Nerai — Restaurant in New York

During a recent visit to Nerai, a charming upscale Greek restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, I enjoyed an exceptional dining experience that beautifully blended traditional flavors with modern techniques. The ambiance was elegant yet inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening out.

I started with the Pikilia platter, which featured three delicious spreads—tzatziki, hummus, and spicy feta—accompanied by warm, perfectly grilled pita. The balance of flavors was spot on, with the tzatziki being refreshing and creamy, the hummus smooth and rich, and the spicy feta providing a nice kick. It was a great way to open up the meal.

Next came the Fluke Crudo, which was a visual and culinary delight. The delicate slices of fluke paired well with the subtle brininess of the American caviar and the brightness of the ouzo Meyer lemon purée. The crispy barley added a delightful texture to the dish, while the cucumber and chervil brought a fresh, herbaceous element. The dish felt light yet packed with flavor, perfect for seafood lovers.

For the main course, I indulged in the Htenia, featuring seared diver scallops alongside honey-ouzo braised pork belly. This dish was a highlight for me—the scallops were perfectly cooked, tender and sweet, while the pork belly added a savory richness. The accompanying sunchoke purée and roasted peppers brought earthy and smoky notes that rounded out the dish beautifully. Every bite was a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

I also tried the Paidakia Sti Skara, which showcased succulent lamb chops cooked to perfection. The lamb was juicy and flavorful, enhanced by a rich lamb jus. The honey-glazed carrots added a sweet contrast, while the dolma was a delightful nod to classic Greek cuisine. This dish felt hearty yet refined, and I savored every bite.

Overall, my meal at Nerai was a culinary journey through modern Greek flavors with a fine dining touch. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, making it a memorable dining experience. I can't wait to return and explore more...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Nerai, a Greek restaurant located in the heart of the city. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere that immediately made me feel at home.

The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, with a modern twist on traditional Greek elements. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, from the elegant lighting fixtures to the comfortable seating arrangements. It's clear that the owners have put a lot of thought into creating a space that is both visually appealing and inviting.

Now let's talk about the food. The menu at Nerai offers a wide variety of traditional Greek dishes, all made with the freshest ingredients. From the classic moussaka to the mouthwatering souvlaki, every dish I tried was bursting with flavor. The presentation of each plate was also impeccable, with vibrant colors and artistic arrangements that truly showcased the culinary skills of the chefs.

One standout dish that I have to mention is the grilled octopus. It was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful, with a smoky charred exterior that added a depth of flavor. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring that I left the restaurant feeling satisfied and content.

The service at Nerai was top-notch. The waitstaff was attentive and knowledgeable, providing recommendations and answering any questions I had about the menu. They were also efficient in their service, ensuring that my dining experience was seamless and enjoyable.

To complement the delicious food, Nerai offers an extensive wine list featuring both Greek and international selections. The sommelier was helpful in guiding me towards the perfect wine pairing for my meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Overall, my experience at Nerai was exceptional. From the beautiful ambiance to the delectable food and impeccable service, every aspect of my visit exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend Nerai to anyone looking for a memorable and authentic Greek...

I wish I could give this place 5 stars because the food was delicious! The service was very very poor. I called prior to going to the restaurant at 8:30 they said they seat the last table at 9 pm to hurry and get in. So we did just that. Arrived at 8:50. The hostess sat us and said our kitchen closes in ten minutes so order what you want as soon as possible. So I thought that was strange seeing how I just called and they didn’t say that. So we hurry up an order! 3 apps, 2 drinks, 2 entrees. All the appetizers came out at once, immediately followed by our meal. I said to the waiter can you take the meals back and can we sit and enjoy our food? And our drink? I only took one sip of my cocktail. I felt like we were so rushed eating the appetizers. He said I don’t want the entrees to get cold. I said okay don’t you have heat lamps? He said yeah I’ll put it under there. Mind you! There was a table next to us that was there already... eating appetizers! And didn’t even put in their entrees ! He took the table of four entree order right after my situation and I looked at him! Wow! How come they weren’t rushed we said to ourselves ? Then shortly after that.. a table of 3 walks in!!! So I was very taken a back. He kept coming back asking if we were ready for our food and we clearly weren’t. We were still eating our appetizers. Then when we were finished with our appetizers there was a delay in getting the food! Never at one point did he ask if we wanted an additional drink. We were in and out of there in 30 minutes. Super rushed. Poor service. By the time we left the table of four didn’t get their entrees yet- so clearly they weren’t rushed out. And the table of 3 just got their appetizers- also not rushed. Not sure why me and my gf were singled out to get pushed out. Super disappointed Bc the food was delicious. But all in all it was a poor experience. I never write reviews but this one had...