Kellari Taverna Restaurant Review

I enjoyed a meal recently at Kellari Taverna, which is near one of my favorite hotels, The Sofitel New York  and The Iroquois New York, one of my most favorite areas to stay in the city. I had walked past this place many times, and finally decided to give it a try. The menu is Greek which I love as similar to Italian in many ways. 

The inside decor is very lovely and relaxing. I arrived before it got very busy which was nice. 

They had lots of tables for large groups as well, which is good to know if you are traveling with your family and friends. 

I loved the fresh bread which was warm, hummus, olive oil and olives served at the table. The restaurant offers a 2 Course choice at $36.95pp  or 3 Course menu at $42.95pp from Monday-Saturday 4:00pm to 6:45pm & 9:00pm to 11:30pm. 

I choose the 3 course menu, these were a salmon cake and totally amazing! 

Three grilled Opal Valley Farm lamb chops, local horta & roasted lemon potatoes

 Being a Greek restaurant, I went for the lamb today, something I really enjoy as my Mom did as well. There was a family sitting near me, and they all ordered a chicken dinner. I just felt that was pretty lousy as if I go to a Greek restaurant, I want to try what they specialize in. I eat chicken pretty often, so when I dine out, I try not to order that item. 

This lamb was so flavorful and yummy, the potatoes had a great crisp to them. I was one happy person for sure! 

Karidopita , walnut cake, mavrodaphne

The dessert was my least favorite part of the meal, the cake was a bit dry. I would for sure come back here, I would stick with the 2 course selections or pick from the menu. It is a lovely restaurant with some tasty choices along a beautiful atmosphere. If you like Greek food, it is a must stop.

My question to you is: Do you experiment with food when traveling, or stick to places you know? 

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Dafni Greek Tavern

My friend and I were in the city the day before Thanksgiving to see the new fashion exhibit at the Met Museum. For dinner, I choose Dafni Greek Tavern, near Port Authority. We were getting our bus home from there, and I liked being close to the terminal. I really love Greek food, it is very similar to Italian, and I have not tasted anything I did not like. We were hungry and excited! 

It is a very small and quaint place, I suggest making reservations whenever possible. It wasn't too busy when we arrived, but by the time we left, it was full. This location, 42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, is good for dinner prior to a Broadway show. 

The first thing that came out was pita bread. I just love pita, my Mom introduced me to them and I love to make a sandwich for work with pita bread. These were INSANE! They were warm, and clearly homemade, we were both pretty happy. 

The decor is lovely, and it's a very small space. Reservations are a must, even for lunch. 

This is what pita heaven looks like! 

Our entrees came with a salad. Fresh, homemade feta cheese was sublime. There is a huge difference in homemade cheese than the stuff in the supermarket. Another 10 here. 

Haloumi 

Distinctive Cypriot cheese wrapped in grape leaves

Neither one of us ever tried this dish, but oh my goodness. The cheese had so much flavor, and with the grape leaves, out of this world! It couldn't get any better, we thought. 

Yes, it could get better 

Garides Mikrolimano 

Sautéed shrimp with tomato sauce, feta, olives, over rice

My friend's dish was pretty sublime. She said it was the best thing she ever ate in New York City. She had more of that homemade feta cheese too, lucky her! 

Seafood Brochette 

Grilled seafood over rice

My meal was completely insane! Salmon, calamari, huge shrimp and scallops. It was just oh so darn wonderful! The salmon melted in your mouth, as well as all other seafood. 

The portion was huge and I was happy to take some home for my Friday night dinner. 

Oh and our wines were very good as well. Forgot to mention those wines. We had to do dessert because it just made sense. We opted for items we never had before, I always love being with a friend who is just as adventurous with food as me. Thank you Mary!! 

Walnut Cake with Homemade Yogurt and Honey 

Another homemade item here was the greek yogurt. This was really very good, nothing to me beats the flavor combo of walnuts, honey and yogurt. 

Galaktoboureko 

This was just plain silly. This is made with layers of golden brown crispy phyllo, sprinkled with melted butter, filled with the most creamy custard and bathed in scented syrup. INSANE. Oh so good this was, I can't even explain. Are you getting the hint this is a great restaurant? 

This is really what New York City is all about. Don't visit a chain restaurant when here, find a gem like this to be totally blown away by your meal. You can eat at a chain anytime, these places are once in a lifetime when visiting New York City. 

That custard was the most yummy in the world. I would seriously go just for a piece of this and a cup of java. Happy I would be. 

We just about killed both of them. I cannot wait to go back to try something else and I am now ever so glad I leave from Port Authority at times. Who knew? 

On our way to the Met we became 10 again seeing the balloons for the Macy's Parade being blown up for the next day. The taxi driver was laughing at us, but neither one had seen the balloons before and it was pretty neat. They are really very HUGE, but oh so darn cool. Next year I think I need to investigate this more! 

If you are looking for a restaurant in this area, and you like Greek food, stop here. It was just so excellent, and the prices were very good for New York City. Large portions as well, so the men in your party will be sure to get full. I really cannot wait to get back and try something else. New York City truly is one of the best foodie cities in the world! 

325 West 42 St  New York   NY  10036 (between 8th and 9th Avenues)

Tel: 212-315-1010    

Business Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11:00 am - 10:30 pm

Friday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Sunday, 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

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