NYC｜Taverna Kyclades 🐟 Hit-or-Miss Greek Feast!

This Queens-based Greek spot comes highly recommended, and while the East Village used to have an outpost (now closed), everyone says the original location is where it’s at. Maybe my expectations were too high, but traveling all the way there left me a little underwhelmed 😕. Portions here are huge! We ordered just three dishes for two people and still had plenty to take home 🍱: 🐟 Whiting Fish The star of the meal! Grilled to crispy perfection outside and tender inside—it reminded me of the small yellow croakers I grew up with. Almost boneless and full of flavor! 🐙 Grilled Octopus Tender in texture, but the marinade was a bit too tangy for my taste. The charred edges added a slight bitterness, and the side vegetables were bland without a sprinkle of salt. Sadly, not as memorable as the octopus I tried in Lisbon. 🐑 Lamb Chops Massive portion, but oh-so-tough! Seasoned simply with salt and rosemary, the meat was juicy but seriously chewy—definitely not braces-friendly 😬. 📍 The vibe here is bustling, friendly, and totally neighborhood—a popular spot for big family gatherings. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait. We visited at 2 PM on a weekend and still had a short wait. In summary: their seafood—especially the fish—is delicious. I didn’t try the shellfish, so can’t comment there. But honestly? I’m starting to feel let down by European cuisine here in NYC… overpriced and often just okay. Maybe it’s better to just plan that next trip to Europe 🏛️✈️. #GreekFoodNYC #TavernaKyclades #NYCEats #QueensEats #FoodReview