New York Greek restaurant! One second through the Aegean Sea 🇬🇷

I picked this lovely Greek spot in Manhattan to celebrate my birthday this year, and it turned out to be such a cozy choice! 🎂 The restaurant’s vibe is absolutely charming—there are lush lemon trees dotted around, with bright yellow lemons hanging from the branches 🍋, and fresh flower arrangements in soft hues placed all over the place 💐. The tableware is all in classic blue and white, with subtle patterns that give off such an elegant, Mediterranean feel—it’s so stylish! The food was really impressive too 👍 Giouvetsi Arni (braised lamb shank over rice) is an absolute must-order! The lamb shank is slow-cooked until it’s tender enough to fall off the bone, and it’s smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce that soaks into the fluffy rice underneath. Even my friends who usually avoid lamb couldn’t get enough—they kept going back for seconds and raving about it 🤩 Htenia (garlic scallops) are another standout. The scallops are plump and juicy, cooked to perfection with a mix of garlic and warm spices that create such a delicious, layered flavor. The only downside? The portion is pretty small—we all fought over the last bite because it was so good 😂 I’m obsessed with their Pita bread too! It’s served warm, with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy inside. Dipped in the creamy tzatziki they bring out, it’s so addictive—we polished off the whole basket as soon as it hit the table. Hands down, it’s the best Pita I’ve had in New York 👏 The Lavraki (grilled sea bass) was just okay, though. It’s a popular dish here, and the fish was fresh, but it was pretty plain—just lightly seasoned with not much flavor. Maybe it’s a matter of taste, but it didn’t wow me 😕 And finally, definitely don’t miss the Greek yogurt!! At first glance, I thought it was ice cream—it’s so thick, rich, and creamy, with a lovely tangy flavor that’s so satisfying. It’s way better than any yogurt you’ll find in the supermarket—creamy, not too sweet, and so refreshing after the meal. I could’ve eaten a whole bowl by myself 🥛 📍 Eleni’s #NewYorkFood #NewYorkEats #NewYorkRestaurants #NewYorkLife #ManhattanFood #NewYorkStudyAbroad #NewYork