Avra

went here for lunch and it was still very pricey -- we didn't even have drinks! the food was very good but very pricey. make sure you like seafood, this isn't your stereotypical greek restaurant! Pros: ambience, seafood Cons: price more

We met my parents for Sunday Brunch today. They had indoor and outsoor seating. We set on outside off the street and it was a wonderful way to have a meal. They served a bread basket with corn muffins and crusty bread. The butter was made with fogs, a sweet cherry jam, and olives were also served. The champagne brunch is a bargain and includes a a choice of a few alcohol drinks or fresh juice. The bellini was really good. We had 3 different entrees and enjoyed them all. The bloody marys had a spciy kick and were also very good. The sides of bacon and candian bacon were all a decent size. The server made sure we were addressed at all timer but never too intrusive. The jazz music was nice and we could still here ourselves talking. The menu had tradtional favorites with a twist. It is a Greek restaurant and also has another brunch menu with Greek faves. I would go here again for a nice meal. With tax (20%) was just under $100 and a good time. My parents enjoyed it and they can be hard to please!Coffee was extra however but only $2. The french toast was excellent and the party loved the poached eggs served in phyllo dough with spinach. Give them a try! Pros: Nice Setting, Good Food, Very Good Service Cons: Extra for Coffee. Otherwise none more

My friends and I found this here on citysearch, and we decided to try this place. We called the place to make reservations for lunch, but the woman on the phone told us that reservations weren't necessary. When we arrived, she asked us if we made reservations, and gave us a look like we were stupid when she specifically told us they weren't necessary. However, we were seated promptly. The server was REALLY attentive, and answered any questions that we had. He was really polite, and he made us feel very comfortable that it felt like we were old friends. We all ordered something different, and we were all content with our food, except the dessert. The place is lovely, and gave off a very ""homey"" atmosphere. The only problem with this place is the prices, and unfortunately, will not be able to come often for that reason since it was just decent/average food. If the prices weren't so high, I'd go all the time because I really loved the server. Pros: Service, Atmosphere Cons: Prices more

I am not sure what night the other reviewers went to Avra, but my experience was completely different. Avra is a really good restaurant. The fish selection was extensive and the food overall was outstanding. We went with a large group and had a great time. Everything from the appetizers to deserts were worth trying. The service is ok, nothing great but the food was worth it. Prices are a little high but I would definitely go back. Pros: fish selection, food Cons: service, price more

Average food and below average service. Fish with no flavor, desserts below average, and service very poor.... more

I used to eat here all the time for lunch and dinner since my office was so close. It was a few years ago and recently went back since I had such fond memories of the food and service. I have to say the bloom is off the rose. The food was average at best. The fish, was bland, tasteless and very disappointing. The service was good but rushed. I am sorry to say, this is not the Avra it once was and will not go back. more

Their Sunday brunch is amazing, highly recommended! Our waiter was attentive and the food was great. more

I went in for a Sunday brunch. I started the meal off with their fantastic bread, which comes with olives, a jam, and a sweet butter for dipping. I then had their ""Greek toast"" -- a vanilla-version of French toast with maple syrup and fresh blueberries and raspberries. It melts in your mouth. I also had some eggs and fries. The eggs were fluffy and perfect; the fries were covered in Oregano and were marvelously crunchy. They had plenty more on their menu. Service was attentive but not overbearing. All in all, a wonderful experience. more

My first Greek restaurant. Pretty disappointed. Went with a co-worker and had a Greek Salad. It was just a plate of tomatoes. Don't get me wrong, I love tomatoes, but how does that constitute a $13 salad? My co-worker had the Pasta Grecca ($14), which I sampled and it was pretty good. But for the prices they charge, I just don't think it's work it. more

We had reservations for 6 people... but they overbooked the restaurant and we had to wait 45 minutes to be seated!! They squeezed us into a table meant for 4 or 5. They have a ridiculous ""family-style"" way of ordering the fish. You order by the pound and then share with the whole table. The fish averaged between $23-$30 a pound. The Maine lobster was LITERALLY the cheapest thing on the menu!!! When they brought us the white wine it was room temperature and awful!! We sent it back to get chilled!! The fish took forever to come and was bland and tasteless- I couldn't finish it despite being starving. We also had the lobster... but THEY OVERCOOKED IT. It was the WORST, chewy, rubbery lobster I've ever had. How could a seafood restaurant mess up Maine lobster?! I don't recommend this restaurant AT ALL. Avoid at all costs! Pros: Nice ambience Cons: Bad service, Bad Food, Overpriced more

I have come to Avra to impress a new business partner and had horrific service. Party of 10, took us to the table as it was set for 6, standing at the table for 4 minutes till someone bothered to set it up for 10. Wine, didnt arrive till we finished appetizers as food for the main dish took well an hour to take, when I have got up and called the waiter to take them.. The main Dish, well our waiter miss calculated the fish size, so I shared one Fish with 3 people. I was embarrassed, upset and no matter that The food was great as I have gone there more then 10 times this year but NO more. Too bad Avra, you suck, you ruined one night for me. Cons: Bad service, Hot, Bad service more

Good - food and decor. Bad - Waiters trying to con you by trying to make you buy more food that you can eat, nobody smiles and not are pleasent, pushy, opportunist and pompus. more

I dined at Avra this New Years Eve and it was one of the most memorable and fantastic meals ever. When we arrived we were seated promptly and graciously. I started with the lobster bisque - amazing, with huge peices of lobster. Next, I had the filet which was seared to perfection and one of the largest filets I have EVER had HUGE. The dessert was chocolate molten cake which was also amazing. The only drawback is that we didn't get champagne until after midnight so we had to toast w our water glasses but even that faux paus was not enough to ruin the evening. Great music, great service, fabulous food. The price was a bit steap but we were there from 9:15 until after 1 am so I think it was worth it. The best New Years ever! Pros: festive, great service, amazing food Cons: expensive more

In town on business, when asked to be seated by myself, you could feel the frustration in me taking up a table that would seat two people. Went ahead and ordered meal to go. Told it would be 15 minutes more like 40. Ordered humous and pita bread. Got humus and crusted bread. Chicken was good. Fries were cold. (Fries with chicken???) Had to go back to retrieve my credit card as well. Dont think I will go back unless I bring a friend and dine in. Pros: Neat atmosphere more

My husband & I wanted to try a new seafood place as we were all ""grill""ed out. On a whim we ended up at Avra and had a wonderful evening dining with our friends. The service was friendly and present without being intrusive. The fish was wonderful we tried 3 different varieties and we found it to be fresh and tasty. Moderately expensive, but worth it. Pros: great food more

Excellent Greek food and great atmosphere. One of the only places in NYC where you can hand-select the fish that you want to grill. It was almost as good as Niko's restaurant in Naxos! Pros: fresh fish, helpful waitstaff more

(Ate there on Feb 14, 2003). Finally a reason to dine on the UES. Not only has it become my favorite Greek (above Molyvos, Milos, S'agapo) but it offers great seafood--fresh and varied. For starters, the grilled octapodi and stuffed calamari (with feta, tomatoes and herbs) were outstanding! Entrees of lupe de mare, dover sole (ask for fillet), and chilean sea bass (the BEST) were terrific! Don't forget to have dessert...sticky sweets of baklava, bougatsa and galactabouriko are not to be missed. Hurry, go you will not be disappointed! Pros: Fresh Seafood, Authentic Greek, Dessert Cons: Crowded more

outstanding greek cuisine. delicious fish, octupus, loup de mare, and calamari. the standard 4 dip combo was fantastic. great atmosphere, good service a bit pricey but well worth it. would definetely go back.. more

Avra is a great midtown spot for lunch or dinner. The octapodi appetizer is a grilled gourmet sensation, its a must try for anyone who likes the eight legged sea creatures. The menu is a nice combination of greek favorites and fresh seafood, which is reinforced by the 'fish market like' display of whole fish in front of the kitchen. Great place to impressive your date with good food, even better place to impress your client on an expense account. more

I ate there over the weekend and i loved it. the food is great, the room is nice, and the service was just right. more