Greek food in NYC is a diverse and flavorful cuisine that is influenced by a rich history and culture. New York City is home to many Greek restaurants and food markets that offer traditional Greek dishes as well as modern twists on classic recipes.
Here are some popular Greek dishes you can find in NYC:
Gyro:
Gyro is a popular Greek street food made with seasoned meat (typically lamb, chicken, or pork) that is slow-roasted on a vertical spit and then thinly sliced. The meat is often served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
Souvlaki:
Greek cuisine’s souvlaki is a skewered meat dish that is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before being cooked to perfection on a grill. It is often served with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
Spanakopita:
Spanakopita is a savory Greek pastry made with phyllo dough and a filling of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. It is often served as an appetizer or snack.
Moussaka:
Moussaka is a classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, ground meat (usually beef or lamb), and potatoes, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce and baked until golden brown. It is often served as a main course.
Taramasalata:
Taramasalata is a popular Greek dip made with fish roe (typically carp or cod), bread crumbs, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It is often served as an appetizer with pita bread or vegetables.
Greek Salad:
Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, peppers, and feta cheese are combined in a light and healthy salad with red wine vinegar and olive oil. It is often served as a side dish or light meal.
Baklava:
Baklava is a sweet Greek pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts (typically walnuts or pistachios), and honey syrup. It is often served as a dessert.
In addition to these traditional Greek dishes, many Greek restaurants in NYC also offer modern twists on classic recipes, such as lamb burgers, grilled octopus, and shrimp saganaki.
Some popular Greek restaurants in NYC include:
Taverna Kyclades:
Taverna Kyclades is a family-owned Greek restaurant with locations in Astoria and East Village. The menu features traditional Greek dishes, fresh seafood, and homemade desserts.
Osteria Morini:
Osteria Morini is an Italian restaurant in Soho that also offers a Greek-inspired brunch menu on the weekends. Dishes include spanakopita, gyro eggs benedict, and Greek yogurt pancakes.
Avra Estiatorio:
Avra Estiatorio is a high-end Greek restaurant with locations in Midtown and Beverly Hills. The menu features fresh seafood, grilled meats, and a variety of mezze plates.
Estiatorio Milos:
Estiatorio Milos is an upscale Greek restaurant with locations in Midtown and Las Vegas. The menu features fresh seafood, grilled meats, and a variety of traditional Greek dishes.
Pylos:
Pylos is a cozy Greek restaurant in East Village that offers a variety of traditional Greek dishes, including moussaka, spanakopita, and grilled octopus.
In addition to these restaurants, there are also several Greek food markets in NYC where you can find fresh ingredients and prepared foods, including Astoria Bazaar, Titan Foods, and Agora Marketplace.
If you’re looking for Greek food near you, there are several ways to find restaurants or markets that specialize in this type of cuisine.
Online search engines:
One of the easiest ways to find Greek food near you is through online search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. The search engine will return a list of local eateries or markets that sell or serve Greek food if you simply type “Greek food near me” or “Greek restaurants near me” into the search bar.
Food delivery apps:
Another convenient way to find Greek food near you is through food delivery apps like Uber Eats, GrubHub, or DoorDash. These apps allow you to browse menus and place orders for delivery or pickup from local restaurants that offer Greek cuisine.
Yelp:
Yelp is a popular online platform that provides reviews and ratings for local businesses, including restaurants. You can use Yelp to search for Greek restaurants in your area, read reviews from other customers, and even make reservations.
Social media:
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can also be useful for finding Greek food near you. Many restaurants and food markets use social media to promote their business and share photos of their dishes. You can search for Greek food-related hashtags like #GreekFood or #GreekRestaurant, or follow local Greek restaurants or markets on social media to stay updated on their menus and events.
Local Greek festivals and events:
Many communities host Greek festivals or events throughout the year, which can be a great way to sample authentic Greek cuisine and learn more about the culture. These events often feature food vendors selling traditional Greek dishes, as well as live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibits.
Greek cultural organizations:
If you’re interested in learning more about Greek culture and cuisine, you can also reach out to local Greek cultural organizations. These organizations may be able to recommend restaurants or markets that specialize in Greek food, or even offer cooking classes or cultural events that focus on Greek cuisine.
Ask friends and family:
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask friends and family members if they know of any good Greek restaurants or markets in your area. Word of mouth can be a powerful tool, and personal recommendations can often lead you to hidden gems that you might not have found through other means.
