Loi Estiatorio — Restaurant in New York

LOI ESTIATORIO...YOU JUST CAN'T MESS WITH PERFECTION !!

Until I began eating here, I didn’t know what exquisite food tasted like. It's become my favorite Greek restaurant in NYC. Here, you can have a meal that’s just as mouthwatering as it is healthy. No wonder it’s gotten so much attention from the media! One thing's for sure. If you plan on dining here, GET READY TO BE BLOWN AWAY!

Maria Loi is simply brilliant!! Clearly, her assistant chefs/cooking staff are also amazing and very talented. To say that she's managed to impress me and many others with this outstanding establishment would be an understatement. At any given moment outside the restaurant, don't be surprised to hear a passerby or two chatting about it, one making sure the other has been here.

Upon entering, you’ll notice the calm, simple yet elegant decor. Chances are, you’ll be greeted by Alex, the Managing Partner. Alex is the most delightful gentleman who’ll stop at nothing to make your evening a memorable one. You may also be welcomed by one of the warm, friendly members of the staff such as sweet Peter. His friendliness and ability to make you laugh is unsurpassed. Either way, you’ll feel “at home” even before you’re seated. If you’re lucky, you may even bump into one of the many celebrities that often indulge at Loi. Though the privacy of all guests is fully respected, you can be sure that Chef Maria will visit all tables at least once, making certain that your dining experience exceeds your expectations. The service is fantastic. The entire staff is wonderful; so pleasant, professional and polite.

The wine list is terrific! If you’re looking for white, I strongly recommend the Melissanthi. It’s a dry, white wine, yet very smooth.

AS FOR THE FOOD, I’ve been to a lot of the NYC Greek restaurants over the years. Among many differences between those and Loi, one is very significant. There is no frying and no butter used in any of the cooking!

The first thing that comes to the table is a delicious feta cheese dip in a beautiful jar with the “Loi” logo. It’s accompanied by pita and mini corn breads. It’s so good and I was very excited to find out that you can buy the dip at Whole Food Stores. Trust me-you’ll want to ask for more, but save your appetite.

In terms of appetizers, the octopus is by far my favorite, served on a bed of fava puree. The lobster on arugula salad (when available) is fabulous! The assorted dips are all very tasty. I’ve also tried the grilled calamari – the lightest and softest I’ve ever had. The Haloumi cheese is an excellent choice as well. The salads are very good and the Salmon Tartare is phenomenal. For dinner, the lamb shank with the orzo is delicious! The oven chicken with pureed vegetables is unique. My other favorites include the Branzino fish, the lamb chops, the seafood orzo and finally, the Greek Lasagna (Pastitsio). Make sure you save room for dessert - OMG. I’ve never had a baklava that wasn’t made with butter. Magnificent! I’ve had a taste of each of the deserts and they’re all decadent! As for the rice pudding and yogurt, I know many think it’s not a big deal, but you must try it at this place; the yogurt particularly, topped with Greek honey – both so light, and finely chopped walnuts on top, is to die for. The one thing you’ll notice is that no matter what you've eaten, you’ll never leave here feeling like you’ve had a “heavy” meal. On your way out, I suggest you pick up her latest book “The Greek Diet”. It will probably change your way of life; after all, that's what a diet really is.

I read somewhere that Loi Estiatorio is a restaurant where memories are made. I can now agree. Thank you, Chef Maria, for giving us this superb restaurant to enjoy, while staying healthy at the same time. Congratulations to you and the incredible staff you’ve chosen, including your partners, assisting chefs, food attendants, etc. They are all outstanding! See you again...

Loi Estiatorio: A Greek Culinary Haven

Loi Estiatorio isn’t just the best Greek restaurant in the United States—it’s a place that truly feels like home. Every evening I find myself drawn back to this warm and inviting haven, where the magic of Greece is brought to life by the extraordinary Chef Maria Loi.

Meeting Chef Loi herself is an experience in hospitality and charm. Her warmth and passion for authentic Greek cuisine shine through in every dish she serves, and she is always eager to welcome her guests with open arms, making each visit feel personal and memorable.

The recipes at Loi Estiatorio are unparalleled, featuring traditional Greek dishes that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Standouts like the Aginares (artichokes) and the hearty, comforting mushroom barley soup showcase the depth and variety of Greek cuisine. These dishes go beyond the usual fare, offering a taste of the real Greece that’s steeped in tradition and elevated by Chef Loi’s creativity.

The flavors are bold yet refined, with every dish expertly crafted to honor its roots. I am vegan, and I find a plethora of dishes that are rich and delicious, each bite transports you straight to Greece.

The ambiance is equally inviting, blending sophistication with the warmth of a Greek home. Whether you’re there for a romantic dinner, a celebration, or simply to savor good food, the atmosphere is perfect for any occasion.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic and unforgettable Greek dining experience, Loi Estiatorio is the place to be. It’s no surprise I keep coming back—this is more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey led by one of the most hospitable and talented chefs I’ve ever met. Highly...

I recently had dinner at Loi Estiatorio New York with a group of colleagues. We were all impressed with the food, service, and atmosphere.

For appetizers, we shared the grilled cheese and stuffed eggplant. The grilled cheese was perfectly melted and had a crispy exterior. The stuffed eggplant was flavorful and filling, and the

For our main course, I ordered the mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce. The mussels were cooked perfectly and were so flavorful that we didn't even need any bread to soak up the sauce.

The service at Loi Estiatorio was excellent. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. He made sure that we had everything we needed and that our food was cooked to our liking.

The atmosphere at Loi Estiatorio is warm and inviting. The restaurant is decorated in a traditional Greek style, with white tablecloths and blue accents.

We had a wonderful dining experience at Loi Estiatorio New York. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was inviting. We will definitely be back on our next visit to New York City.

Here are some additional details about my experience:

The restaurant is located in Midtown Manhattan, on West 58th Street. The prices are reasonable, with appetizers starting at around $12 and entrees starting at around $25. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.

I would highly recommend Loi Estiatorio New York to anyone looking for a delicious and...