrooms, peppers, a dollop of yogurt and Kasseri cheese. Their scrumptious Lamb Fricasse plate features tender pieces of lamb accompanied by lettuce, scallions and dill in a delightful egg-lemon sauce. The Papoutsaki blends eggplant, ground beef, onions and feta cheese with a bechamel cream sauce. You can also make up a healthy meal by ordering a couple of sides like spinach mixed with rice, Gigante beans, which are lima beans on steroids in a tomato sauce, string beans and chunks of fresh stewed tomatoes or their lemon potatoes, which have to be the BEST in the city.

Wash it all down with a glass or two of imported Greek wine or spirits and you are good to go !

Location and Hours :

29-09 23rd Avenue
Astoria N.Y. 11105
www.stamatisastoria.com
(718) 932-8596

Hours :

Sunday to Thursday 11 AM to 11 PM
Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 12 AM

Taverna Kyclades - Astoria

A neighborhood staple, Taverna Kyclades has been satisfying the appetites of hungry foodies from near and far for longer than most of us can remember. Those who are in the know consider Taverna Kyclades to be the last word when it comes to authentic Greek dining. One thing's for sure: no one leaves these well-appointed premises without already making plans for their next dinner or brunch here. Yes, it's THAT good.

Although, as previously noted, Kyclades has been around for a while, this particular location is relatively new. A few years ago, the restaurant relocated from its original location on the ground floor of the Acropolis Apartments, to a snazzy new space a couple of blocks further up on Ditmars Blvd. The decor is contemporary; one might even say sexy. But the new Taverna Kyclades still retains the coziness and charm of its predecessor. And the staff still exudes courtesy, consummate professionalism, and all-around great vibes. As of this writing, there's still a couple of months of good weather left, so be advised that the new Taverna boasts a fantastic outdoor dining space.

A family-owned and run restaurant, the place is named after the Kyclades, a group of Greek islands that are famous for their sun-splashed beaches, gorgeous sunrises (and sunsets) as well as the cuisine which is all about fresh and delectable fish. Honoring that tradition, the Kyclades team offers you superb hospitality and quality ingredients that Yia-Yia would be proud to use in her dishes. In fact, while most people are still sleeping, members of the kitchen head out to the fish and meat markets in order to purchase the freshest catch and best cuts of meat.

All main course dishes are served with a choice of rice, beets, lemon potatoes, or Horta, which is a scrumptious veggie very similar to Swiss Chard. The portions are quite generous so you won't go hungry. Start your meal off with a huge bowl of their signature Greek salad. You'll enjoy a bounty of juicy, ripe tomatoes, shaved red onions, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives, all topped with two slabs of feta cheese that has been sprinkled with oregano. From the land, dig into succulent, mouth-watering options like Biftekia (Hellenic hamburgers), grilled chicken, lamb chops, or rib-eye steak. From the sea indulge in red snapper, grilled swordfish, broiled scallops, salmon steak, or grilled sardines.

Wash everything down with a glass of imported Greek wine or one of the bar's divine cocktails. Two noteworthy selections are the Acheron's River, which is a blend of Stray Dog gin, bay leaf peppercorn bitters, and citrus tonic. Mastiha Mojito consists of Empress gin, Mastiha, mint, lime juice, and bursting with flavor blueberries.

Location and Hours :

36-01 Ditmars Blvd.
Astoria N.Y. 11105
(718) 545-8666
www.tavernakyclades.com

Hours :

Monday to Friday 12 PM to 10 PM
Saturday and Sunday 11:30 AM to 10 PM

Aliada - Astoria

Having opened its doors in 2002, Aliada emphasizes the Cypriot culinary tradition of bringing friends and family together at the table through mezedes or small plates. Sure, you'll find heaping plates of whole fish, perfectly grilled here. But it is the varied and never-ending small plates of food with which the chefs at Aliada have made their mark over the years.

The heart of Cypriot ( and mainland Greek ) culinary culture, these gastronomic delicacies will astound your taste buds. Great care is placed in their presentation, as well, making for many Instagram-worthy moments. If you are here on a date take advantage of Aliada's mezedes specials. A chef's selection of hot and cold appetizers, featuring meat dishes, is available for only $45 per person while $55 will get you and your significant other an amazing array of fish-based meze.

Ordering a la carte ? No problem. Just look over the extensive meze menu and get ready to enjoy. A very healthy choice is the marinated red beets, dressed in EVOO and served with skordalia. Other veggie-centric mezes include roasted cauliflower, topped with olives and pomegranate seeds, accompanied by feta and tahini sauce. The zucchini croquettes and sauteed mushrooms are out of this world!

On the island of Cyprus, they just LOVE to grill their cheese. And you will LOVE the results. Try the grilled sheep's milk Halloumi cheese that is imported directly from Cyprus. You won't be sorry. The halloumi-topped fried potatoes are beyond delicious. They are crispy and topped with lemon tahini and a roasted red pepper sauce. Fresh from the sea meze runs from lightly floured flash-fried calamari and char-grilled octopus with capers, red onions and tomatoes to pan-fried whiting fish accompanied by a divine garlic potato puree. When it comes to meat-based meze plates, the kitchen has got you covered. Delight in pork or chicken souvlaki skewers sided up with toasted pita bread and tomato-cucumber relish. One can't-miss dish is the Shieftalia. Grilled over a live fire, these Cypriot sausages are unlike any sausage you have ever tasted before! They are made with minced pork, and chopped onions, along with fresh herbs and spices. Looking to be a little adventurous in your meze choices? Then order the grilled quail. It tastes kind of like chicken but has its very own flavor. The quails are dressed with a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette and come with grilled zucchini.

Whatever you and your party decide to order, though, PLEASE leave room for dessert. The kitchen offers a trio of wonderful selections: Yiaourti, which is house-made Greek yogurt, topped with Cretan honey and sour cherries, their always dependable Baklava and the hard-to-pronounce but addicting Galaktoboureko which consists of semolina custard cream baked in phyllo dough and coated in a not too sweet orange syrup.

Location and Hours :

29-19 Broadway
Astoria N.Y. 11106
(718) 932-2240
www.aliadarestaurant.com

Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 PM to 11 PM