Ambeli Greek Taverna — Restaurant in Cranford

As a Greek who craves the authentic flavors of home, Ambeli Greek Taverna has become my go-to destination with my family every weekend. Nestled in Westfield this charming restaurant offers a truly remarkable dining experience that rivals any Greek establishment in Astoria, New York. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with warm hospitality and a genuine sense of Greek culture. Chris, the owner, is a master at his craft and his dedication to running a top-notch restaurant is evident in every aspect of Ambeli's operation. He personally extends his warm greetings to every table, making you feel like part of a big Greek family. Now, let's talk about the food! Each dish at Ambeli is a divine culinary journey that transports you to the sun-kissed islands of Greece. The Lavraki and Tzipoura fish, accompanied by lemon potatoes, are my personal favorites. The fish is always fresh, perfectly cooked, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Every bite is a testament to the expertise of the kitchen staff, who meticulously follow authentic recipes passed down through generations. The menu at Ambeli Greek Taverna is a treasure trove of Greek delights. Whether you're a fan of traditional moussaka, succulent souvlaki, or heavenly baklava, you'll find it all here. The attention to detail and commitment to quality are unmatched. It's no wonder that every dish tastes as if it were flown directly from Greece. Beyond the exceptional food, the service provided by Peter, Mixalista and the rest of the staff is impeccable. Their professionalism and genuine friendliness add to the overall dining experience. You can tell that they take pride in their work and strive to ensure that every customer leaves with a smile on their face. Lastly, Ambeli Greek Taverna has captured my family's heart to the point that I willingly make an hour-long drive just to savor their delectable offerings. This speaks volumes about the authenticity of their cuisine, as I have tried other Greek restaurants near me only to be disappointed by their lackluster and unauthentic flavors. If I could, and I trully mean this, I would wholeheartedly support the owner's endeavor to expand this remarkable establishment through a series of chains. Ambeli Greek Taverna is a hidden gem that deserves to be shared with more people, allowing them to experience the true taste of Greece without having to travel overseas. In conclusion, Ambeli Greek Taverna is a culinary haven that brings the spirit of Greece to your doorstep. With its mouthwatering dishes, genuine hospitality, and commitment to authenticity, it has set the bar high for Greek cuisine. Prepare your taste buds for a journey to the Mediterranean, and let Ambeli Greek Taverna exceed your expectations. Opa! Σε ευχαριστώ, Χρήστο, και σου εύχομαι πολλές ευλογίες...

A Taste of Greece, A Feast for the Soul!

If you’re tired of overpriced, overhyped spots where the vibe is faker than the “extra virgin” olive oil they drizzle—STOP RIGHT NOW and run (don’t walk!) to this Greek gem that’s rewriting the rules on what dining out should be.

From the moment you walk in, you’re not just greeted—you’re welcomed like family. The staff? Unbelievably warm, wildly attentive, and genuinely joyful. They don’t just serve food, they serve hospitality in its purest form. No fake smiles. No pretentious scripts. Just real people who love what they do, and it shows in every plate and every smile.

Located in the perfect spot—convenient, vibrant, and just far enough from the tourist traps to feel like a local’s secret—the environment hits all the right notes: authentic, relaxed, inviting, and alive with the sights, smells, and sounds of a real Greek kitchen. It’s the kind of place you can laugh loud, eat more than you planned, and stay longer than you should—and no one’s rushing you out.

Now, let’s talk FOOD. Holy Hera. This isn’t food. This is a culinary odyssey. Every bite is bold, fresh, and deeply satisfying. The quality? Impeccable. The quantity? Let’s just say: bring your appetite, or better yet, a second stomach. You want crisp, golden spanakopita? You got it. Tender, juicy souvlaki? Check. Creamy, garlicky tzatziki that dreams are made of? It’s here—and it’s glorious. And don’t even get me started on the moussaka—it’s the Zeus of comfort food.

And the best part? There’s zero pretension. No trendy plating that sacrifices flavor for flair. No mysterious foam or microgreens. Just honest, out-of-this-world Greek food made with love and delivered with pride.

If you’re looking for a place where the food is unforgettable, the people are incredible, and the experience is 100% real—this is YOUR Greek restaurant. A five-star experience without the five-star...

Ambeli's was phenomenal. My server Louie was not only personable but he gave such a wonderful descriptions of the swordfish special. I started off with the tender charcoal grilled calamari drizzled with olive oil and lemon. This dish had just the right bite and texture. The size and portion was perfect. For the main course I had Bronzini drizzled with olive oil and lemon. This was a whole fish and I can say they did an excellent job at deboning it. I came across no more than four small bones and they were inconsequential to the delectableness of the meal. For my side I had sauteed spinach with garlic. Perfectly cooked and flavor was so subtle and the garlic stood out. It came with a lemon to spritz over greens. I finished my meal with a nice slice of baklava. This yummy phyllo pastry was stuffed full of sweet goodness. Chopped nuts, honey, I had Turkish coffee for the first time and I felt so international right in downtown Cranford. The bread with hummus was soo addictive but I was mindful not to over indulge before my appetizer and dinner. Everything was presented with such care and attention. The flavor and tastes burst through the fish and the freshness of the Bronzino could not be denied. The capers added a nice compliment to the flaky fish. I cannot say enough about Louie's attention, attitude and knowledge of the menu. He was an excellent server but an even better person. I met David, the owners brother who came to my table and asked me how my meal was. I shook his hand on the way out and he was smiling and greeting guests as they entered. Happy people coming in and even happier going out. Looks like Cranford has a winner here. Thanks Louie for making my first dining experience in Cranford a...