Maria's Mediterranean — Restaurant in New York

update as of 9/9/2025: On behalf of The Center for the Women of New York, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Maria’s for their ongoing generosity and continued support of our Taste of the World at Fort Totten gala. Once again, they donated their delicious spanakopita, and it was just as memorable as in years past.

Maria’s spanakopita was absolutely delightful—the phyllo dough was perfectly flaky and golden, and the filling of spinach and feta was savory, well seasoned, and wonderfully creamy. Each bite was a perfect balance of crisp pastry and flavorful filling, and it was clear that this was made with care and tradition in mind. Our guests couldn't get enough of it!

We are so thankful for Maria’s loyal support. It’s because of dedicated local businesses like theirs that we can raise essential funds to support women across New York. Their commitment to giving back year after year—always with such high quality and heart—makes a meaningful difference in our community.

We highly recommend Maria’s for their authentic and delicious spanakopita and their tremendous generosity. Thank you for your continued kindness and for helping make our event a success once again!

Sept 2024: I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of the Center for the Women of New York (CWNY), to Maria's Mediterranean for their incredibly generous contribution to "Taste Around The World Fort Totten" event. Maria's Mediterranean went above and beyond by donating a remarkable four big trays of spanakopitas, and it was an absolute triumph!

The event was a tremendous success, and Maria's Mediterranean played a pivotal role in making it a memorable evening for all attendees. Their donation of these delectable spanakopitas was met with overwhelming appreciation and quickly became the highlight of the event.

Maria's Mediterranean's spanakopitas were truly a culinary masterpiece. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors that showcased their commitment to authenticity and quality. The flaky pastry, generously filled with spinach and feta cheese, was perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection. It was evident that great care and expertise went into creating these savory delights.

What sets Maria's Mediterranean apart is not just their exceptional food but also their unwavering support for charitable causes like CWNY. Their generosity and willingness to contribute to our fundraiser event demonstrated their dedication to making a positive impact on the community.

In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Maria's Mediterranean for their outstanding contribution to our event. Their spanakopitas were a resounding success and brought immense joy to all in attendance. I wholeheartedly recommend Maria's Mediterranean to anyone in search of exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and a business that truly cares about giving back to the community. Thank you, Maria's Mediterranean, for making our event...

It's hard not to compare Maria's with Avli. Two Greek cuisine restaurants within throwing distance of each other: Avli being a little more "blue collared" and easier on the wallet, and Maria's being more polished and commanding the higher price. They're both wonderful restaurants and we're lucky to have them.

Maria's Mediterranean is a pretty restaurant. The two times we've gone here, the service was beyond stellar. It was impeccable. Studied, and impeccable (the service at Avli is just as warm and friendly, but maybe not quite as impeccable).

So what about the food? We've been to both restaurants twice. So far, I wouldn't say that either restaurant has the edge food-wise. Both restaurants are fantastic. That in of itself might say "Go to Avli's because it's cheaper" but part of what you pay for the dining experience is the ambience. Maria's is a place you'd take a date to impress. Avli might be where you'd go for the food only.

As I try each restaurant a third time, I'll try to update this review with

Keftedes: A Fried meatballs. Nicely spiced, fresh, vibrant. My stomach is grumbling even thinking about these babies. I'd order them again in a heartbeat.

Lemon Potatoes: A- If you're going to a Greek restaurant, these need no introductions. They're fresh and not overcooked, the way lemon potatoes can often be. Nice lemony overtones without being overburdened by lemon.

Avgolemono: B- Ouch! This should be one of the best things on the menu. It was a nice soup, but was sorely lacking lemon. There was almost no lemon flavor. Comically, my mom asked for a plate of lemons, squeezed a few slices into her soup, and made this B- soup into a A- soup. Shame... Ding! Shame... Ding! Shame... Ding!

Spanakopita: B- As with the avgolemono soup, this also should've been a homerun, but wasn't. It was in bad need of a sharp feta cheese. I felt the spinach could've been cooked more, and I prefer a crispy mille-feuille crust on spanakapita rather than the pie version. Crusty pastry outside works better with the spinach.

Lamb Shank with Orzo: A- This was a special, so it's not on the regular menu. A divine cut of meat, that's for sure! Soft, fatty, moist. Delicious. It was in a tomato-based sauce, which was slightly weird, but it worked. The overall spice was something I, to this moment, can't put my finger on. I'm dying to know. I wasn't absolutely crazy about it...the sauce had a somewhat dull and heavy character. Maybe too much bay leaf? Not sure. I teetered between B+ and A- on this one.

Fillet of Lemon Sole: B- A sad, lonely dish. Hopelessly bland, and at $22 a plate, I'm angry at myself for not sending it back. It doesn't seem like a lot of effort was put into making sole, which is a $12 fish, into a $22 meal. It needed to be propped by something to make it flavorful, like capers. maybe some extra sauce. Maybe something should've been put on the plate to make the fish less...

All in all, Maria's Mediterranean is a total gem. The flavors are on point, everything tastes incredibly fresh, and the portions are just right - you leave feeling satisfied but not stuffed. From the appetizers to the mains and that mind-blowing dessert, every dish was a hit.

Let me break it down for you one last time:

Starters: The pita bread with pickled carrots and olives is a must-try. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures that sets the stage for the meal to come. Stuffed Filet of Flounder: This dish is a standout. The creamy spinach stuffing and lemony butter sauce elevate the perfectly cooked fish to new heights. Musaka: If you're a fan of comfort food with a Mediterranean twist, this is your go-to. The layers of soft eggplant, seasoned meat, and cheese create a harmonious blend that's hard to resist. Kokkonisto: For meat lovers, this stewed dish is a dream. The tender meat in its rich, tomatoey sauce pairs beautifully with the rice and steamed vegetables. Blueberry Baklava Dessert: This innovative dessert is worth saving room for. It's a delightful mix of traditional baklava flavors with a modern, fruity twist.

The attention to detail in each dish is remarkable. From the freshness of the ingredients to the thoughtful presentation, it's clear that the chefs at Maria's Mediterranean are passionate about their craft.

What's more, the restaurant's ambiance adds to the overall experience. The warm lighting, comfortable seating, and attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to linger over your meal.

I can't recommend this place enough. Whether you're a Mediterranean food enthusiast or just looking for a fantastic dining experience, Maria's Mediterranean should be at the top of your list. It's perfect for date nights, family dinners, or even solo meals where you want to treat yourself.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Make a reservation, gather your friends or family, and prepare for a culinary journey that'll have you planning your next visit before you even leave. Maria's Mediterranean isn't just a meal - it's an experience you'll want to repeat again and again.

Pro tip: If you're unsure what to order, don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations. They're knowledgeable about the menu and can guide you towards dishes that suit your tastes. And whatever you do, don't...