Loi Estiatorio
“For entrees, when we asked Chef Maria her recommendations she said that the branzino was a must, as was the lamb shank.”
“We also ordered multiple desserts, and each one was perfect — the baklava was especially memorable.”
“We had the hummus and cheese press together with crispy bread followed by a yummy tomato salad and then the piece de la resistance "whole red snapper for two".”
Loi Estiatorio
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Has Pool Table: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
5 reviews
Rate and write a review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
A lovely little restaurant that is warm and inviting. The service is off the charts. Attentive but not invasive. The food is creative, and comes with the love and attention you would expect from your Grandma's kitchen. The salad is fresh, the spanakopita is non-traditional but very flavorful and the walnut cake for dessert bursts with flavor. There is a lot of yogurt that is served with every course but it's homemade and not what you would expect – much better. The chef offers you lots of little treats throughout the meal. It did get loud as the crowd got bigger and the entrees are pricey so best for a special occasion. It's a short walk to Central Park so you can finish off your night with a lovely stroll.
This place could warm the heart of the coldest, "seen it all" New Yorker. The service was among the best and friendliest – in a sincere and authentic way – I have ever experienced. It began when the chef greeted us at the door, clearly proud of her establishment and the stellar cooking coming out of the kitchen. This is a spendy menu, with Midtown prices, but worth every penny.
The pita with four spreads appetizer was a great starter, with excellent tzatziki in particular. The waiter – opinionated in that great, "take my advice, I already know" NYC way – was adamant in his recommendation of the spanakopita appetizer. He was correct, it was the best I've ever tasted.
For entrees, when we asked Chef Maria her recommendations she said that the branzino was a must, as was the lamb shank. Wow, was she right! The branzino was perfectly prepared, light and flavorful. The lamb shank was out of this world amazing, served with orzo and a sauce that was a spectacular complement to the meat (a good sized portion). The send off with a taste of the homemade Greek yogurt with honey was the piece de resistance. An amazing meal served with love plus a wave goodbye from the chef. I'll be back!
Had an excellent dinner here. When I walked in was greeted by the chef – a blond Greek woman and it was all over – I have a thing for blond Greek women .. So rest of this review may be biased. Food here is upscale Greek – all straightforward and natural, best in class ingredients, nice Greek EVOO on table. Nothing fancy tho, bit nicely done and served in cute place. Hopping busy too.
They serve a feta cheese based dipping spread with fantastic pita bread and small biscuits which were great – never had them before here or in Greece. Ordered simply grilled Bronzino with Horta and gigantes beans on side. Perfectly done, EVOO and lemon. Horta was sautéed chickory. Wines a bit limited but nice Greek selections, reasonably priced. Unfortunately no retsina by glass – only bottle. Cocktails at bar very nice. Not the trendy "artisanal" cocktails but very nice at small bar in front.
The food is good here but the distinguishing thing about this place is the great vibes from the owner and staff, and you can see it reflected in the happy and chatty customers on a busy Friday night. A bit pricey – but it's midtown. Combination food and good vibes here in this modest place right in midtown is great. Recommended.
Came here with a party of 8 for a holiday dinner, and enjoyed every bit of it. The owner came out to greet us, and ask how the food was was nice to see. It is up there in price, but I think it is worth it, and you won't regret it. This it is not the biggest restaurant, so be sure to RSVP for a tasty intimate Greek meal.
Good:
-Spreads (Appetizer)
-Octopus (Appetizer) was VERY GOOD
-Roasted Cauliflower (Side) tasted great in the sauce it came with
-Giant Beans (Side)
-Feta (Side) was warm and tasted fresh, delicious
-Greens (Side) tasted great
-Branzino Filet (Entree) was VERY GOOD
-Mussels (Entree)
-Lamb Chop (Entree) medium-rare w VERY GOOD
-Baklava (Dessert) was VERY GOOD
-Sponge Cake I think? (Dessert) with warm honey was VERY GOOD
Bad:
-None
E-Scale: 10/10
First, the food is amazing. For appetizers my friends and I got the 4 dips, the octopus, the sausage, and the eggplant. Everything was well seasoned and I hear the eggplant is excellent (that was the only thing I did not personally eat). For the entree, I got the rooster. The meat was falling off the bones! The sauce and little square pasta was amazing.
Second, the cocktails are fantastic. The bartender is super friendly and if you want something not on the menu, just ask! He made me a couple of different cocktails but my favorite was his cosmos. Lots of people mess it up, his was excellent.
Third, the place is clean, quiet, and cozy. Everyone who works there is friendly… including the owner!
Highly recommend Loi. Get the rooster!