Loi Estiatorio http://www.loiestiatorio.com/ Maria Loi, Greek cookbook author, cookshow TV personality and Chef has reopened at her new location on W58th in Manhattan.
Where: 132 W58th Street, New York, NY
Owner: Maria Loi
The Food: Strictly Greek, with Maria Loi’s twists. When you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by Chef Loi herself. After ordering you will be brought an amuse of “Poungi”, a warm beggar’s purse of warm Tyrokafteri along with some bread and pita points.
The seared scallops with lamb bacon are a must-order, as is the octopus carpaccio (was a special) or the grilled octopus. Salads are always represented well at Greek restaurants, try the “Roka with fig and hazelnut dressing”. For a main, try her famous Moussaka (something I first tried at her restaurant in Nafpaktos), red mullet or try the lamb chops.
The Drinks: although they have an international wine list, go for one of the Greek wines they stock, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
The Setting: Loi Estiatorio is located on “quiet” W58th Street, it’s a long narrow restaurant with an additional back room that handles the spill-over of waiting diners I saw on the two nights I cam to dine here. To the one side is a long, curved wine bar that’s a great place to have a bite as well, be it solo or with a dinner date.
This is the best food of of greek cuisine ,I would have added yet :kiftedakia with feta ,fried feta with honey and sesame , and Horiatiki salad.