My friend chose Village Taverna Greek Grill, an airy inviting restaurant in our hood, as the place she wanted her birthday lunch. She had frequented this friendly Greek restaurant many times. It was my first experience.

I had their keftedakia kokinista ($14.95), that’s four flat beef meatballs made with ouzo, herbs and spices then baked in a tomato-mint sauce topped with crumbled with feta cheese. My friend chose the bifteki yemisto from their Psita —”from the grill” — menu. Hers included two char-grilled Greek seasoned burgers along with a salad and fries ($21.95).

I had arranged for them to sing to her after I convinced  her to have dessert. Didn’t happen. We ended our meal with cappuccinos instead.

I do recommend a visit.

Village Taverna Greek Grill
Union Square
81 University Place
New York, NY 10003
(212) 982-3457
villagetaverna.com