New York City has been home to a healthy population of Greek immigrants as far back as the 1870s.
Nowadays, the Greek diaspora is most centrally located in Astoria, where some 20 Greek restaurants are open for business.
However, Greeks have lived in various parts of the city over the years, leaving their marks in the form of authentic Greek restaurants dotting the greater New York City area. Let’s take a look at the 5 places that you must try next time you are in New York City, according to greekreporter.com.
1.Periyali
Periyali InteriorLocated on 35 W 20th Street, New York, NY 10011, the menu at Periyali is classic Mediterranean with prices ranging from $31 to $60, depending on what you order.
The decor isn’t over-the-top Greek, but instead offers more of a subdued Mediterranean atmosphere.
One food critic on yelp.com said:
“We had octopus (small portion) and meatballs (about 5 small ones) as separate appetizers. The octopus (Oktapodi Sharas) was really soft and tasted great. The sauce that it came with was really good as well. I didn’t even need a knife to cut through it!”
2. Plaka
Located at 406 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11209, this diner-style joint has been in business for decades and is authentic nowadays as it was when it first opened.
Check out the raving review that a long-time patriot to Plaka wrote on Google reviews:
“I’ve been eating here for nearly 30 years. The food has always been fresh. The gyros and shish-ka-bob are tasty but the best is a dish called moussaka. I’ve tried a dozen places, but nobody makes it like Plaka does.”
3. Gregory’s 26 Corner Taverna
Located at 26-02 23rd Ave (26 Street), Astoria, NY 11105, this restaurant is known for its authentic plates such as zucchini fritters, fried salt-cod with garlicky skordalia, and fresh fish brought straight from the Ocean to the restaurant by Long Island fishermen who are friends of the owner.
The quaint atmosphere makes you feel like you are visiting a Greek relative for holidays and is very inviting.
NYCA foodie on foursquare.com said:
“A true gem, definitive of Astoria. Always get the fresh fish. It’s right off the boat, whole, and grilled. Also…lemon potatoes, yum!”
4. Zenon Taverna
Owner Stelios Papageorgiou fled Cyprus as the Turkish military invaded his village as a part of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
A mere three years after arriving in the USA he started Zenon Taverna. Located at 34-10 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11106, this is a place you must stop by and see for yourself!
The taverna serves up a variety of Cypriot dishes and offers a mural-filled atmosphere, making you feel as though you are in a small village on Cyprus.
A review on Google says: “This is the best place in Astoria for Authentic Cypriot food. Great service [with] a cozy and village style atmosphere. The food is fresh and delicious. A must if you love Greek and Cypriot food.”
5. Pylos
Located at 128 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, Pylos offers a more posh alternative to a night out, as the menu is a little pricey.
One food critic on tripadvisor.com explains why it is worth the price tag and why this popular reactant is somewhere that you want to check out, just be sure to make reservations in advance!
“I have been coming to this restaurant since 2005. It is really one of the best restaurants in the East Village which is why it is still around after so many years, and still constantly full! This serves the most original Greek food I’ve had in NYC (including Astoria!). Everything is delicious. It is on the expensive side…but worth it.”
Read more here.
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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Antonio Fajardo i L?pez License: CC-BY-SA
