Loi Estiatorio

Had a really great experience here! The staff was super friendly and made great suggestions. The lamb was so delicious! Cooked perfectly and melts in your mouth. The food is organic with nothing fried or use of butter. Although the food was delicious, I could not fully give this place 5 stars because it just lacked full flavor. The food tasted very simple and very lightly seasoned, if at all. It was also pretty expensive which I understand because of the location, the services the dining space and so on. However, as someone who comes from ethnic background where things like flavor and spice are such a huge part of my culture, my taste buds left wanting something more so take my review with a much needed grain of salt. On the flip side, if you’re someone looking for food made simply but done extremely well with a more upscale atmosphere and impeccable service, you have to try this place! I’m not very familiar with Greek food so I can not say how authentic this is but based on Maria, (the owner) story, background and how some of the ingredients are directly flown in from Greece, I do believe it is. If you got the money, want to have a cool experience and love Greek food, I would highly recommend!

Had an amazing evening here. Everything was better than perfection. Service was excellent and the food was outstanding. Maria Lou know how to create a fabulous meal and everything is cooked with the health conscience in mind. If you like Octopus… the appetizer was tender and one of the best.

Loi Estiatorio: A Greek Culinary Haven Loi Estiatorio isn’t just the best Greek restaurant in the United States—it’s a place that truly feels like home. Every evening I find myself drawn back to this warm and inviting haven, where the magic of Greece is brought to life by the extraordinary Chef Maria Loi. Meeting Chef Loi herself is an experience in hospitality and charm. Her warmth and passion for authentic Greek cuisine shine through in every dish she serves, and she is always eager to welcome her guests with open arms, making each visit feel personal and memorable. The recipes at Loi Estiatorio are unparalleled, featuring traditional Greek dishes that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Standouts like the Aginares (artichokes) and the hearty, comforting mushroom barley soup showcase the depth and variety of Greek cuisine. These dishes go beyond the usual fare, offering a taste of the real Greece that’s steeped in tradition and elevated by Chef Loi’s creativity. The flavors are bold yet refined, with every dish expertly crafted to honor its roots. I am vegan, and I find a plethora of dishes that are rich and delicious, each bite transports you straight to Greece. The ambiance is equally inviting, blending sophistication with the warmth of a Greek home. Whether you’re there for a romantic dinner, a celebration, or simply to savor good food, the atmosphere is perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking for a truly authentic and unforgettable Greek dining experience, Loi Estiatorio is the place to be. It’s no surprise I keep coming back—this is more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey led by one of the most hospitable and talented chefs I’ve ever met. Highly recommended!

A M A Z I N G!! We got there after seeing good reviews in google. Maria Loi, the owner and the chef, set us down with welcome hands and Alex, her right hand, was sooo nice . The food was Amazing! We started with delicious grape leaves and 2 bawls of goddess soups. The main course was the most delicious, fresh Branzino fish we ever had. Because we weren’t sure if we want to order the chicken as well, Maria sent us the chicken on the house and it was so soft and tasty. The last course was the desserts. OMG we tried one of each and each one was better than the other. In my opinion it’s a must go restaurant. Thank you Maria Loi and Alex You are amazing

This used to be our go to, but we haven’t been here in a few years. We had lunch there today – what a great place this continues to be! All the dishes we had were super fresh, flavorful, and delicious. The spreads were great, dolmadakia were fresh and excellent, and the branzino was perfectly cooked and tasty. Service continues to be excellent with Chef Loi personally engaged, welcoming guests and overseeing the service. We’ll be back soon!

Thomas and Nicole welcomed us at the door as family! The entire evening continued in the same vein. Adon walked us through the menu and we chose the Branzino for 2 (of course). Melt in the mouth! They all surprised us with a special dessert for my husband’s birthday. The perfect evening!

Fantastic meal! This was our second time dining at Loi and I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, than the first time. Was just in Greece in May and this meal made me feel like I was back. Chef Maria manages to elevate her dishes without sacrificing their authenticity. The Pastitsio is one of the lightest I’ve ever had and the flavor was exquisite. The chicken and potatoes with carrot and lemon sauce was fantastic also. We were in pre theatre and had plenty of time to dine. The service was fast without feeling rushed and hospitable. And bonus that we got to see Chef Maria before leaving. She is so sweet! Highly recommend!

This small Greek restaurant, run by the talented Chef Maria Loi, is a delightful, family-friendly spot brimming with laughter, energy, and the charm of a bustling family operation. The service was as attentive and friendly as you'd expect from such a warm environment. While I regret not trying one of their soups, I thoroughly enjoyed my salad and the Greek Lasagna (Pastitsio), which were both flavorful and satisfying. However, the true standout of the evening was the extraordinary homemade yogurt—an absolute must-try. The included mini-desserts were a fantastic finishing touch to a wonderful meal.

Maria Loi is so nice - exactly like she is on TV! Her staff is so friendly and attentive. The food is INCREDIBLE. I enjoyed the octopus & a piece of the spinach pie appetizer, branding and lamb shank for dinner, and an amazing combination of baklava, chocolate cake and shared Greek creme brulee. Sorry for the lack of photos - I was too busy enjoying the food!

As I read other reviews I wondered if we went to the same restaurant. As a Greek American I found nothing authentically Greek about their food. I've also visited many different areas of Greece so I'm aware of regional differences in cuisine. The tzatziki dip was ok but I had to ask what the other dip was. It definitely wasn't melitzanosalata. We ordered octopus but it was nothing like we expected. Our fault we should have asked if it was grilled and served with oil and lemon. I order pasticcio and my friend a Greek salad. When my pasticcio came OH MY GOD IT LOOKED NOTHING LIKE IT!!!! I thought they brought me the wrong meal. I pulled up a picture from the internet of authentic pasticcio and showed the waiter. He agreed that what was in front of me definitely didn't resemble the picture. Where was the bechamel sauce? Where was the meat sauce? There were only miniscule pieces of meat. Can someone tell me what that pasta was?He asked me if I wanted another meal and I ordered the chicken. I figured what could you possibly do to chicken. I left it barely touched. We then ordered Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts. It arrived with not one walnut and barely any honey. You can fool the Amerikanakia with this food but not me

I had a wonderful experience at Loi. A comfortable and relaxed space with great service and excellent food. All the food is healthy and organic with many Gluten Free options (including Flourless chocolate cake or Yoghurt & honey for dessert). My favorite was the Octopus which incredibly delicious. The Lamb, Lemon Potatoes and Dolmades were also amazing. Chef Maria Lou is not only very talented but engaging, interesting and clearly loves what she does. I would love to come back again one day!

Each time I come to NYC, I try new ethnic restaurants that are not as prevalent back home. Pastitsio is one of my favorite dishes of all time so when I found Loi Estiatorio in Yelp, that they had pastitsio, and that it was located less than a mile from my hotel I had to come and try it. I was greeted by a very welcoming woman who very well could be the owner with the genuine care and concern for everyone's taste buds and comfort that she expressed to every person in the restaurant. She took me to a table about halfway into the quaint restaurant where I was able to observe and engage with the staff - so much better than being put in the corner as often happens to single diners. The lovely Greek music was delightful to listen to as I ate. I ordered the Greek Lasagna (Pastitsio) and the Gigantes Me Spanaki (giant beans and spinach). While I waited for my meal to be prepared, deliciousness arrived to my table (AKA a cheese dip with strips of pita bread to enjoy). The wonderful waitstaff partnered together in ensuring that my glass was filled and my palette was happy. My meal was served along with a piece of their house cheese to enjoy along with my bean and spinach dish. I like the cheese by itself. It would be superb paired with bread, vegetables, and fruits - it has the perfect saltiness to go with its creaminess. Not sure if they sell it, but if they do I'd suggest taking some home with you. I probably wouldn't order the bean/spinach dish again as it isn't my preferred flavor. But I'm sure there are sides that I would love to devour. Loved the hint of nutmeg in each bite of the Greek Lasagne (pastitsio). The cheese layer at the top (elsewhere called a béchamel) was the creamiest and superb! The noodles were just the way I like them cooked. My only complaint was that there was not much sauce leaving the dish on the dry side. And then there was dessert......the baklava was PHENOMENAL!!!!! I will be back. Thanks, y'all.

Such a wonderful restaurant. I had dinner here with my cousins. Delicious Greek food served in a warm, cozy atmosphere. Executive chef, Maria Loi owns this wonderful restaurant. She brings a menu that features fresh, healthy ingredients to all of her dishes. Nothing is cooked in butter. She uses olive oil, yogurt, wine, herbs to bring out the flavors of Greek cuisine. Friendly, knowledgeable servers that created a welcoming experience. I felt like the chef was cooking just for me. Started with the Grilled Calamari. Calamari over an Arugula salad , with Lemon, Olive Oil. It was so tender and melted in our mouths. Grilled Salmon - a nice piece of fresh Salmon served over an Idaho Potato Purée, with Kalamata Olives. This was perfection. The salmon was cooked perfectly with a crisp outside and flavorful flakey inside. My husband had the Lamb Shank and he couldn't stop raving about it. It was a wonderful evening with delicious, healthy Greek food. If you're looking for something special look no further.

Without any doubt, this spot was a supreme and high-end choice of a Greek restaurant in NYC, appropriate for a birthday dinner in a small group. The ambiance is simple and elegant (with Obama and Biden photos on the wall), the service attentive. The food was wonderful, all organic and milk-free with everything prepared with olive oil. Branzino, lamb shank, seafood orzo, grilled halloumi, and octopus were wonder dishes.

Consistently outstanding service; lovely, helpful staff; great food and wine; mellow ambiance. Always a special experience.

This places was great!!!! Charming environment. Great staff. Wonderful food! Was in town for work, went with my bosses. Waiter let us try multiple wins before ordering a bottle! 6-7 soup options!!! I had chicken and my boss had lentil! Both yummy! King prawn - yummmmmm and huge. Salmon for my boss loved and cooked to temp. Brazino for my other boss. Served full fish! Great optjon!!

Loi is now going to be our go-to Greek in Manhattan! It is absolutely delicious and Chef Maria Loi only made our experience special! All of the dishes are made with organic ingredients and it is the most natural as you can get! Loi also make their own greek olive oil! We started with the Bean salad (made with fresh onions, herbs and lemon), stuffed eggplant (stuffed with carrots, and topped with a layer of hardened cheese), octopus (with a bean puree). For entrees we got the baked cod in papillote and also got a side of gigantes (my fav!) All of the dishes were exquisitely prepared. They also topped off our meal with yogurt dessert with honey. We loved our experience at Loi and look forward to going back asap!

Ambience: upscale, Greek. Good for large parties, small parties. Service: impeccable. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and provided excellent recommendations. Food: - Extensive menu with plenty of options for everyone including soups. - we loved for appetizers: spreads, spinach pie with homemade phyllo, artichokes, Village salad - entrees: lamb shank was perfection. The person who ordered it usually does not like lamb, and they could not stop raving about it. Seafood orzo was delicious and the Bronzino was enough to feed three people. - sides: gigantes were okay. Roasted veggies were good. - dessert: walnut cake and yogurt was absolutely delicious. Drinks: excellent drinks. We love the old-fashioned. Overall we cannot recommend this restaurant enough. We had a fantastic time with delicious food and exceptional service and cannot wait to go back.

Five star experience from top to bottom! The food was outstanding, the service excellent, and the night was wonderful! Every single entree was on point, including the Bronzino which was perfectly roasted and the eggplant casserole was so divinely rich. The octopus appetizer was one of the best dishes I've ever had, it was so tender with just the right amount of seasoning. All the desserts; the baklava, scoop of yogurt, chocolate cake were all also very special. Perhaps the best part of the evening was the hospitality from top to bottom. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome. Pushing in chairs when sitting, providing recommendations, our entrees were perfect, and the best part had to be the warm greeting throughout the evening by our host, famed chef Maria Loi. Chef Loi made many trips throughout the dining room making sure all her guests were well taken care of and enjoying every bit of the evening. I definitely recommend for a wonderful night out!

Absolutely delicious food... Fresh Mediterranean... Totally healthy I recommend it .. order the grilled octopus it's fresh and prepared in a very simple but delicious manner

Elevated Greek cuisine. The technique for preparation, the authenticity to culture and the execution of garnish is pronounced. You MUST try their Moussaka. It's creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. We had the appetizers: pappoutsakia (stuffed baby eggplant) and they were absolutely succulent. The Kalamari was delicious with olive oil and lemon, and their soup: lentil, was also very good! Couldn't stop eating it. We paired our meal with a few glasses of Mavrodafne Wine. The desserts were out of this world. Ekmek-Kataifi and a slice of the flourless chocolate cake. All the while, the background music was a mix of some older hassapika and sirtakia. Greek music you don't hear very often in even the most of Greek places. So befitting of the cozy restaurant interior. We ended the night with some of their in-house Greek coffee and left feeling very full and happy. Chef Maria Loi was present at the restaurant and welcomed us warmly. An experience totally unforgettable.

Service was impeccable! Authentic Mediterranean fine dining with premium wine selection. The owner was extremely nice. Came over and treated me and my wife like special guests.

The best restaurant!!!! I wish could give more stars!!! The place is amazing, the food drooling my mouth, is so delicious. The service is so fast, and so nice people make you feel so special and very much welcome. Do you know there place many celebrity come with family have dinner? The ex president Barack Obama for example, and many others enjoy there place. my stomach loves the food, for me is very important how I feel after dinner; Happy and with desire to return to this incredible place many times. the location is excellent, just want say thank you Loi Estiatorio for make my night with my family dinner so special. The best place !!! Elegant the high quality restaurant in New York Love Chef Maria Loi she incredible woman!!

Recommended by a lifelong Manhattanite, this was the most authentic Greek experience ever. Mostly organic selections, delicious entrees, Eggplant Casserole was manifique over-all, the menu was a solid list of delicious competitors! Impeccable service, we had not secured reservations, but made an "executive decision " to seat us! Will be a NYC staple when visiting! !

As a big fan of Chef Maria Loi and her cooking and travel Greece show on PBS, her restaurant was on my list to dine at in NYC and it didn't disappoint. We started with the Village Salad $22. I had the Salmon with mashed potatoes $39. Everything was fresh, healthy and delicious. They only cook with olive oil and no butter. We also enjoyed the Greek yogurt with honey and nuts for dessert. The staff was very friendly and efficient. We didn't see Maria but maybe next time.

What can I say Alex is the host with the most bringing together a great partnership with Chef and TV Star Maria Loi. Full of healthy and savory dishes. My favorite is the Moussaka. Try the halloumi, horiatiki salata, the lamb and for those fish lovers the branzino is the best in the city if not the world! The huge difference is the amazing olive oil Maria uses in her recipes. Cold press extra virgin olive oil from the island of Crete. I believe you can buy it online at Whole Foods. Thank you for an amazing experience with all our friends and co workers. If you love a place you can entertain clients, with a real experience and great ambiance. LOI is the place for you! Thanks Maria for a great experience!!! Alex- you always know how to make us feel at home at my usual table!

Needed a restaurant than could accept a reservation for 14 at the last minute and GF options. They had an outside tent with heaters- so cozy! (My tribe's in town to support our marathoner!) Excellent menu and the options were similar to those I saw when visiting Athens! Delicious bean soup, chicken, salmon. The grilled cheese with honey was the perfect mix of salty and sweet! It got better--friendly service, complementary homemade yogurt with honey and walnuts for dessert. When we left, we were personally thanked and invited to connect with the chef before our next visit to request favorites.

Fantastic service from this lovely restaurant! It definitely has a more upscale feel with dim lighting and tablecloths. Nice wine selection and good recommendations from our server. The stuffed eggplant was heavenly, the Branzino was flaky, moist, and flavorful- loved the charred lemon on the side, the lamb shank was cooked to perfection and for dessert, the Ekmek Kadaifi provided a nice finish to the meal. Great dining experience!

On our family trip to celebrate Dad's birthday, the first restaurant we wanted to experience was Loi Estiatorio. We arrived Thur. and wanted fresh, clean, organic, delicious Greek food that tasted homemade, and that's exactly what we got! That's a very hard thing to get right, and this restaurant has figured out the formula. The bonuses: Nicola welcomed us wonderfully and made sure we felt at home; Thanasios took time to help curate our meal, and shared highlights of the menu and Chef Loi's great approach to cuisine; and the nearby patrons were sweet human beings, sharing in our toast to Dad. Greeks are famous for their sincere hospitality and ability to make any space festive and memorable. Loi's team made that same magic for us, and with very delicious dishes to boot.

I wanted to make sure to write a review after picking up the delectable pikalia (spreads) as well as the lamb shank. Wow! First and foremost, that lamb dish.. was deeee-licious! Easily the best lamb I have ever had! Normally I shy away from some lamb entrees because they can taste too game-y, but yours didn't at all. The fall-apart tenderness of the meat/brisket coupled with the delicious juices (from the lamb? and/or some of your olive oil?) as well as the sauteed onions made my tummy very happy! That is some serious talent you have! Also, I'm not sure what the "spicy sauce" is called, but it exuded freshness as if the ingredients had just been blended (literally in a blender) riiight before I ate it. Poliiii-kalo! Again, I'm guessing that it might've had olive oil in it to make it more spreadable. It reminded me an excellent fresh-made salsa I used to enjoy at Rosa Mexicano Union Sq. years ago (a tomatillo-style, only red instead of green), though yours was definitely spicier.. just within the upper limits of what my palette can handle. My younger brother is a spice fiend and I'm sure he would enjoy it as well as my older brother would too. Lastly, the tzatziki.. I could get freaky with that tzatziki (just trying to be funny w/ my wording... no ancillary meaning here) because it hit just the right balance of creaminess/texture along with the freshness of the very thinly-shaved wedges of cucumber. Some tzatzikis elsewhere strike me as being too thick and remind me of some cheeses that I'm not a fan of. Yours was different. A scoop of your tzatziki on a wedge of pita along with the spicy sauce ='s a party in my mouth. The dairy + spiciness was akin to the combo I love of iced coffee + ice cream (especially ice cream w/ some sort of chocolate shavings/brownie in it) plus some almond milk. The sweet creaminess of the ice cream paired w/ the acidic bite of the iced coffee I usually buy is a match made in heaven, and is excellent after a salty meal (which I often eat). I'm heading to a cousin's beach house this weekend out-of-state and I'll bring the (boxed) Loi Pasta macaroni in case we (read: my aunt) gets a chance to do some cooking as opposed to bringing in food for my cousins and I there. Efharisto times 10. I appreciate the love and hospitality.. especially when it's fine cooking that tastes soooo good while still being healthy.

Had lunch at Loi and was overall quite pleased! Ambiance is nice and rustic. The restaurant was quiet and not too busy on a Friday afternoon. Service is very friendly and food came out quickly. Nicole (I think that was her name) was so kind and chatted with us about Greece for a bit, which was nice. Food is overall pretty good. I loved the gigantes, roasted vegetables, cauliflower, and the lemon potatoes were amazing. I can't comment on the burger or chicken as I didn't have either but the first was definitely a hit, the latter definitely a miss. Prices are high compared to Avra (our favorite) but it was nice to try something new and we'll likely return!

The seafood - bronzino - was exquisite. The service was very good and it is a pleasant place to dine.

Food: It is always amazing. I walk into this place with a-lot on my mind about life and I always leave happy,full, and amazed how food can just transport you to a divine state. I love this spot. Maria is a fantastic cook. We went in for the lunch prefix. I always pay additional to get the octopus and branzino. We start off the course with a tour of spreads, which range from smokey to savory to spicy. One way or another, you'll find a keeper. We did get a spicy red pepper dip which I ate with everything. It was great. Followed up, we had the octopus and fava bean puree which was also a stunner. We had the grape leaves as well. They were good, but they are not really my thing. For the main course, the branzino came wkth greens, olive oil, grilled lemon, and love. It is one of my favorite fish dishes in the city. I high recommended it. To finish off the meal, we were brought chocolate mini cakes, baklava, and the best greek yogurt with honey. That stuff is amazing. A great dinner and experience! Service: Staff is attentive and place is clean. It is a nice cozy restaurant. Maria will be around and her aura is infectious. She is very friendly and has a great personality. Ambiance: Nice clean establishment with top tier service. Overall one of my favorite gems in the city. PS Maria now has her own PBS show as we found out chatting with her. Check her out and come by. You won't be disappointed.

I am came in from out of town for business and was on a walk when I came upon this restaurant by chance. So I thought I would walk in and try it and definitely don't regret it. Service was great as well as the food. The staff was incredible especially the host who treated me and other patrons like family. Next time I am back in town I'll be sure to stop in

Exquisite food, lovely ambiance, attentive and charming service. Go now! You will not be disappointed. And watch Chef Loi on her show Life of Loi - Secrets of the Mediterranean on PBS stations and PBS Passport and Amazon etc.

I am a frequent visitor to Loi Estiatorio, a hidden gem nestled in Manhattan, where I'm greeted by the warm hospitality of the wonderful owners, Maria and Alex. As my neighbors, their restaurant has become a cozy extension of home, and I'm continually drawn to the authentic Greek cuisine they serve. Maria's culinary skills are awe-inspiring, and she never fails to amaze me with her delicious creations. Her passion for Greek cuisine shines through in every dish, and her dedication to preserving the traditional flavors is truly commendable. During one of my visits, I had the pleasure of chatting with Maria about olive oil, and her expertise was evident. In a sweet gesture, she gifted me a bottle of extra virgin olive oil, a treasured item in my kitchen. The menu at Loi Estiatorio is a delightful journey through the rich tapestry of Greek flavors. From classic souvlaki to mouthwatering moussaka, each dish is a testament to Maria's talent and culinary finesse. I often find myself indulging in their fantastic products available at Whole Foods, relishing the taste of Greece from the comfort of my own home. In summary, Loi Estiatorio is my go-to place for authentic Greek cuisine in Manhattan. With Maria's fantastic culinary skills, the inviting ambiance, and the warm personalities of the owners, it's a hidden treasure that I always look forward to revisiting. If you're a fan of Greek cuisine or simply seeking a delightful dining experience, look no further than Loi Estiatorio - it's a true neighborhood gem that will capture your heart and taste buds.

The food was amazing. The staff was great. My drink literally was never empty. The chef even came out and spoke, very nice lady. The atmosphere was great and quiet!

We had a fantastic lunch today at Loi. The food is authentic and excellent. The beet salad with Feta was perfectly seasoned, served on a bed of crunchy arugula in sour salty well balanced sauce. The branzino was amazingly melt in my mouth good. The Pastitsio (I was told), was authentic and very good as well. We were lucky to get some of the yummy yogurt in honey which was delightful, and the chocolate cake which is flourless was surprisingly light and airy, and very very good. The service was spectacular. The chef Maria Loi personally took care of our meal and everything was perfect. They were very attentive to my various food allergies, and my meal was completely gluten free, which was very nice. The ambiance is very inviting and I would love to bring friends for a celebration, dinner or just lunch. Their coffee and dessert menu is quite extensive.

Overall, a good spot for Greek food. The olive oil has just the spice you want, and the homemade cornbread (unusual) is a delight. The salad and octopus was also delicious. The branzino and mussels, though, were a bit underwhelming, and the lemon potatoes were crispy but not lemony at all. The chocolate dessert was solid. Good and friendly service!

loved this place! Also perfect for solo dining. The staff was amazing and so kind. I stopped in on a Friday evening and they accommodated me with a special bar seat. Chef Maria Loi stopped by to say hi to almost every table and me! They have a great selection of wine. The ambiance was beautiful. & the food was amazing! Also some delicious complimentary pita &tzatziki ^^. Grills calamari a must get! & don't skip out on the dessert! the chocolate cake/ yogurt dessert was perfection!

Ate hete several years ago. The owner/chef told us she had cooked for Pres. Obama. The food was wonderful, as were all of the details about the place and our experience. Was excited to return. The place can't b under the same management. Everything was off: the ambiance, service, and the food were sub-par. Disappointing

Meeting Maria the second we walked in the door was amazing! The food, the staff, the feel you're in Maria's house- a true statement to this place. Get the branzino- it's one of the best I've ever had!

Enjoy every bite! The bone marrow soup is really good. Nice and quiet during lunch hours.

Put bluntly, my wife and I did not like this restaurant. In our opinion, the food and service were mediocre at best. Our server barely spoke a word and did not smile once. We were there for an early dinner, and the restaurant was empty, so it was not a result of being overwhelmed by diners. We started with the grilled halloumi cheese and the stuffed eggplant. The cheese was bland and a bit hard. The eggplant was tasteless and the "stuffing" was watery. For the entrees, we had the lamb shank and Greek Lasagna. The lamb shank was tender, but it lacked seasoning, and as a result, it tasted bland. The Greek Lasagna consisted of over-cooked pasta and was mushy. There was hardly any meat in the lasagna. We left most of the entrees behind as we just wanted to leave.

Amazing food. The horiatiki salad was amazing and tastes just like when I went to Greece. The service was great and ambiance of restaurant was top notch. The chef even came out and talked to us. Lovely place and can't wait to go back.

We had lunch here last week, and the food was absolutely amazing! There is a prix fixe menu for lunch, but you can also order a la carte. The portions were very nice, and the taste was fantastic. However, they really aren't setup for lunch service. Twice, we ran out of sparkling water, and trying to get the bill took a few attempts to flag down a staff member.

Very disappointing dinner here. The village salad was OK, but the calamari was really chewy. The moussaka was nothing special. The only redeeming part of the meal was the free little dessert of yummy thick yogurt topped with honey and baklava crumbs. The service was OK, and the ambiance was just OK. Big photos on the wall of the water near the shore in I assume in Greece. Pretty unremarkable.

I was impressed with the service and food. The ambiance could use a little work. I'd recommend a slight revamp to achieve aestheticism. Regardless, this place deserves a high rating. From the moment I entered up until my departure, service was up to par. Everyone was extremely attentive and polite, went out of their way to provide an stellar experience. My colleague ordered salmon and the dip appetizer, each dip was very good. Pitas are cut small to make things easier and avoid double dipping. We both went for the prefix, my village salad was superb. My favorite meal was dessert. Fresh yogurt scoops with glazed honey and sprinkled nuts, a dream!! The expresso martini was perfect, I like the fact that the bartender asks preference on creamy or black, not a typical question but a necessary one. I'm not too much into sweets but I can't wait to go back for more dessert!

This place is the real deal! You want food that's authentic and as-good-as-if-not-better than what you'd find at your Yia Yia's table? Look no further than Loi. Maria is also an absolute delight and her love of food and pride in her craft is as evident as the hunks of fresh karidia that top the exquisite Greek yogurt that was brought out for dessert. If you're gunning for an amazing Greek restaurant with the friendliest chef you'll ever meet, I promise that Loi is it!

What an amazing meal! Super accommodating for Gluten Free dining and a freshness that just can't be beat. The warm feta + yogurt dip that they serve with their fresh pita (or cucumbers for the gf people!) is absolutely ridiculous - as is their plain housemade yogurt, which luckily comes with a lot of dishes. Wowowowowow. Grilled Halloumi and stuffed grape leaves were a highlight. The food is worth the price tag, and the chef greeted everyone on their way in and out! So glad we dined at Loi!!!

Don't think about taking kids to this restaurant, you'll be made to feel unwelcome. Chef even dispatched a regular to suss out why we came with a kid. Probably of the same camp that wants to ban children from airplanes. Our meal here was fine, made worse by the shaming. This place is meant for a local's date night with someone you're no longer needing to woo. Needless to say, I won't be going back.

My husband, mother and I were looking for a place for dinner on a Saturday night in June and I remembered that Ryan Seacrest raved about Loi Estiatorio when he was co-host of Live with Kelly and Ryan. So glad we gave it a try. The first thing I noticed was the aroma emanating from the kitchen which was enticing. I had the spanakopita and village salad, mom had the chicken soup and my husband had a chicken dish. Everything was fresh and delicious. The staff was so accommodating and friendly. It was a really yummy meal. The only drawback for me was it was a little warm and dark, but I won't take any stars away for that. Thank you Ryan for the recommendation!

My husband and I had a great time at Loi Estiatorio. Nicole made us feel welcomed as she greeted us when we walked in. Oxana was our server and bartender. She made the best Ketel One martini. It's a simple drink to make but difficult to get it just right. The food is so fresh and delicious. We had the octopus that was so tender. The calamari was the only plate that was just ok. The eggplant casserole (Musaka) and the Branzino was outstanding. We ordered dessert and cappuccinos. They gave us 2 free deserts because we were celebrating the day we met. The Walnut cake, Chocolate cake, Ekmek Kalaifi, Loi Greek Yogurt is so delicious as well. Their own Greek olive oil is so fresh. We also met the owner and Chef Maria Loi. She talks to all the diners. She is such a lovely person. This place is a GEM!!!

If you love Mediterranean as much as I do, this restaurant is a must! Everything from food to service. I had chicken and my friend enjoyed the fish. The wine list was good. The menu was great and the food was phenomenal! The desserts were the best I have ever had and my friend had just returned from a trip to Santorini and thought the custard was even better at Loi Estiatorio. This place is a definite go-to!!

On a side street removed from the melee of Mykonos during Pride Week or Times Square any day of the week, you'll find Loi Estiatorio, the passion project of Chef/Owner Maria Loi. The room is quiet and lit low. (There is a line between "romantic" and can't see what's moving on my plate). Loi is romantic. The Decor is Spartan. Stark white with a few monochromatic enlarged photos of Greece. (Greece on the walls is much better than grease on the meatballs). Booths line the long narrow dining room just past the half moon bar. The seats might have been cannibalized from an old school bus, so you'll need a pillow for support or to reach your Tzatziki, but settle in, kick back, Chef Loi will be by shortly to chat and guide you on the Hellenic journey you've come for. You'll be so relaxed by now you'll hardly realize the music loop has played Never On A Sunday for the 5th time. The Staff: The family of the family owned place. They are polite and thoughtful, and no, it is civilized here, so don't expect a hail of cheap dinner plates hitting the floor to the delight of Ouzo soaked Greek truck drivers yelling "yasou" at you. The Vibe: Who goes there? Date night for anyone of Greek ancestry, and tourists who just loved their Seabourn Cruise that docked in Athens for 3 hours. The Bar: Four signature cocktails. Skip them all and have a classic. My Xios Spritz with Aperol, Ya Mastiha (resin from the Mastic Tree) and Blink (Gin) was a cold pink drink that had notes of Red Hots and Lavoris. The customized Amaro with Lemon and Ginger Syrup needs to be on the menu, not just because it was something I asked the bar tender to create it but because it was really delicious. The Food: Have the seafood recommended by Chef Loi. Pay attention to only her suggestions. Fish is flown in daily for her from Greece to order. So, that's what's to order here, and those are orders. A welcome warm bowl of house made Pita arrived with two little nuggets of pillowy biscuit dough balls on top. All to be dipped in the house made yogurt, Feta, and Dill Sauce. The Pita strips were hot and crisped at the edges which means you can eat them and still gesticulate wildly while talking like any good Greek. The Octopus was tender as a baby's butt and piled on a puree of cooked Fava Beans with grated Onion, Bell Pepper bits, and a few Capers. While not stellar, this dish was as described on the menu and a good start for starters. The Spanokopita, on the other hand, was stellar. Two Garbage Burrito sized hand pies, generously stuffed with fresh Spinach and Feta, Dill and Mint all encased in shattering crisp warm Phyllo. Push it through the dollop of whipped Feta and you've eaten something for the Gods. At Chef Loi's urging I ordered the Fish en Papiotte, (Parchment Paper) which was the daily special. It was Bacalao (Cod) and special it was. The Cod was absolutely perfect and impressively presented in the opened paper boat in which it was expertly baked. The large Cod filet shared space with pureed Potato, Spinach, Thyme all lubricated with cold pressed Olive Oil made in the homeland for the restaurant and a splash of Lemon. The fish was moist, flaky, meaty and all the things a dead Cod is supposed to be. Praise Cod. Helen of Troy launched 1,000 ships and so could Chef Loi's fish. The Lamb Shank with grated Tomatoes, Onion, Lamb Jus and Orzo was touted by the server. "Oh, it is great. It sits in a braise for a long time". Yes, it seats in the braise until it is cooked to death and desert dry. The large Lamb chunk rested on a mound of over cooked Orzo. A healthy sprinkle of aged Myzithra salvaged this, if barely, as this salty cheese grated on Alpo at a party would disappear off the Buffet Table in a hurry. Sadly the Lamb was a Greek tragedy. Finally, the Ekmek Kadaifi (sounds like a Dr Suess character) for dessert was a custard on Kadaifi (shredded Phyllo) with Yogurt, Honey and Walnuts on the side. The creamy square was dusted with Cinnamon, but the nest of Kadaifi was mushy instead of crunchy as it had been nesting and resting since the afternoon prep. Maybe there's a nice Chocolate something waiting for you on your pillow at the Hotel. Have that. If you're gonna do it Greek style, overall, this place will make you happy.

The food has a home-cooked quality and the desserts were phenomenal (we tried a phyllo/custard one and a yogurt with honey which was absolutely delicious!) The hostess made us feel welcome as it was our first time there and was enthusiastic about order suggestions. As a vegetarian, I tried the moussouka, but they said the soups could be all made vegetarian as well. The artichokes and peas dish was way more peas than artichoke, so I probably wouldn't order that again. The restaurant overall has a warm community feel. Ate here as we were seeing a show at NY City Center and it was super convenient.

We had such an amazing experience once again at Loi that I just had to update my review. Greek cuisine is my all time favorite and Chef Maria Loi is the absolute best. Every visit here we are greeted personally and warmly by Maria, and Alex and it is clear why the restaurant has thrived. Not only do they excel at feeding their paying customers but they've also contributed to their community by feeding the homeless, and feeding our weary healthcare workers during this very difficult war on Covid 19. Never would I have imagined that our restaurant workers would need to stand up and become true heroes and yet here we are. So, thank you once again Chef Maria and Alex for a wonderful evening and for the most amazing dinner. And please, Yelpers, do yourself a favor and get the Branzino. You will never find it better prepared anywhere else. It is divine!