Ovelia — Restaurant in New York

It leaves a bad taste in my mouth to have to leave this review when our food and server were so wonderful at Ovelia. However, the manager’s attitude toward us when we experienced issues with our payment (that still remains a mystery, as they tried 4 of our cards that somehow “did not work” although we did not receive any notification from our banks that indicted something wrong) was absolutely abysmal.

She was confrontational and demeaning towards this sensitive situation and continuously implied in a combative tone that it was our fault, that we needed to find out what was going on (despite us clarifying that everything on our end was it should be) and even going as far as asking if we were from “out of town” in a way that, in light of today’s climate, should have either been phrased in a different manner or not said at all. (it is important note that we spoke in Spanish for the majority of our meal). Whether or not this was her intention to come across this way is irrelevant. My husband was required to leave the restaurant, go get cash (where his card worked perfectly fine) in order to resolve the situation.

There was complete lack of sensitivity, empathy and professionalism from her part when it came to handling this situation and she even went as far as giving us a sarcastic farewell when we left the restaurant, when it seems like the appropriate response should have been to at least demonstrate some sort of tact. Due to the serious lack of the customer service component, we will not be dining at...

Ovelia Psistaria Bar, situated at the bustling intersection of 30th Avenue and 34th Street in Astoria, presents a contemporary take on traditional Greek cuisine. The establishment’s modern sensibility is evident in both its menu and ambiance, offering a chic yet approachable dining experience.

The Monastiraki Bifteki, a kebab crafted from a blend of ground lamb, beef, and pork, is a standout, delivering robust flavors that pay homage to classic Greek street fare. Equally noteworthy are the Baklava Pancakes, a brunch favorite that marries the sweetness of baklava with the comfort of fluffy pancakes, drizzled generously with honey and sprinkled with walnuts.

The restaurant’s outdoor seating area provides a pleasant setting for both brunch and dinner, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals amidst the vibrant energy of Astoria. Service is attentive, with staff extending warm hospitality that enhances the overall dining experience.

While Ovelia excels in many areas, there is room for improvement in certain dishes. For instance, some patrons have noted that the octopus, though flavorful, could benefit from a more tender preparation.

In conclusion, Ovelia Psistaria Bar successfully blends traditional Greek flavors with modern culinary techniques, making it a noteworthy destination for those seeking a fresh perspective on Hellenic cuisine. Its commitment to quality and innovation earns it a commendable...

I went here yesterday evening for father's day and it was fantastic. This is the second time I've been to this place and the food has been phenominal both times, staff are nice, the ambiance is great, and good mocktails if you're looking for alcohol-free options. I also appreciated how the waitress seemed to be giving real recommendations and not just upselling things to add to the bill.

The menu is one page, but there's mostly something for everyone. I'm a vegetarian and got a few small plates as a main, and my dad got the chicken main which he loved. The kafteri dip and greek ice cream also really stood out, the latter was really unique, sort of tasting like pine.

A small thing, but I appreciated that they have cozy lighting, but individual lights on each table so that folks who may have vision problems can turn them on and read the menu. I can't count the number of times I've gone to a restuarant with someone who has vision problems and they've got to break out the blaring cellphone light just to read the menu, which is annoying for them and everyone around them-- so kudos for that great addition.

If I had one recommendations it might be to have one vegetarian main, but even without that I'd...