Going Greek in NYC

I've save the most expensive for last: Estiatoria Milos New York will cost you a pretty penny, but their renderings of both popular and lesser known Greek dishes are … exquisite. Starters include pureed Santorini fava beans, which are served with French shallots, olive oil, and truffle caviar. Whole fish (minimum three-pound) are grilled on charcoal with olive oil, lemon sauce, and sea salt. And if you're more into turf than surf, try the beef tenderloin. It's kind of steep at $48, but hey, it comes with French fries. [link]

Mykonos is named after the beautiful Cycladic island (pictured) that's famous for its windmills, beaches, and late-night party scene. While you won't find the first two … at Williamsburg's first (to my knowledge) full-fledged Greek restaurant, you can certainly enjoy a good party here. The depth and breadth of the menu is impressive, with sections devoted to hot and cold appetizers, salads, entrees, seafood, "comfort food" (think Greek-style macaroni), pizzas, sandwiches, and desserts. Prices are also reasonable, making Mykonos a good bet for lunch or dinner. [link]

Mezzo Mezzo Restaurant, Art Cafe & Lounge tries to be all Greek things to all people, and it largely succeeds. The kitchen turns out ample portions of seafood, beef, … and chicken, and guests dine and drink red and white wine at charming indoor and outdoor tables. And unlike some of the other restaurants on this list, Mezzo Mezzo offers an evening's worth of entertainment in addition to dinner: every Friday and Saturday night features live acoustic Greek music, and the lounge is open until 2 a.m. from Thursday through Sunday. [link]

The full name of this Astoria mainstay is Elias Corner for Fish, so stick to the seafood and you'll be thrilled. While it's not much to look at, the foodies swoon over … the branzini, porgy, and tilapia, among others. The selection changes daily, of course, so don't wait for a menu, just chat with the server to find out what the specials are. Some have complained about brusque service, but nobody says this isn't an authentic Greek experience. [link]

For some reason, I just like saying the word S'Agapo because it rolls off the tongue in a particularly pleasing way. Only recently did I discover that it means "I love … you" in Greek. This Astoria gem gets plenty of love for a menu of dishes native to the big island of Crete. Pick a few different appetizers to share, such as an assortment of dips for your pita, and then feast on a grand selection of meat and fish, including succulent rib eye steaks (my favorite cut), skewers of lamb, and the house seafood special, sargos (black porgy). But fear not, vegetarians: S'Agapo has an extensive veggie portion of the menu that's as delicious as it is animal-free. Another plus: outdoor seating, for when the weather's nice. [link]

Set in the heart of Greenwich Village, Snack Taverna is another beloved Greek restaurant that gives a modern twist to Greek mainstays. The horta boureki, for example, … boasts dandelion greens, currants and feta cheese rolled in filo dough with native Greek produce such as fava beans, and capers. The lamb souvlaki, meanwhile, gets an extra kick from pickled cabbage. Prices are reasonable for the neighborhood, and if you really want to save dough, make lunch your dinner. The lunch menu features plenty of $6 mezedes and large plates like pan-seared tilapia for $12. [link]

This Bleecker Street staple gets much love for its casual taverna atmosphere and seafood dishes like sizzling trout, Santorini-style jumbo shrimp, and pan-roasted cod … fillet with zucchini and white beans. I'm usually of the opinion that small plates (mezedes) are better in theory than reality (don't get me started on tapas), but Gus does them right, with perfectly sized portions of feta, mussels, or fava beans that are priced to not piss me off. A respectable selection of Greek wines features several great choices, with the majority of bottles priced under $40. [link]

Uncle Nick's is a homey, family-run restaurant that's much cheaper and more laid back than the fancier places just a couple of blocks to the east. Its Hell's Kitchen … location makes it an excellent choice to grab a spanakopita or moussaka before a Broadway show. All the Greek classics are represented, along with some vegetarian options and a dessert menu that includes Uncle Nick's famous rice pudding. [link]

My favorite Greek restaurant comes first: Pylos is a lively and romantic spot in the East Village that's most easily recognizable by the hundreds of clay pots adorning … the ceiling. I've often wondered if one of them could ever fall down and hit somebody on the head, but I don't think it's happened yet. Get a table near the back and start out with the classic grilled, marinated octopus with capers, or fresh sardines with parsley, garlic, and olive oil. Entrees like lamb shank, duck breast, and classic whole fish are always close to perfection. That's because the kitchen really knows its stuff -- so much so that consulting chef Diane Kochilas runs a cooking school on the Aegean island of Ikaria every summer. Not exactly cheap eats, but a worthy splurge. [link]

Located in the atrium of the Olympic Tower, the Hellenic Museums Shop is a great place to pick up well made replicas of classic Greek artworks. Buy a bird figurine for … $45 or splurge and get the seated figure (pictured) for $190. Browse among ceramics, silver jewelry and a great selection of books on Greece. You know a large Greek Eros bust would really class up your apartment. [link]

The Onassis Cultural Center is a great Greek treasure in Midtown Manhattan that I'd never know about if I hadn't decided to drop by the Greek tourism office prior to a … (mind-blowing) trip to Greece. Located in the lower level of the Olympic Tower (I guess the name should have been a dead giveaway), the center offers lectures, films, musical performances, and an impressive selection of both ancient and contemporary Greek art. The center is named for Aristotle Onassis's only son, who died tragically at the age of 24 in a plane crash the Athens airport. If the collection of art inspires you to visit the motherland, head upstairs to the tourism office to pick up some brochures and advice. [link]

The Metropolitan Museum's collection of Greek art is among the finest outside of Greece itself, and the special wing that houses it (along with some Roman stuff) recently … reopened to the public following a 15-year, $220 million renovation. So it's absolutely worth the "suggested" price of admission to browse through more than a thousand years of Greek treasures, ranging from marble figurines dating to 2600 B.C. to a terracotta oil flask (pictured) and a bronze Etruscan chariot. The space is centered on an indoor public square, bathed in natural light, so don't hesitate to try out your latest philosophical proofs on passersby. [link]