estiatorio Milos Midtown — Restaurant in New York

Estiatorio Milos is a true gem in New York City’s dining scene, offering an exceptional experience that celebrates the best of Greek cuisine, with a focus on pristine seafood and simple, elegant preparations. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Milos is renowned for its commitment to freshness and quality, and it continues to deliver a meal that is as memorable as it is delicious.

From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is refined yet inviting. The decor is sophisticated and light, featuring whitewashed walls, rustic stone accents, and warm lighting that evokes the breezy, coastal charm of the Mediterranean. The open and airy dining space creates a sense of relaxed elegance, making it a perfect spot for everything from business lunches to romantic dinners.

The experience at Estiatorio Milos is centered around their spectacular seafood offerings. The restaurant’s iconic fish market display showcases the daily catch, and guests are invited to handpick their selections, which are flown in from Greece and other parts of the Mediterranean. The fish is prepared with minimal seasoning and grilled to perfection, highlighting the natural flavors and freshness of the ingredients. The lavraki (Mediterranean sea bass) and fagri (red snapper) are standout choices, with each bite carrying a hint of the Aegean Sea.

Among the must-try dishes is the indulgent lobster pasta. Made with fresh, succulent lobster and perfectly al dente pasta tossed in a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is a luxurious yet comforting option that embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean. The sweet, tender lobster meat pairs beautifully with the savory sauce, making it a memorable highlight of the meal.

While the fish and seafood are the stars, the menu also offers an array of appetizers and sides that deserve equal attention. The Milos Special, a crispy tower of lightly fried zucchini and eggplant served with tzatziki, is a crowd-pleaser, both crunchy and refreshing. Speaking of tzatziki, the classic dip is made with creamy Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and olive oil, and it’s perfect for sharing alongside warm, freshly baked pita bread. The grilled octopus is tender and expertly charred, served with capers and onions that enhance its oceanic flavors. Another highlight is the simple yet decadent Greek salad, made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a generous slab of creamy feta imported directly from Greece.

The quality of the ingredients extends to their meat and vegetarian options as well. The lamb chops, marinated and grilled to perfection, are juicy and flavorful, while vegetarian dishes like the saganaki and horta (steamed wild greens) showcase the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Desserts are also a delight, with classic options like baklava and Greek yogurt with honey providing a sweet finish to the meal.

The wine list is extensive, featuring a fantastic selection of Greek and international wines that pair beautifully with the menu. The sommelier and staff are knowledgeable and eager to help guide your choices, ensuring that your dining experience is elevated even further.

Service at Estiatorio Milos is impeccable. The staff are attentive, professional, and warm, making sure that every guest feels well taken care of. The meal unfolds at a pleasant pace, allowing you to savor each dish and enjoy the lively yet comfortable ambiance of the restaurant.

While Estiatorio Milos is on the pricier side, the quality of the ingredients and the skillful execution make it well worth the splurge. It’s a place where the simplicity of Greek cuisine shines through, and the dining experience leaves you feeling both satisfied and transported to a Mediterranean paradise. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply appreciate well-crafted, fresh flavors, Estiatorio Milos is a dining experience that...

So are you up for some authentic Greek food? Not Greek-American food (a loose adaptation of the original), but authentic Greek food: It's going to cost you about $10k. I figured a couple of plane tickets (and you're flying coach!), a modest hotel room, some freshly caught seafood that was still swimming in the Aegean Sea that morning, and a few days of jetlag. If you'd rather spend less time and money, your only option is Milos on 55th Street. It's like eating in Greece, really--no exaggeration, but you won't need your passport. Having been born and raised in Greece I can say as much with the authority of a local. Milos is not inexpensive, mind you, but you get what you pay for. The seafood on the menu is not necessarily what's available: That's the whole point of "catch of the day"; you never know what you'll catch, and things run out! But you can go right up to the brightly lit ice counter and pick your own fish--there's a wide variety! Your server can help with recommendations; if you want mine, go for tsipoura (sea bream) grilled, with just olive oil and lemon, barbouni (red mullet), fried, or glossa (sole), preferably fried--but grilled works too. A grilled lavraki (sea bass) is a good choice too! We haven't touched on starters yet, and it's a crime to skip those: Order a Horiatiki (a tomato salad with cucumbers, green peppers, onions, kalamata olives and feta, with olive oil and vinegar) for sure, and don't forget the Milos Special; razor-thin slices of zucchini and eggplant, lightly battered and flash-fried, served with thick tzatziki (it's not a "sauce" folks; it's a dip!) and fried haloumi cheese. The grilled octopus is tender and delicious; I wish it didn't come with onions, capers and the like, because just oil and vinegar makes it perfect! The Greek Spreads sampler platter is a winner too when it comes to shareables! Horta are dandelion greens, boiled and tender, served with olive oil and lemon; a standard Greek staple (order some as a side dish for the fish or as an additional starter). After dinner, save room for galaktoboureko, a square of phyllo-covered milk custard pie that will make you feel like you're in Greece! Greek yogurt with honey is also a common light and healthy dessert! Karydopita, a Greek walnut cake, is wonderful too. The service is prompt and friendly. When Vassilis swings by your table to see if everything is ok, tell him nothing was ok: It was spectacular. You'll be telling the truth, and you'll be back to Milos in Midtown over...

I had an issue when I first sat down. Very high number of the best specialties were for multiple oeople. Being on a business trip, I was a single diner. When I got up to leave, and rip the waiter for his trouble, he insisted he could solve it. He personally found a smaller fish from their huge selection and customized a full off menu for a single diner. That customer focus is what takes a restaurant from great to absolutely spectacular. And the service continued at that level throughout the entire meal.

Now on to the food..

The ceviche was beautifully presented and the flavors on point. Just enough acidic to complement the fish and and the herbs and beans..

Add the fresh artisanal bread and the strong Greek Olive Oil to the massive Greek salad and it was almost a meal in itself. And note the fresh herbs cut at the table into the olive oil. None of that weak 'pale' olive oil. This had that robust flavor you expect. The salad had a lot of tomatoes all of which were heirloom varieties. And the entire salad was dressed as it should be. Enough to be noticible but as a support for the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients.

And finally the fish arrived. Gently cooked with a nice does of herbage, olive oil, and capers. The flavors of the fish were spot on, accentuated by the herbs and olive oil but not overwhelmed. A stunning presentation of simplicity. And even the accompanying steamed vegetables were well cooked but still had that womderful crunch of not being over cooked.

And througout, severs came by, managers stopped by, and yiu could see the passion for the customer from top to bottom. So nice to find a restaurant that cares.

My only regret is coming alone so I could not sample more of the menu items as I watched some very appetizing and intriguing ones go by. And watching the precision, having done a few myself, of the serving of the salt baked fish.....

This is one of those places you never forget and always recommend.. Bravo and accolades to...