"Bypass the taxidermied foxes in the lobby of the Forth Hotel in O4W (we’re very unclear on that design inspiration) and head just a few floors up to Elektra. It's a more inviting scene, filled with Greek sea nymph themes and poolside patio vibes. This Mediterranean restaurant is a great place to sip excellent fruity cocktails, share delicious family-style plates with a group, and pretend you’re at a fancy resort somewhere with nowhere else to be. They offer an excellent breakfast that includes fluffy olive oil pancakes and stuffed croissants, though you'll probably only see hotel guests in the am hours. But Elektra really shines in the evening. Then, long dinners are par for the course. It’s where time is measured by complimentary rounds of warm pita and where next-day priorities fade in importance after a taste of your friend’s cinnamon-infused cocktail turns into three orders of your own. The best move at Elektra is to order from all five sections of the menu. If you have a table full of hungry friends, try the cold mezze platter, appetizers like the chunky harissa-spiced fries and fragrant mussels, and a few juicy kebabs before proceeding to shareable entrees. But we’d also recommend just coming in for drinks and the mezze platter if you're looking for something less weighty. Elektra offers a generous collection of really good spreads (our picks are a creamy hummus with a kick and sweet and the smooth baba ganoush), herby salads, and pickled vegetables. Along with the pita bread, it’s enough to make a light dinner for two. photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair Come for a solo dinner at the bar, after work with colleagues, or on a double date on a Friday night—a room full of folks will be on the same wave. Since the mood is relaxed, there’s no hurry to leave—especially when they switch on the patio heat lamps to ward off any chilly breezes. And if you get a little too comfy, the place is a hotel, and there's that breakfast to be had. Food Rundown photo credit: Amy Sinclair Olive Oil & Labneh Pancakes These pancakes are rich, fluffy, and contenders for some of the best in the city. The olive oil gives the griddle cakes a subtle nuttiness while keeping them moist and spongy, and orange-sweetened labneh helps cut into the tartness of accompanying peaches. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Mezze Platter It’s $32, but it comes with bottomless pita and with so much stuff you could make enough veggie sandwiches to feed a little league team. Some things like the minty beets salad, pickled vegetables, or oven-roasted figs will change out seasonally, but expect the lightly sweet baba ganoush, creamy dill labneh, and a really good, semi-spicy hummus to remain. Harissa Fries Though these thick-cut fries are covered in a heavy dusting of harissa powder, they aren’t spicy. But there is creamy garlic toum dipping sauce to cool them off if your nose does start to run. Pilaf It’s a huge portion of rice, that’ll last through all the hot courses and come in handy when paired with the meaty kabobs and entrees. The mix of sweet dates, currents, and almonds are a great complement to savory lamb, steak, and fish. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Octopus It’s deep fried, so it has a nice crispy exterior, but the inside is a little dry and hard to chew. The taste is there (especially when smothered in herby zhoug sauce), but we’d say skip it. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Shish Kebab This NY strip comes with beautiful flame-grilled char marks. It’s tender and moist, and is perfect to eat by itself but is also perfect for wrapping in pita and layering on roasted tomato, hummus, and pickled onions." - Nina Reeder
