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Welcome to Taverna East Village

Nestled in the heart of New York's East Village, Taverna East Village encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. Drawing inspiration from its beloved Astoria counterpart, this restaurant serves up beautifully prepared dishes like grilled octopus and succulent branzino, all while maintaining a casual yet classy ambiance. Guests can enjoy colorful salads and mouthwatering appetizers, complemented by a selection of fine wines and cocktails. With outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere, Taverna East Village is perfect for family gatherings or a casual dinner with friends, making every visit a memorable culinary journey.

Taverna East Village: Reviews & Ratings

Michael C.
Michael C.

No real notes. Service, ambiance, food, 5/5 across the board. Sides are delicious, loved the lemon potatoes (so lemony), beets were solid, and zucchini chips were incredible (retained their crisp even 3 hours later as leftover). Bronzino was some of the best I've ever had, so fresh tasting, simply prepared, perfectly fileted, very meaty. Only low light was the free dessert at the end, which was just a little too jello-y for me. We're coming back, and I can't wait. May go to the Astoria one instead to check it out. Thanks team!!!! Truly great.

Lisa M.
Lisa M.

Thinking fresh seafood and Greek mediterranean cuisine in a casual setting but you live in Manhattan not Astoria? Taverna Kyclades was pretty perfect in my recent experience for a small family get-together and Sunday lunch. Just look at this spread! All of it prepared really well. Service attentive without being obtrusive.

Anna Maria M.
Anna Maria M.

Seafood-centric Greek food. Our party of four ordered the holoumi and the four-dip appetizer (airy and divine, one spicy). For mains, there was grilled sardines, baked sole, calamari and a sauced up shrimp dish. The shrimp was overcooked but the sauce was incredible. We had a side of steamed vegetables and sweet beets- healthy and delectable. All the seafood is on ice on full display. The waitstaff are vigilant. They shared an amazing dessert- on the house. Even with a reservation, we were seated at a banquet table and tables had to be moved. Overall, a terrific experience destination to share with friends.

Angela G.
Angela G.

The OG Astoria location is my family's staple restaurant for seafood - one of my friends was craving seafood and this location was more convenient - I've never been before and ofc my expectations were high and they definitely met them!!! The restaurant has a great aesthetic and is a "perfect size". It's roomy and comfortable. They still have outdoor dining FYI. They had a great selection of cocktails / wines. I ended up getting the "KYCLADES" to start; as well as a bottle of wine with our main courses. We ordered a bunch of apps (can never go wrong with some grilled octopus that was grilled to perfection ) & main courses - (swordfish kebab was also cooked just right - the only complaint is that the rice was not as good as the OG location) The servers were all so welcoming and even packed up our dessert to go (because as you can see, we were in a food coma hehe). Whenever I'm in the city and want a quick Taverna fix, I will definitely be coming back!

Kate C.
Kate C.

I truly love the food and service here! Specifically I'd order the grilled octopus, branzino, and scallops agains. The manager is great and always checking on how you are doing as well. The environment is perfect for big group environments

Matthew S.
Matthew S.

Forget Astoria, this was a pretty darn decent establishment to get Greek food! Even if it does has its faults. The fun Greek style architecture is fun and listening to the kitschy Euro beats adds a cute touch to this restaurant without overpowering the overall experience. The lemon orzo chicken soup is spot on with what you would get at other Greek restaurants. This is a heavy soup because of the eggs in it. It is quite heavy and dense that it could work well as an entree. I got the seafood pasta as a main. There is plenty of cooked seafood in the dish and the pasta is great too. I feel the seafood is slightly off, as some of the calamari was a bit rubbery, and the sauce the meal is served in is quite rich. Maybe it was an off day. This dish has lots of potential. You also get free garlic bread with your meal which is nice and toasty, even if it is a little overdone. My server was super cute and friendly. He deserved a little extra in tip and hopefully he was appreciative of it. My water glass was never empty and he had a great sense of humor as to how I attacked my meal and how he served everything up. The free custard cake that comes with the end of the meal is nice as it is creamy, silky, and delicious. I would still like to make my way to Queens to try the real thing, but if it is anything like this location, I am excited.

Inverleith F.
Inverleith F.

We love love love the Taverna. It's a trek via subway and taxi from Midtown but it's worth it. We come to NYC at least once a year and Taverna is a must. When we travel with friends, this is where we go out for dinner and everyone loves the food here. Ordering a few appetizers is enough for a meal as we have learned over time. The portions are generous and tasty. The octopus is tender and flavorful with olive oils and a splash of lemon. Yum! The mussels are sized small but delicious with the tomato and feta. Dip some of that bread in the sauce please! The Greek salad is huge and my issue with it is that it has too much tomato and cucumber and barely any lettuce. The slice of feta is amazing. It is not anything like what you get at the supermarket because of its freshness. Our friends had the salad with chicken which was tender and the grilled fish with lemon potatoes. He raved about his meal. One less star because they used to provide complimentary dessert but no more. Great place to enjoy delicious Greek food. Weekends are crowded but worth the wait.

Kim X.
Kim X.

We came without a reservation on a Monday night at around 8pm. The place was full but not super busy/crowded. We were seated in a cozy corner of the restaurant. The music was blaring though so we didn't think it was the most intimate of vibes. We shared the salad which was really fresh. I remember eating all types of Greek salads while in Greece this year. This reminded me of the simplicity and freshness of greek salads. I could eat it everyday. The octopus was good and so was the fish. I wasn't expecting lemon potatoes to look or taste like the lemon potatoes we got. Im still trying to figure out what I ate. It was good but not what I was expecting! Come check this place out if you're in need of some simple fresh greek food. This made me want to go back to Greece again!

Location

Welcome to Taverna East Village, an exquisite culinary gem nestled in the heart of New York City. Located at 228 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009, this Mediterranean seafood haven invites diners to indulge in delightful flavors and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re gathering with friends, planning a family meal, or simply craving fresh seafood, Taverna East Village promises to deliver unforgettable experiences.

As you step into Taverna East Village, you'll be greeted by a chic yet casual ambiance, perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The restaurant features heated and covered outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the city’s vibrant energy while enjoying your meal. With options for reservations and a full bar that caters to a variety of tastes, it’s an ideal spot for any occasion.

One of the standout features of Taverna East Village is its commitment to fresh, high-quality seafood. The menu boasts a fantastic selection of appetizers, including the Kidonia Psita, a simple yet scrumptious dish of grilled clams drizzled with lemon and oregano, and the Octopodi, beautifully charcoal-grilled Mediterranean octopus that captures the essence of the sea. Don’t forget to try their Veggie Chips, crispy eggplant and zucchini served with a refreshing tzatziki dip, making them a delightful treat even for the most discerning palates.

For those who appreciate a classic touch, the raw bar presents an array of options, from Oysters to Shrimp Cocktails, ensuring freshness with every bite. The salads, like the robust Horiatiki Salad, featuring cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and feta, complement the seafood beautifully, making each meal feel like a celebration of Mediterranean culture.

  • Kidonia Psita: Simply grilled clams with lemon and oregano - $26.95
  • Midia Saganaki: Mussels steamed with tomato and feta - $32.95
  • Octopodi: Charcoal grilled Mediterranean octopus - $32.95
  • Veggie Chips: Crispy eggplant and zucchini with tzatziki - $19.95
  • Horiatiki Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, olives, and feta - $18.95

As reflected in glowing reviews from satisfied patrons, the dining experience at Taverna East Village is complemented by attentive service that is both welcoming and unobtrusive. Guests commend the restaurant for its moderate noise level, making it suitable for family gatherings and social events. There’s a sense of community here, where both regulars and newcomers are greeted with warmth and enthusiasm.

A recent visitor, Michael C., praised the "incredible" zucchini chips and noted that the grilled bronzino was some of the best he'd ever tasted. The attention to detail in preparing each dish underscores Taverna East Village's reputation as a seafood destination worth celebrating.

In summary, if you’re seeking a delightful blend of Mediterranean seafood in a warm atmosphere, Taverna East Village should be your next dining destination. With a menu that caters to various dietary preferences and a setting that emphasizes comfort and style, it's no wonder that this restaurant has stolen the hearts of many seafood lovers.

For reservations or inquiries, you can reach Taverna East Village at (212) 432-0011. Come discover the goodness that awaits at this East Village treasure!