Yasouvlaki — Restaurant in New York

Recently, I discovered a Greek restaurant called Ya Souvlaki on Flatbush and ended up visiting three times within a week. The food was good, and the staff was pleasant. However, I encountered an issue on my second visit when I ordered the Lamb Kebab Piato (two lamb kebab skewers with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, a side of YA house salad with dressing, a choice of sauce, fresh fries, and grilled tomato) for $16.00. To my surprise, the dish used minced meat rather than whole lamb pieces.

On my third visit, I specifically requested the Lamb Kalamaki (Lamb Skewer Platter), expecting the skewer of lamb chunks as listed on the menu. This platter, priced at $20.00, includes one lamb skewer with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, a side of salad, a choice of sauce, fresh fries, and grilled tomato. When I arrived to pick up my order, the cashier handed me a small bag containing only two lamb skewers and some bread, for which I was charged $21.78. I found this odd, as the rest of the platter items were missing.

This experience, which happened on October 31, left me uneasy. When I called the restaurant today to share my concerns with the owner, he showed no concern about the menu discrepancy or the incomplete order. Instead, he criticized me for not addressing the issue immediately, even accusing me of ordering incorrectly. He suggested that I visit the restaurant so he could "teach me how to order food." His dismissive, aggressive attitude left a negative impression.

The food may be good, and the staff generally pleasant, but the owner's response was extremely rude and disappointing. I find him to be very aggressive and...

I send my husband to grab three Souvlaki sandwiches from this place! An original souvlaki consists of: grilled pita, onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce (yogurt garlic dill sauce) if you like, you get French fries in it! He comes back with three souvlaki sandwiches with literally three pieces of tasteless chicken pieces mayonnaise sauce maybe two pieces of onions and two pieces of tomato sample. If this place opens in Astoria and serves this so called souvlaki to Greeks they will throw it in the person’s face who made it! Further more just because Americans visit this establishment doesn’t mean they have to be served imitation Greek food! When you call your self a Greek restaurant you owe it to your clients and to your name to do just that “SERVE AUTHENTIC GREEK FOOD” and not Americanized fast food. What they call “souvlaki” is simply a chicken pita sandwich which has nothing to do with the original souvlaki that the authentic Greek restaurants/taverns/souvlaki restaurants, serve!

I called and spoke to this “manager” who had the nerve to be sarcastic with me telling me that that’s the way Souvlaki is ( has no idea about Greek food apparently) and I repeatedly told him that I’m Greek and I know how it should be and it’s far from being a good original souvlaki! He was totally unprofessional he is not Greek and that why he was ignorant as far as knowing how authentic Greek food is served or cooked! $12 for one tasteless pita with three pieces of chicken and watery mayonnaise sauce! Absolutely garbage! I hope the owner reads this and finally give an original Greek souvlaki to...

Summer 2024 update to my previous review:

We just held a private family event with 45 people in Yasouvlaki's new private event space just around the corner from the restaurant. In brief, Yasouvlaki delivered again and in spades.

We needed a private event space for a reception on a Sunday midafternoon on the UES. Our options were very limited, but when we saw that Yasouvlaki could accommodate us, we were thrilled.

Alex (manager) and John were instrumental in helping us set up the details/menu, which was straightforward over email. They worked with us to accommodate dietary issues and build a delicious menu.

Just like our other times there, the food was supremely delicious. Their seafood is always exquisitely fresh and their seasonings judiciously chosen to highlight natural aromas.

The private space is well thought out and decorated. The acoustics are well managed so that it's not too loud even with a bunch of people talking.

Highly recommend and can't wait to return.

Earlier review:

Came to Yasouvlaki two nights in a row with my wife and toddler. Both nights the food and service were excellent. Each dish, from the skewers to fish platters, were outstanding with generous portions. The kitchen has got its act together and uses quality ingredients.

Our server, Jack, was superb as well. He knew the wines and pointed guided us patiently through the menu.

Can't wait to come back once we're...