Tziki — Restaurant in New York

As promised to the owner, Harry, although late, I will be writing an honest review of Tziki.

First and foremost, the place is unassuming, but don't mistake that for weakness. The interior is filled with life and culture, proudly displaying its roots with welcoming flair.

The food is reflective of that. Though I am no expert on Greek food, nor am I a big foodie with vast experiences, good food is a universal experience. I had the pork shoulder souvlaki, my girlfriend had the beef kebab. Both were of amazing quality and delicious, neither of which we expected to be as stellar as it was. The pita was perfectly soft and fluffy while retaining a good bite, the pork shoulder had this wonderful smokiness that made it difficult not to go back for more. Everything was well seasoned, even down to the fries we received on the side. The prices are reasonable -- $33 dollars between two people -- and the portions are generous. My pork souvlaki was stuffed to the brim with meat, fresh veggies, and a delicious spicy tomato salsa to cut through the richness.

The service was nothing short of stellar, either. The person who took my order was all smiles and understanding, even when I fumbled around with the menu trying to take my order. And no, it wasn't the kind of fake sales rep smile, but a smile of someone happy to help and provide a service. I was almost tempted to tip him right then and there, which I will be doing that the next time I show up. Much to another one of my surprises at Tziki, the owner showed up personally to ask me how the food was. I had first mistaken him as another customer, seeing as he was eating at a table across from us, but that was quickly dispelled. Harry was very humble and sounded genuinely invested in wanting to know how we felt about the food, asking questions about our enjoyment, where we're from, and our experiences with Greek food. Naturally, there was mention of a review -- that is why this review is here, albeit a week late -- but it didn't feel forced or underhanded.

All of this is to say: come to Tziki. Try it and immerse yourself in it, because it is rare to find a place as small as this deliver such a punch that is bang...

EXTREMELY dissapointed and bewildered at their complete lack or willingness to let me order something without pita or to simply get a side of fries with a skewer like you can with the pita meal. As someone with a dietary restriction that could easily be accompdated (simply don’t put pita on my plate) their management literally couldn’t have cared less and refused to help. The person before me asked for no cheese on their meal and that was perfectly fine, but not for me simply asking for no pita while willing to pay full price. Fries should not be $11 and if you offer it as a side, then it should be a side for all meals, that’s why it’s listed as a side on the menu with its own price. I even asked for the skewer with a side of fries like you can get with the pita meal and they told me no not possible eventhough they quite literally offer a side of fries for $2.50. I was told I’d have to buy the skewers and an additional $11 order of fries bc if was not possible to have it as a side and instead of having no pita or adding a side of fries to a single skewer (which clearly they can accommodate as they offer a side of fries as an option). So, to say the menu or the staff accommodates people’s dietary restrictions is completely false. They were not busy at the time of my order. I’m traveling and jet lagged & honestly can’t say I remember the last time a restaurant in the states let alone NYC wouldn’t accommodate me asking to remove and not add something. I was not asking for anything inconvenient I asked for souvlaki with no pita or the skewer with a side of fries. Their reply here is to save face—they did not care whatsoever of my simple dietary needs, they did not try a s help me, and they did not try to accommodate me in anyway and were racing to speak to the next person in line to end speaking with me. Even McDonald’s accommodates asking to remove an item from a menu meal. I did not try and make up an item, I asked to remove a pita from a meal I was willing to pay full price for or a skewer with a side of fries which is on the menu. So the restaurant accusing me of ordering off the menu is inaccurate and a great display of...

Tziki promises to bring the charm of Athens’ famous hole-in-the-wall souvlaki spots to a modern setting, and it delivers on that promise in a delicious way. From the moment you step in, you get a sense of cozy authenticity mixed with a contemporary twist, offering a welcoming vibe that's both laid-back and vibrant.

Atmosphere: The ambiance at Tziki is casual yet chic, reminiscent of a Greek taverna but with a modern flair. You’ll find touches of traditional Greek decor with rustic wood and Mediterranean blue tones. It's a place that feels like a hidden gem—unpretentious but with a clear attention to detail.

Food: The souvlaki is the star of the show, and it doesn’t disappoint. Whether you go for the classic pork, chicken, or lamb, the meat is grilled to perfection—juicy, tender, and infused with a smoky, chargrilled flavor that transports you straight to the streets of Athens. The accompanying pita is warm, fluffy, and lightly toasted, ideal for wrapping up the savory goodness inside.

Tzatziki, a key component, is fresh and tangy, with just the right balance of garlic and cucumber. It elevates each bite without overwhelming the other flavors. The sides, like crispy fries and refreshing Greek salad, make perfect accompaniments, adding freshness and texture to the meal.

Service: The staff is warm and attentive, happy to explain the menu and make recommendations. Service is quick, even during busier times, keeping the experience seamless.

Final Thoughts: Tziki is not just a reinterpretation of classic Greek souvlaki—it’s an elevation of it. The attention to quality ingredients and traditional methods, coupled with the inviting atmosphere, makes it a must-visit spot for anyone craving an authentic yet modern Greek street food experience. Whether you're a souvlaki aficionado or just looking for a satisfying meal, Tziki hits the mark every time.

Highly...