Periyali

Best octopus in the city. A MUST have if you’re a seafood lover. Their restaurant week menu is the best. I love the moussaka. The cakes at the end are spectacular as well. The staff is so nice and décor is charming. Definitely give it a shot if you like quality Greek food.

I really enjoyed the food here, its the service that misfired.
The grilled octopus and spinach pie were great. Grilled black sea bass and red snapper, all great. But there were 5 of us and only 4 entrees arrived. Nice that the missing order was not billed but we were finished, by the time the 5 th entrée arrived
Btw the baklava may have been the best I’ve ever had
I will definitely give this place a second chance though

It’s NYC Restaurant Week 2016 — so as a Unilocal enthusiast, I think it was only appropriate to check out a 4 star restaurant from my fellow Unilocalers.
After researching a number of reviews on Unilocal,I finally determined that Periyali was a must try. When my date and I first arrived, we were greeted by the hostess and had our coats taken for coat check. We ordered some wine from their comprehensive wine list — we recommend the Oeno white wine. Here are my recommendations for appetizers and entrees:
Recommendations:
Octopus
— Although the octopus portion was small, the sauce was citrus-​y and savory. The octopus itself was cooked perfectly — not chewy at all.
Lamb Chops
— I asked for medium rare and got medium rare. The lamb chops ate like steak but had the slightly gamier flavor of lamb.
Moussakas
— The best way to describe this dish is Greek Lasagna. Basically, a wonderful mix of dough, cheese, and ground lamb meat.
All and all, I would recommend this restaurant who wants a taste of traditional Greek food.

A mid-​week dinner, 8 of us at a round table celebrating the end of a very intense two-​day summit, some of us clearly with deeper pockets than others. One of our diners was married to a Greek girl, and he took over and decided to order up the menu for all of us. Well, basically, he ordered just about everything on the menu for appetizers while picking out a good few $ 50-​$ 75 bottles of wine. Like others have said, the grilled octopus was a huge, huge hit among us; glad we got 2 of those to share. He then let us pick our individual main dishes (I chose the branzino — a type of European sea bass — which was filleted and de-​boned and so simple and good). By the time we finished up the dessert (the rice pudding was my fav, sorry baklava!), our bill with tip came out to about $ 100 a person.
Service was on point with a very attentive team whisking away plates as we emptied them.
When we first arrived, the noise level was quite reasonable, but the room did get louder as more guests arrived. Hard to avoid that.

Went here with a large group of people. The main waiter we had was excellent. The bus boys messed up a few times (filled one of the people’s waters with ice instead of plain consistently) but were fine as well. He also recommended a good bottle of wine as well, I think it was in the 60 $ range and it was a 50% mix of Assyrtiko (Greek astringent white) and Sauvignon blanc. The wine was solid. Fruity and a bi sour with some smokiness (I guess from the Greek white.) Someone else got a beer, they had Mythos, Heineken, and Duvel, which isn’t bad compared to your usual Greek offerings. Anyway though this is about the food, not the alcohol.
A large number of people went with the (38 dollar?) prix fixe menu. They allowed a substitution for lentil soup over some of the other choices which was nice. I guess it was the same price as the avologlomeno soup or something.
They brought out an assortment of bread beforehand which included what seemed to be akin to a baguette, another white bread, and a darker loaf which was as usual my preference. The olive oil they served was good.
We started with appetizers.
(Me) Oktapodi Sharas: (The much raved) Greek Octopus
I can see why everyone loves this so much. It’s probably one of if not the best octopus I’ve had in the city thus far. Perfectly tender. Lemony sauce on the bottom was delicious. Well worth it. 4.8.
Fakes: Lentil soup (special, I think ⁴⁄₅ of us,)
I tried. Higher quality than most other places, a bit cool. Won’t rate as I barely tried it.
Horitaki: Greek Salad
Didn’t try, portion looked fine, especially the feta.
Keftedakia Saltsa: Greek Meatballs:
Didn’t try, looked good.
Mains:
(Me) Arni Youvetsi: Lamb shank over orzo with a red sauce.
The sauce reminded me of Lamb Kokinisto from other places, i.e. a sauce of mostly tomatoes and a bit of cinnamon. Pretty generous portion of lamb, well for a fancy restaurant. Fell off the bone with just a fork. Frankly could have used a spoon to take it off. I also took some of, what I guess could be considered bone marrow from the shank and that was good as well (new food trend anyone?) The orzo was cooked properly and the sauce was better balanced than in other places I’ve been to. Solid. 4.4
Souvlaki Kotupoulo: I.E. Grilled chicken with onions.
Tried some of the onions and a very little bit of chicken. Flavors were fine. Nice amount of lemon and a good char. Otherwise, I would recommend something else as the flavors were a bit boring and the portion was small. 3.4.
Kouneli Stifado: I.E. Rabbit in a red sauce with pearl onions.
Tried a little bit of it, the white/​dark meat. If you want to know, it tasted a bit like turkey though with some interesting textures to it. The sauce looked like a lighter version of my sauce though it didn’t contain cinnamon and was a bit sweet. 3.2. I guess this dish is traditional but I wasn’t a bit fan of it (now sue me)
Lemoni Patatas/​Potatoes:
Was a side dish for 10 bucks. Not worth it. Small portion and not much lemon/​otherwise. I’d recommend a different side all together. The menu lists it as potatoes which makes sense as there was no lemon in said potatoes. 2.2
Grilled Branzino: I.E. wait, no need.
Didn’t try, he liked it.
Solomos Exohiko: I.E. Salmon Spanakopita
Didn’t try, he liked it (déjà vu) though he said the portion was a bit small.
Dessert: Some people got tea also.
Instead of a dessert menu, he came out with the same plate for everyone for the new year so we got dessert for free, nice though I would have preferred some of the other desserts. But who’s to complain when it’s free?
Kourabiedes: Butter/​almond cookie
Pretty solid variation. Single one of these. Nice and crumbly. I would have ordered these solely if I was just ordering from the menu. Try it by dipping into coffee or tea. Texture is designed for that. 4.2. I’ve had better at a Greek place in Cobble Hill as well as at various Greek Bakeries (Poseidon among others.)
Karithopita (I’m assuming) Walnut spice cake
The other versions I have had before were a bit sweeter. It was OK, slightly dry but flavorful. 3.7
Yiaourtopita (I’m assuming:) Lemon cake (made with yogurt, never knew:)
I have not had this before so I cannot compare. Was a light lemon cake. Passable. 3.5
The appetizers were quite strong, the main dishes were mostly good, and the desserts were passable. Food was solid. I might go back but the prices are a bit high for the quality of the dishes. Something around an upper 3.
If I solely had the octopus and my main dish, I would be giving this a 4.3 however. I’d try those 2 together but 47 dollars is 47 dollars.

I just discovered my new favorite dish in Manhattan: Periyali’s Grilled Octopus. The waiter boasted the Wall Street Journal nods. Safe to say, We ordered seconds… and thirds.
Superb service. Treated like a king, and thensome. Highly recommend taking a big group, preferably a reunion of sorts. Ask for the large table under the atrium.

Decided to try this place out. Instead of going to our regular Greek restaurants, we wanted to explore.
Appetizers were good: octopus and lentil soup. Started off strong.
Main dishes were decent. If your appetizers are stronger than your main course, you’ve got a problem. I had the salmon and spinach baked in phyllo and my friends had the fish special. We all agreed the dishes were meh.
Desserts were fine. Not the best, but not the worse. Nothing really jaw dropping.
Service was good. Very nice waiter.
I’m writing this as a person living here for 11 years. This is not a tourist write-​up.

As a New Yorker, I am rarely offended. However, just now, immediately after I walked in to Periyali to meet a friend for dinner, the maître d flippantly asked, «You here from Postmates or somewhere else?» When I replied that I was here to meet a friend for dinner, he was dismissive: «Oh well you know, sometimes we get delivery people here.» I am an Asian female in my 20s and was wearing a satin bomber jacket with nice tailored jeans and velvet loafers, and would not have been mistaken for a delivery person elsewhere. It was by far the rudest and most prejudice interaction I’ve ever had with the staff of what is supposedly a fine restaurant.

Went here for Restuarant Week Lunch — I highly recommend it! Classy atmosphere and a quite space. Delicious food!
I had:
Taramosalata, Melitzanosalata, Tzatziki Salad — the eggplant spread is absolutely amazing!
Solomos Exohiko — THE BEST! I love spanakopita, and I love Salmon — it’s Salmon Spanakopita!!!
The Desserts — these were okay. Tasted good, but not my favorite kinds of desserts (walnut cake, almond cookie, and baklava)

Probably one of my favorite greek eating experience in NYC. I must begin by saying I was not the one who footed the bill, and a very lovely generous family member took us all out to dinner (6 of us).
We pretty much ordered one of every appetizer option, which did not disappoint. Everything was so fresh and delicous, and the pita bread was heavenly.
I orderd a greek salad with grilled octopus on top and it was perfect. The octopus was perfectly cooked, nice and crispy on the outside and juice on the inside. Everyone else really loved their meals, and we ordered one of every dessert which was over-​indulgent but a baklava I’ll never forget.
Amazing restaurant, beautiful ambiance, (only complaint is that the service was mediocre… servers should speak in a kinder and more hospitable manner…), but beware of sky high prices. Worth it or not, I can’t be the judge because I’m willing to drop stupid money on amazing food… just be mindful that you’re wallet will be a lot lighter after enjoying a meal here.
Save it for a special occasion, or when someone else is picking up the tab ;)

Amazing place with great service and even better Food!
Had my friend’s surprise birthday party there with 26 people and everyone had a great time. The staff was very supportive and they really helped us in carrying out our plan to surprise my friend especially Alex and Mack.
The food was delicious as well from appetizers to main course. Highly recommend there Solomos Exohiko (baked Salmon)!

I have NEVER been treated so poorly in a restaurant.
Food was good, service was not (mediocre, but that did not bother me too much).
We went to Periyali for a birthday party (20people on 3 tables), meaning that we spent about $ 1500 altogether.
After we paid, the waiter came and yelled at us saying that we were $ 60 short.
We apologized and checked, everyone paid, so we asked him to check.
I came back and said that that we were still $ 20 short, we objected he was wrong and did the math with him. He could not even do the math (I quote, «You paid 190 and 190 its 360 plus 120 it is 440, so you owe me $ 60» (check was $ 500). Someone wanted to calm things down and give him $ 20 in cash
We asked to see the credit cards receipt which he replied «No, I am keeping them until you pay the money missing».
We spent 10 min arguing and I started loosing my nerves and asked, again, to see the receipts of our card. We found out that one card was not charged the full amount we asked to pay because the part of the check was a %20(!!) included gratuity could not be processed.
In which the waiter claimed «You see, you could not pay the gratuity with your card, so I was right!»
Like we did try to explain that 190+190+120 doesn’t equal 440 earlier, did I try to explain that it is possible to pay tips using the «Tip» area of a CC receipt: I was replied «It is not possible» (I am pretty sure it is).
In the meantime, the manager came stood there watching with the other waiters surrounding us like if we were some kind of riots.
Needless to say that we weren’t given any apology from anyone. I believe that we should consider ourselves grateful to them for not kicking us out of their restaurant in the first place.
By really far my worst experience ever in a restaurant.

I was there this past Wednesday (5÷13÷15) for my best friend’s girlfriend’s birthday.
When we got in we liked the quiet ambiance.
The waiters attended to us frequently and were fine. The only small gripe was that they were kind of reckless with the water pouring. Trivial, but still a critique lol
I didn’t find the chairs too comfortable.
We started off with bread and olive oil. Some of the bread was a little hard, but the olive oil was really good.
Then we had octopus (small portion) and meatballs (about 5 small ones) as separate appetizers. The octopus (Oktapodi Sharas) was really soft and tasted great. The sauce that it came with was really good as well. I didn’t even need a knife to cut through it. It might have even tasted a bit like steak. It was really good and the lemon made it even better. The meatballs (Keftedakia Saltsahad) had good texture and sat in a marinara sauce that had a good consistency. They were seasoned nicely and tasted pretty good.
My friend and I had the braised lamb (Arni Youvetsi) on a bed of risotto for the main course and his girlfriend had a layered casserole (Mousakas) with ground lamb, eggplant, and bechamel sauce. The first thing I thought about when I saw the lamb was the Flintstones. It was pretty big. It was juicy, tender, and fell right off the bone. The risotto was pretty good too. My friend loved his. This was the second time he ordered it. He was there once before and had the same thing. His girlfriend liked her dish as well, but I didn’t get that she was wowed with it. I didn’t taste it because I can’t stand eggplant. I don’t care who cooks it.
For dessert we had the Baklava. It was the perfect sweetness. My friend said he had it there before and it was much more sweet the last time. I hate when it’s too sweet, but it was just right for my taste.
It’s slightly pricey, but we didn’t have any liquor so the bill came out to about $ 130 for the 3 of us. Total was $ 160 with the tip.

Probably the best Greek restaurant ever! The lamb is amazing as well as the chicken kebabs. I always sit at the bar and I love how they have fresh grapefruit juice for my Kettle One. Bartender is nice and the food is superb!

I had my first visit to Periyali on Saturday night with a group and it was a lovely evening from start to finish. We had a 7:30 reservation for 6 and we were seated right away at a perfect table in the back. The bread and super fresh olive oil to start coupled with the décor transported me back to Mykonos, 2 months and counting until I’m there again!!! Our waiter was efficient and very accommodating when I chose 2 different whites and asked for extra wine glasses for all so we could do a mini wine tasting. I ordered a blend from Santorini and an assyrtiko that was the hands down winner, #107, and #111 on the wine list. We decided to split a few appetizers:
1. Oktapodi Sharas charcoal grilled, red wine marinated octopus. — generous portion and was probably the only dish that I thought was just OK.
2. Horiatiki Salata salad of tomatoes, feta, cucumber, red onions, olives and oregano. — one of the better Greek salads I’ve had, the feta was fabulous.
3. Keftedakia Saltsa greek meatballs stewed in tomato sauce. — great flavor and the sauce was perfect.
4. Gigandes Skordalia giant white beans and garlic sauce. — this was my favorite, I love me some big beans!
For entrees I had the whole branzino which was very good, still not as good as at Extra Virgin but no one has come close to that. The rest of the table had the Solomos Exohiko wild salmon baked in phyllo with spinach which was a huge portion and excellent and the halibut which was a special. We had some assorted desserts, rice pudding, sorbet, a few other things, I’m not much of a dessert fan but the entire table was raving about the entire evening into the next day. This is a great place to have a lovely group dinner, thumbs up!

I went for lunch with a group of my colleagues (7 total), and we had a fantastic time here! The staff was friendly and attentive. We had a late reservation so we ended up staying much later than we should have and no one pushed us out. We realized that we were the last ones there and apologized but no one seemed to be put out. This place is just below street level but still feels clean and open and not stuffy. It has a Mediterranean vibe but no cheesy decorations.
Most of us ordered from the pre-​fixe lunch menu. I ordered the grilled octopus (oktapodi sharas) to start and it was cooked PERFECTLY! I really worried that it would be overcooked and rubbery and considered ordering something safe like Greek meatballs but I’m so glad I didn’t!
For the main course, I ordered moussaka which was just delicious and the perfect portion! The eggplant was wonderfully cooked and the cheese was hot and melty. The perfect comfort food. My colleagues ordered the roast chicken and the salmon in phyllo dough and everyone really enjoyed their meals.
I also ordered a cocktail but I have no idea what it’s called. I asked for a recommendation and the waiter suggested a sweet yet tart pink drink. It was great and I ordered 2!
This is a lovely restaurant that’s perfect for bringing clients but still casual enough to go have lunch with the girls.

Coming to Periyali since they’ve been open and always excellent. Exceptionally fresh everything and seafood especially so. I love the salmon in filo with spinach but the grilled fish is great. Open fire grilled with with top quality EVOO and lemon. Just like the Greek islands. GET the octopus too — none better.
Refined, polished space but not formal or stuffy. Good little bar and nice selection of Greek wines. Best retsina in town which is especially good on grilled fish. Walnut cake is a Greek famous item and here fabulous and not too sweet.
What can I say — food and experience here always a 5.

I saw a write-​up in the Wall Street Journal and gave it a try. Worked out well since it was Restaurant Week and lunch was $ 25 for three courses. Stopped in with my sister who lives in NYC.
First off the place is very pretty, somewhat modern, Greek accents, lots of floral arrangements. Gauze fabric on the ceiling. White tablecloth place. And they swap out silverware between courses. Our waiter was old school and attentive. My only complaint was that I had to ask for the wine list. We went with the Kouros Patrias Rhoditis — a crisp white wine and affordable at $ 40.
For her starter, my sister had the Spanakopita and Tiropita which were fine; followed by Mahi-​Mahi very nice. I had the trio of spreads — Taramosalata, Melitzanosalata and Tzatiki — very good; followed by Kotopoulo Forno (roast chicken Greek style) served with some very good Lemon potatoes.
Dessert was another trio — spiced cake, orange cake and an almond cookie. We split one plate — my sister took the rest home. Very nice end to the meal. Very light cakes, very tasty, worth the calories. Ended with espresso.
One of the more charming restaurants in Midtown. Affordable. Good service. Highly recommended.

Great place to have a nice lunch, too expensive if you just care about great food
The ambiance is classy and intimate, service is great. The pre fixe lunch is 28 + tax tip. I ordered the beet salad and fish. The food is good, no doubt, but it’s not $ 35 by itself, especially for lunch. This is very much a value call. Another person may very well think this is a 5.
Come if you’re bringing in a client you want to close.

WOW! So happy we stumbled on this place. Actually, we were dropped off in the Union Square area and wanted Greek food so we check Unilocal and that’s what led us here. You may have a hard time finding it if you’re just wandering the streets because it’s on 20^th and there’s construction over the entrance right now. But if you’re in the area, stop in. We got there after the lunch crowd left so the place was not full and we got all attention paid to just us girls, yay! This place has a very nice ambiance and I immediately said, «you could have a wedding reception here!» It was so white and clean and they have a nice open space and huge bar. Your wedding guests would enjoy it, if you’re having a wedding probably of 50 – 90 people.
Onto the FOOD! I’m still thinking of the feta, the white beans and the mushroom dishes we had. Wow. They were cooked perfectly. We were praising the waiter and told him to tell the chef and he mentioned that the chef has been there for the entire time the restaurant was there which was 20 years. I found that to be amazing that the same chef was there, and still cooking with the same passion. The food was not at all tired. I wonder if they change up the menu or keep to the classics? Either way, we’d go back and order the exact same items and be totally happy!
Opa!