I had noticed Eleni’s, the inviting Greek restaurant on Third Avenue as I walked by many times. This time I met a friend for a birthday lunch. Eleni’s used large baby-blue mask-wearing bears to fill the tables patrons couldn’t. Adorable.

We opted for their generous $29.95 prix fixe lunch and a bottle of their Hatzigiannis Estate Assyrtiko 2019 ($60). While sipping the wine, we nibbled the fresh pita and house-made hummus. We chose and split their two large triangles of spanakopita filled with feta and spinach, and their crispy and tender grilled octopus with onions and capers. I’d recommend either.

As typical when at a Greek restaurant, I chose their lavraki (branzino) served with rice pilaf. Perfectly cooked.

For dessert, they offer a sampler platter with bite-size portions of galaktompouriko (semolina custard with a filo crust), baklava and chocolate mousse.  My only minor issue was a blip with the birthday celebration. I had called twice and reconfirmed as I arrived at the restaurant that it was my friend’s birthday and had requested a candle. They brought the dessert sans candle. I mentioned it at that time and the waiter returned with the sparkler that lit up my friend’s face!

Eleni’s
Gramercy
226 3rd Ave,
New York, NY 10003
212-982-9030
elenisnyc.com