Continually outstanding! Always a warm welcome and good cocktail. The bartender did a great job with our perfectly mixed dirty martinis. Our server was excellent (even if we missed Mac!). She took care of every detail and timed everything well. The food? OH dear - where to start? The octopus remains our favorite in NYC! I tried the sardines special appetizer... wow! They were perfectly fried and loved the garlic cream on the side. I also had the bay scallops main special. Also a big "wow..." They were perfectly pan fried and served beautifully over broccolini with lemon potatoes. My husband's branding was wonderful, but seemed like a smaller portion this time... Desserts and after-dinner drinks topped the night off. Thanks for a lovely evening... We leave NYC in 2 weeks and will be back before we depart...
Eric
Periyali was good before the renovation, but coming back after the recent renovation I found the food quality even better. It's not inexpensive, but the portion sizes are fair for salads, fish, and lamb chops alike. It remains a great spot for a relaxed romantic evening, with well-spaced tables and a cozy feel.
Tom Lowry
Found the food to be fairly average, but didn't appreciate the service. The person who welcomed us and took our bags was wonderful, but out server couldn't accommodate a simple request like not having olives in a salad.
When I got the bill, they gave me an itemized receipt with an empty spot for tip + total. There was no auto gratuity on the receipt, or mentioned verbally. I left a standard tip. Then they re-approached after I paid to say I did not tip enough, and pulled our a 3rd receipt from the pocket of that little folder where an auto gratuity was added and conveniently tucked away. This is a slimy move to take advantage of the possibility of a higher tip, but if lower, they fall back to an auto-gratuity as backup to bump up the tip. For clarity, I have no problem with gratuity—I specifically looked for it on the receipt, but not being transparent about it, and then approaching you about it in front of your table of friends left a bad taste in my mouth about this place. Would not return.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Marla
I've been going to Periyali for years and it never disappoints. The food is delicious and also very healthy and clean. The service and ambiance are always great. It's one of the rare gems of the city that offers great food in a comfortable setting and feels like an insider place. I've given parties there over the years and now they have a beautiful second floor private room. Perfect for any special occasion. I highly recommend Periyali for any occasion: friends dinner, work dinner, romantic date night, birthday, or holiday.
Erin Finnegan
My husband and I had our small wedding in periyali’s event space. I can’t describe how great of an experience it was. Eleni, the coordinator, was amazing to work with. The food was incredible and we continue to get compliments from our guests about the location. I would highly recommend Periyali’s event space or restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lawrence Cohn
Greek favorite with caring service and solid prix fixe option.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oktapodi Sharas, Spanakopita & Tiropita with Kolokithokeftedes, Walnut Cake w Pistachio Ice Cream
Jaein Seo
Greece is one of the top summer destinations in the world. If you are in the mood for an exceptional Greek dining experience right here in NYC, then step into Periyali for standout dishes.
Oktapodi Sharas
The grilled octopus marinated in red wine was a highlight of the meal. The octopus was tender and perfectly charred. The texture was just right—neither too chewy nor overly soft. Accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil, it was a dish that showcased the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and balanced flavors.
Arni Youvetsi
The lamb shank was nothing short of spectacular. Braised to perfection, the meat was incredibly tender and fell off the bone effortlessly. The rich, savory tomato sauce had a depth of flavor that was both hearty and comforting, making it a true standout on the menu. Served alongside a bed of orzo in warm spices, the dish was both filling and satisfying, capturing the essence of Greek home cooking with an elegant twist.
Scallop Special
The special dish of the night was a delightful surprise. Each scallop was seared to a golden perfection, with a crisp exterior and a succulent, tender interior. Paired with braised greens with garlic and lemon, as well as roasted lemon potatoes, the dish offered a refreshing and refined taste of the sea. The presentation was beautiful, highlighting the chef’s attention to detail and creativity in showcasing fresh, high-quality seafood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jahleah Santiago
Exquisite Greek Cuisine!
I recently had the pleasure of visiting this fantastic Greek restaurant for lunch, and I was delighted by the experience. The dishes were prepared with fresh ingredients and packed with vibrant flavors.
The menu features classic appetizers such as Horiatiki Salata and Soupa Avgolemono, along with creative options like Zucchini Fritters, showcasing the restaurant's unique touch. The entrees are equally impressive, offering a wide array of seafood, lamb, chicken, and steak.
While I didn't try everything on the menu (though I wanted to, LOL), I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The interior is stunning, but I opted to sit outside on a beautiful day. The natural lighting was perfect for photos.
I started with Tiganita Kolokythakia (Crispy Zucchini Served with Tzatziki & Lemon), Oktapodi Sharas (Grilled Octopus Marinated in Red Wine), and Horiatiki Salata (Traditional Greek Village Salad). The complimentary in-house olive bread was astonishing—worth returning for on its own.
For entrees, we had Paidakia Thedrolivano (Grilled Australian Lamb Chops with Braised Greens), Branzino with Broccolini, and Scallops with Potatoes. Everything was delicious.
The meal concluded with a warm slice of Walnut Cake served with ice cream. Exceptional food, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and an overall wonderful experience. I can't wait to return! Totally worth visiting for the Prix Fixe menu if you want to experience their food but aren't sure what to order.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
E Georgiou
Another perfect dining experience... Periyali is one of the best restaurants in the city because of consistency and authenticity. Nowhere else is the food closest to its origins and quality fresh ingredients are put above all else. The octopus here is always cooked to perfection, the portion of calamari generous, and the braised rabbit a rarity of a rustic traditional gem to find on a menu and is exceptional. "Best lamb chops I ever had" is the standard reaction whenever I bring someone here and they order them for the first time and outside of Greece, I agree. Branzino is the go-to for my hyper food critic parents. If they can be pleased, anyone can. My friends and I visited the Greek islands last summer and this is the one place that took us back instantly. The only thing missing was a seaside table, but we did notice a huge celebrity dining two tables over incognito, no one was phased because the service here is more down-to-earth and welcoming than fussy and probably why I encounter an A-lister dining here on occasion. Both of our tables ordered the baklava to end our evening on a sweet note. Until we visit Greece again, we have this classic gem as the next best thing.
Had an absolute lovely experience. The wine and cocktail selection was extremely vast. Really impressed with the food selection too -- so many choices in the city and would for sure go back. Also got to experience the event space and it's a great option for intimate affairs or more intricate shindig. Finally, the staff was amazing! Had several nice chats and they laughed when I tried to flirt with a group of cute guys ?
Adding more based on restaurant’s response below. Why is it so hard to split the bill? Knowing everyone there are strangers and wanted that. Also does “pre discussed rule with the host” give validation on yelling at customers repeatedly for this? Not by one person but 2-3 staffs including the manager over 10 min? Also to make it clear, host mentioned you will only accept 3 credit cards per table (?!?), never mentioned those will be equally split. I’ve been discussing this experience with many of my friends and no one cloud believe this could happen in any restaurants in NYC. Also almost everyone did not see that extra $ part, since you had a big $ number on top of the menu for prix fixe as how they usually are. If you provide valid reason why you could not split the bill, I’ll update or delete my review here. We had same event in different venue before, they asked us first if we’d like to get individual receipt and happily/nicely provided that for 20+ people. …………… We were very excited to go here but afterwards we really don’t understand why the rating is so high. Food was mediocre (we ordered prix fixe menu, octopus was not fresh, in very salty sauce, salmon came as pot-pie style which was not described in the menu - seeing other tables we realized they were serving very different food for prix fixe, it was like the famous chef said “never order special in restaurant, which usually cooked with old materials they want to get rid of), only good thing was the waitress for our table who was very knowledgeable and nice, but rest of staff were extremely rude. We were 6 strangers in one table (group event), they refused giving us separate checks, told us we need to split equally (?!?) despite the fact everyone ordered different food and drinks, 2 female staff at the bar, and manager literally yelled (the bartender girl was the worst) and getting so angry just for separate check request. I’ve been living in manhattan over 15 years, traveled numerous countries and cities, never had this kind of experience before. Oh the best part is that they charged extra $10 for octopus, which was one of prix fixe menu, do they even know what prix fixe menu means? This is the second time I ever wrote the review, means one of 2 worst restaurants I’ve ever been.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Sydney Salter
Periyali is my go to restaurant! The ambiance is inviting with just the right lighting and comfortable seating. The menu offers a variety of traditional Greek dishes, each one tasting fresh and flavorful. I recently brought my family here when they were in town and they LOVED it! I will definitely be back!
Wonderful experience once again! Our second time there and the service as well as the food was exceptional!! Highly recommend!
JWalker
Always a pleasure to dine at Periyali. A beautiful throwback to earlier days. It feels like a place you'd go to on vacation at some seaside beach town- hard to believe you are steps away from the heart of Manhattan. The food is outstanding- and service very attentive and knowledgeable. It's a special occasion place for us, but every occasion we have celebrated has been special indeed.
Fussy
Eating at the Periyali is like having dinner at a close friends Estiatorio on the shores of the Mediterranean in the island of Crete. Ambiance is simple and calm, service is respectful and yet very friendly. Food is fresh, and authentic Greek. It is well represented with a variety of fish and seafood, as well as lamb and chicken kabobs and other Greek staples. Prices are moderate for NYC. It is an exceptionally well managed restaurant!
Continually outstanding! Always a warm welcome and good cocktail. The bartender did a great job with our perfectly mixed dirty martinis. Our server was excellent (even if we missed Mac!). She took care of every detail and timed everything well. The food? OH dear - where to start? The octopus remains our favorite in NYC! I tried the sardines special appetizer... wow! They were perfectly fried and loved the garlic cream on the side. I also had the bay scallops main special. Also a big "wow..." They were perfectly pan fried and served beautifully over broccolini with lemon potatoes. My husband's branding was wonderful, but seemed like a smaller portion this time... Desserts and after-dinner drinks topped the night off. Thanks for a lovely evening... We leave NYC in 2 weeks and will be back before we depart...
Periyali was good before the renovation, but coming back after the recent renovation I found the food quality even better. It's not inexpensive, but the portion sizes are fair for salads, fish, and lamb chops alike. It remains a great spot for a relaxed romantic evening, with well-spaced tables and a cozy feel.
Found the food to be fairly average, but didn't appreciate the service. The person who welcomed us and took our bags was wonderful, but out server couldn't accommodate a simple request like not having olives in a salad.
When I got the bill, they gave me an itemized receipt with an empty spot for tip + total. There was no auto gratuity on the receipt, or mentioned verbally. I left a standard tip. Then they re-approached after I paid to say I did not tip enough, and pulled our a 3rd receipt from the pocket of that little folder where an auto gratuity was added and conveniently tucked away. This is a slimy move to take advantage of the possibility of a higher tip, but if lower, they fall back to an auto-gratuity as backup to bump up the tip. For clarity, I have no problem with gratuity—I specifically looked for it on the receipt, but not being transparent about it, and then approaching you about it in front of your table of friends left a bad taste in my mouth about this place. Would not return.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
I've been going to Periyali for years and it never disappoints. The food is delicious and also very healthy and clean. The service and ambiance are always great. It's one of the rare gems of the city that offers great food in a comfortable setting and feels like an insider place. I've given parties there over the years and now they have a beautiful second floor private room. Perfect for any special occasion. I highly recommend Periyali for any occasion: friends dinner, work dinner, romantic date night, birthday, or holiday.
My husband and I had our small wedding in periyali’s event space. I can’t describe how great of an experience it was. Eleni, the coordinator, was amazing to work with. The food was incredible and we continue to get compliments from our guests about the location. I would highly recommend Periyali’s event space or restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Greek favorite with caring service and solid prix fixe option.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oktapodi Sharas, Spanakopita & Tiropita with Kolokithokeftedes, Walnut Cake w Pistachio Ice Cream
Greece is one of the top summer destinations in the world. If you are in the mood for an exceptional Greek dining experience right here in NYC, then step into Periyali for standout dishes.
Oktapodi Sharas
The grilled octopus marinated in red wine was a highlight of the meal. The octopus was tender and perfectly charred. The texture was just right—neither too chewy nor overly soft. Accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil, it was a dish that showcased the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and balanced flavors.
Arni Youvetsi
The lamb shank was nothing short of spectacular. Braised to perfection, the meat was incredibly tender and fell off the bone effortlessly. The rich, savory tomato sauce had a depth of flavor that was both hearty and comforting, making it a true standout on the menu. Served alongside a bed of orzo in warm spices, the dish was both filling and satisfying, capturing the essence of Greek home cooking with an elegant twist.
Scallop Special
The special dish of the night was a delightful surprise. Each scallop was seared to a golden perfection, with a crisp exterior and a succulent, tender interior. Paired with braised greens with garlic and lemon, as well as roasted lemon potatoes, the dish offered a refreshing and refined taste of the sea. The presentation was beautiful, highlighting the chef’s attention to detail and creativity in showcasing fresh, high-quality seafood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exquisite Greek Cuisine!
I recently had the pleasure of visiting this fantastic Greek restaurant for lunch, and I was delighted by the experience. The dishes were prepared with fresh ingredients and packed with vibrant flavors.
The menu features classic appetizers such as Horiatiki Salata and Soupa Avgolemono, along with creative options like Zucchini Fritters, showcasing the restaurant's unique touch. The entrees are equally impressive, offering a wide array of seafood, lamb, chicken, and steak.
While I didn't try everything on the menu (though I wanted to, LOL), I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The interior is stunning, but I opted to sit outside on a beautiful day. The natural lighting was perfect for photos.
I started with Tiganita Kolokythakia (Crispy Zucchini Served with Tzatziki & Lemon), Oktapodi Sharas (Grilled Octopus Marinated in Red Wine), and Horiatiki Salata (Traditional Greek Village Salad). The complimentary in-house olive bread was astonishing—worth returning for on its own.
For entrees, we had Paidakia Thedrolivano (Grilled Australian Lamb Chops with Braised Greens), Branzino with Broccolini, and Scallops with Potatoes. Everything was delicious.
The meal concluded with a warm slice of Walnut Cake served with ice cream. Exceptional food, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and an overall wonderful experience. I can't wait to return! Totally worth visiting for the Prix Fixe menu if you want to experience their food but aren't sure what to order.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Another perfect dining experience... Periyali is one of the best restaurants in the city because of consistency and authenticity. Nowhere else is the food closest to its origins and quality fresh ingredients are put above all else.
The octopus here is always cooked to perfection, the portion of calamari generous, and the braised rabbit a rarity of a rustic traditional gem to find on a menu and is exceptional.
"Best lamb chops I ever had" is the standard reaction whenever I bring someone here and they order them for the first time and outside of Greece, I agree. Branzino is the go-to for my hyper food critic parents. If they can be pleased, anyone can.
My friends and I visited the Greek islands last summer and this is the one place that took us back instantly. The only thing missing was a seaside table, but we did notice a huge celebrity dining two tables over incognito, no one was phased because the service here is more down-to-earth and welcoming than fussy and probably why I encounter an A-lister dining here on occasion. Both of our tables ordered the baklava to end our evening on a sweet note. Until we visit Greece again, we have this classic gem as the next best thing.
Recommended dishes: Calamari, Grilled Shrimp, Horiatiki Salata, Grilled Branzino, Oktapodi Sharas, Beet Salad, Baklava, Desserts, Walnut Cake w Pistachio Ice Cream
Had an absolute lovely experience. The wine and cocktail selection was extremely vast. Really impressed with the food selection too -- so many choices in the city and would for sure go back. Also got to experience the event space and it's a great option for intimate affairs or more intricate shindig. Finally, the staff was amazing! Had several nice chats and they laughed when I tried to flirt with a group of cute guys ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Adding more based on restaurant’s response below. Why is it so hard to split the bill? Knowing everyone there are strangers and wanted that. Also does “pre discussed rule with the host” give validation on yelling at customers repeatedly for this? Not by one person but 2-3 staffs including the manager over 10 min? Also to make it clear, host mentioned you will only accept 3 credit cards per table (?!?), never mentioned those will be equally split. I’ve been discussing this experience with many of my friends and no one cloud believe this could happen in any restaurants in NYC. Also almost everyone did not see that extra $ part, since you had a big $ number on top of the menu for prix fixe as how they usually are. If you provide valid reason why you could not split the bill, I’ll update or delete my review here. We had same event in different venue before, they asked us first if we’d like to get individual receipt and happily/nicely provided that for 20+ people.
……………
We were very excited to go here but afterwards we really don’t understand why the rating is so high. Food was mediocre (we ordered prix fixe menu, octopus was not fresh, in very salty sauce, salmon came as pot-pie style which was not described in the menu - seeing other tables we realized they were serving very different food for prix fixe, it was like the famous chef said “never order special in restaurant, which usually cooked with old materials they want to get rid of), only good thing was the waitress for our table who was very knowledgeable and nice, but rest of staff were extremely rude. We were 6 strangers in one table (group event), they refused giving us separate checks, told us we need to split equally (?!?) despite the fact everyone ordered different food and drinks, 2 female staff at the bar, and manager literally yelled (the bartender girl was the worst) and getting so angry just for separate check request. I’ve been living in manhattan over 15 years, traveled numerous countries and cities, never had this kind of experience before. Oh the best part is that they charged extra $10 for octopus, which was one of prix fixe menu, do they even know what prix fixe menu means? This is the second time I ever wrote the review, means one of 2 worst restaurants I’ve ever been.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Periyali is my go to restaurant! The ambiance is inviting with just the right lighting and comfortable seating. The menu offers a variety of traditional Greek dishes, each one tasting fresh and flavorful. I recently brought my family here when they were in town and they LOVED it! I will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Shrimp, Horiatiki Salata, Grilled Branzino, Oktapodi Sharas, Mousakas, Chicken Kabobs, Baklava, Avgolemono Soup, Spanakopita & Tiropita with Kolokithokeftedes
Wonderful experience once again! Our second time there and the service as well as the food was exceptional!! Highly recommend!
Always a pleasure to dine at Periyali. A beautiful throwback to earlier days. It feels like a place you'd go to on vacation at some seaside beach town- hard to believe you are steps away from the heart of Manhattan. The food is outstanding- and service very attentive and knowledgeable. It's a special occasion place for us, but every occasion we have celebrated has been special indeed.
Eating at the Periyali is like having dinner at a close friends Estiatorio on the shores of the Mediterranean in the island of Crete. Ambiance is simple and calm, service is respectful and yet very friendly. Food is fresh, and authentic Greek. It is well represented with a variety of fish and seafood, as well as lamb and chicken kabobs and other Greek staples. Prices are moderate for NYC. It is an exceptionally well managed restaurant!
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