Loi Estiatorio Reviews

We dined at Loi Estiatorio and so far this is by far the best food in town. My friends loved the octopus and the lamb shank I ordered branzino that come directly from Greece it was so Fresh , excellent ! The service and atmosphere was top notch. We are from California and I hope one day they open a place like this there. This place is a must visit if you are in New York.

I booked this for our last night in NYC and it was a perfect choice. The calamari appetizer was among the best I’ve ever had. My daughter had the waygu Beef burger and pronounced it the tastiest burger she’s ever eaten. My husband enjoyed his lovely branzino and I had the stuffed eggplant. The food is simple yet the flavors are complex. Anyone who cooks at home realizes how difficult it is to let the ingredients shine and not be overpowered and Chef Loi accomplishes this beautifully. We finished with dessert, I had the walnut cake which had a lovely orange flavor. And that homemade Greek yogurt was absolute perfection. Our bill for 3: 2 appetizers, 1 drink, entree, and dessert each was about $200–we left sated and happy. And the service was efficient and gracious.

I have been going to Loi's since it first opened. Never a bad meal...in fact this is the only Greek restaurant I will go to in Manhattan. Fresh fish flown in from Greece daily...I mean there is nothing better. The team treats everyone like family whether they have known someone for years or a newcomer. Everytime I bring anyone to Loi"s they can't stop talking about how perfectly delicious every thing is and how welcomed they felt. I could live on their lentil soup and branzino!

We arrived right after the restaurant opened for dinner. We were going to the Opera and wanted a meal before. Right after we were seated the owned came over and spoke with us. After telling her what we liked and that we weren't terribly hungry she suggested the eggplant and a cheese. The eggplant was awesome. Very light with a vegetable stuffing. The cheese was not on the menu bur recommended by the owner. We would go back again.

With restaurants getting more active, it will be hard to get a table here. Book in advance. A great restaurant is more than its first rate food, attentive service, comfortable feel, etc. A warm welcome for even a newcomer. A caring approach to your needs and desires. Realizing that on a really busy evening there is no sense of your being rushed. Try this Greek corner in Manhattan and you will become convinced. Our favorite dish was the special fish of the day. Truly outstanding. The executive chef sets the tone and drives the results.

Loi Estiatorio offers a lovely combination of ambiance, coziness, attentive service and, naturally, delicious Greek cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients. Margot took great care of us! We also had the privilege to meet and chat with Maria Loi. Maria is not only a great chef but also an outstanding host! We were very lucky to have the opportunity to chat and even take a picture with her!

Amazing, delicious Greek food. Maria Loi is a wonderful person and great chef. Her staff are professional, caring and fun to talk with. Will be back again soon!

My husband and I used to frequent this restaurant every December for the unique take on Greek food. Our last visit on 17 December, chef Loi deemed it OK to insult my Hungarian heritage. Though my Greek husband and I were both very offended we opted not to leave as we did not want our server to miss out on their tip. We will never return.

One of the places where you get the 2 most important things when you eat outside your home: excellent food and superb hospitality. Chef Maria Loi, a world-famous culinary art maker, will host you and greet you in the best way. All of their staff are very friendly, so you feel like you are at home, I am not kidding! Spanakopita, Greek spreads, branzino, lamb...whatever you order the flavor will be in the right place! The secret is very simple: good ingredients and making food with love, simple as that! P.S. Maria makes her own labeled pasta and serves in her restaurant high-quality extra virgin olive oil and greek wines.

Everything in this restaurant was great with the exception of the Ambiance you could fall asleep. Had fresh fish and salad it was perfect. The server don t know her name she was Russian (excellent and great sense of humour)

Lovely experience. We were tired and hungry , and this restaurant just felt like home for us. Delicious cuisine, warm atmosphere...thanks Maria! 🇬🇷🩵🇮🇹

This was our second time eating here and it’s been excellent both times - food and service. The olive oil you can buy from them is also outstanding.

Form the time you walk into this gem of a restaurant you ar e greeted with smiles and a helpful professional staff that wants to make your evening enjoyable. Service is important but I. Addition to great service is great good prepared by Chef Maria Loi who greeted each diner personally. I believe she is also the owner of the restaurant. This restaurant provides great food, great service in a beautiful setting at reasonable prices. Highly recommended.

It's a perfect choice for someone who is looking for traditional Mediterranean food, strong tasty food with excellent quality!!

My husband is Greek-American. We were visiting New York City from out-of-state and tried this restaurant for the first time. We were very impressed with the service and menu. The dishes were delicious and authentic. A special treat was meeting Maria, the owner. She was greeting all the guests. We had a lovely meal with all our favorite Greek dishes. I highly recommend it!

All of the dishes forour group, including those gratis, were substandard. Any good Greek diner serves better food. Please note large number of reviews by reviewers with just 1 or 2 or 3 reviews in their history, and come to your own conclusions.

I have been eating at Loi since its early days on the UWS. It is truly a place to go if you want to be transported to Greece and toast to its delicious cuisine and drinks. Chef Maria is always around to chat with customers and Chef Dara will always be there with suggestions. The haloumi is to die for, as are all the dips - tzatziki and pougi especially! As a lifelong vegetarian, the stuffed baby eggplants are my go-to for a filling and satiating meal. The selection of Greek wines are always a great compliment to any meal. You won't be sorry visiting Loi!

Excellent restaurant, excellent service and sublime food. Seriously impressive food. Whole family blown away by the food here, from home made breads, to desserts, each course was a delight. Chef introduced herself and imports fish daily. We will send all our friends here.

If you love Greek food and you are in Manhattan make sure to visit Loi Estiatorio. I have been all over in USA but chef Maria beats everyone: original, genuine and amazing Greek cuisine. The best Greek restaurant in America is Loi Estiatorio. I’m here every time I get a chance and Maria is the best host and representative of the Greek community in NYC. Definitely a five star restaurant!

Excellent healthy , fresh and tasty food with very personal approach. The Branzini fish and the Romain salad were fresh and super tasty . So as outstanding olive oil ( they sell it ) . And the Greek desserts we tried were very good as well. All the staff and the owners are very nice and friendly. We have enjoyed a very nice conversation with a chef Maria Loi. Highly recommended for Mediterranean and Greek food lovers !

Wow, this is a amazing Greek Restaurant. Customer service was excellent from the time I made the reservation. I tried to make a reservation on Open Table and was not able to. Called the restaurant directly and talked to Maria Loi the owner/chef. She told me that she could fit my party of 2 in about 8:30-8:40 pm. When we arrived, she immediately sat us at a table. A beautiful ambience. She immediately embraced us as part of her family. Her customer service skills were amazing. The food was fresh, tasty and beautifully presented. We thought we were actually dining in Greece, not New York City. Thank you for embracing us as part of your family and bringing Greece to New York City.

Incredible food quality and preparation. Chef Loi really knows what she is doing. Wine selecttion amazing, Branzino straight from Greece - wow!!!! the Octopus grilled - insanely fantastic!!!!! Salads incredible!! The desserts,DELICIOUS . Service perfect. I could eat here every night. You will love it too.

Maria Lois welcomes the whole world with love!!! Unique Greek dishes! Try spinach pie, salad and shrimp macaronade!!

Always visit Loi's when back in New York. The occasion this time was a birthday lunch for my sister visiting from California. What a feast for five! Our vegetarian was very pleased with his roasted vegetables and copious serving of spinach pie. The rest of us enjoyed seafood (the freshest!): branzino, crab cake, octopus (rave!) and calamari. No complaints from anyone. The suggested pairing with a wonderfully crisp and fruity (white) cavalieri was superb. Topped off by an array of desserts including their new puff pastry - delightful! With attentive service, it was a birthday lunch to remember!

I was definitley brought into the doors by the ratings I read on this page. Unfortunately, the meal was less than average and at a high price. I wouldn't return even if free food was offered. go elsewhere! Here a rundown of the foods we ordered and their rating Calamari 2/5 Greek salad 4/5 Branzino 2/5 and extremely expensive for a very small portion Seafood plate - not sure of the name 2/5

We came for lunch at an off-time and ordered a spinach pie and an octopus appetizer for the two of us. We didn't want to eat much because we'd be going to a big affair (dinner) later. When the octopus arrived, it was surrounded by a mashed (I thought fava beans, which I could not eat) split pea. Apparently, Maria Loi overheard me, and came over to talk to us. She directed the kitchen to bring me another plate of octopus, which was larger than the first, served on a bed of arugula. Then she suggested her hair stylist for me, and was going to call him on the spot, to immediately make an appointment for me. We each had a glass of wine, and we were also served the dessert of the prix fixed lunch. We were only charged for one prix fixed luncheon plus the wine, which was less expensive than if we had been charged a la carte, as we had ordered. By the way, the food was excellent, and we were happy that serendipity had brought us there. Btw, I did use Maria Loi's hair salon.

A wonderful experience! I had a great meal here with a group of friends. There were four of us. Everything about this place just hit the right note. Softly lit but by no means dark. Upscale and refined atmosphere that was also warm and inviting. The food was outstanding. We were able to share plates of traditional Greek spreads with pita bread. For my main course I had their shrimp pasta. It was very flavorful and the dish paired beautifully with a glass of white wine. My buddy, who is not an adventurous eater, had a hamburger. He said it was excellent. My other friends both had the branzino. They said was perfect! I don't usually order fish but I had a taste and it was absolutely delicious! Very nice atmosphere and fantastic food. The prices were also surprisingly reasonable for this type of restaurant in Manhattan. Central Park is a couple of blocks away. So great location too! Highly recommend!

This restaurant came recommended from a colleague who knows the city. I was lucky enough to call and talk to Alex who happily worked us in the same day. From the moment we walked in, to the meal and after dinner drinks, we were pleasantly surprised at every turn. Victor was an attentive server who accommodated our every need. Alex came to check on us several times and offered his expert opinion on the drink selection. Both he and Maria shared their stories and time with our group, having never met us before. I could not recommend Loi’s any higher. Do not miss this gem.

The six of us had a great experience last night at Loi's. Per their suggestion we ordered different dishes and shared family style. There was not a single disappointing dish there. The desserts were all excellent, especially the cheescake, which was not as heavy as other cheesecake I have had at other places.

We went here for dinner because the rating was so high. It’s a cute little place, but the food was very mixed at best. I had the lamb osso buco, which was very nice. My adult son had the chicken which was overcooked and mushy and my wife’s shrimp pasta was very average. My brother-in-law and his partner weren’t particularly excited about their food either. The hummus appetizer is excellent, but otherwise, this place is highly overrated and the food doesn’t compare to the hundreds of extraordinary restaurants in the city. They also don’t particularly accommodate the non-drinking community as the only had one non-alcoholic beer left (the waiter didn’t even know if they had it, but was able to scrounge one bottle) and don’t have any other mocktails. This is certainly not something to go out of your way for.

Easily one of the best meals I've had in years. Definitely the best Mediterranean one. The food came out extremely quick and everything was beyond delicious. I was especially impressed by the grilled cheese and loved the combination with the honey. The restaurant was very accommodating - we got there early and Alex did not hesitate in seating us immediately. Overall, an amazing experience.

From the minute, you walk in till the time you say goodbye it’s nothing but an outstanding experience. It’s like getting a warm hug from your family. The delicious and it is organic and not done with butter, which is a plus. The service you couldn’t ask for better And the wine list is delicious and affordable. It also offers nonalcoholic cocktails, which are flavorful and fun. Loi has plenty to offer everybody.

Loi Estiatorio has been a midtown stable for many years. They've served us well through the pandemic providing excellent take out service. This past week, we dined SAFELY at the restaurant in its attractive, well spaced out and tented outdoor area. It was literally our first non-take out restaurant experience in almost 4 months. Mara Loi, the executive chef, was on-hand and was most attentive and gracious. Definitely, try Loi Estiatorio - I promise you will love it.

Not at all impressed. The chicken soup had a couple pieces of chicken and hardly any orzo or pasta. Flavor bland. Son in law had the bean salad and it was only beans nothing else that would consider it a salad. Spinach pie was OK. I make mine with butter between sheets not olive oil. Big difference. My grandsons Octupus was cut into small pieces instead of served whole??? My husbands Shrimp and Pasta didn’t have orzo and the pasta substituted took over the dish, too much Red sauce. The Village Salad was the best thing on the menu. Owner Very Nice and hate to leave a bad review, just being truthful

Our table of 3 enjoyed our meal very much. The restaurant is on the small side and wee bit loud but not annoyingly so. We were greeted warmly at the door and our server was great. She recommended a greek wine to try and we thought it was a wonderful choice. The bread and feta spread put on the table is amazing! Our favorite item from the menu was the Spinach pie. We have had many Spinach pies over the years and this was the best. The Eggplant casserole was also a hit. While I enjoyed the beet salad I was hoping for more beets. We enjoyed getting a chance to meet the chef who walked around and said hello. She was lovely. Hoping to go back soon!

Everyone was so inviting, it was like eating at a friend’s house. Food was generous and delicious. You could tell everything was home made. They also make a “Loi-tini” with a splash of feta brine! It was good. Especially liked the octopus and grape leaves.

My husband and I wandered into this restaurant while waiting for our reservation at another well-known restaurant in the area. The place looked cozy so we decided to ditch our reservation and gave this one a try. It was the best decision about restaurants that I’ve made in years (!). The food was so fresh and tasty. My seafood pasta was so yummy - I’ve never had better pasta in my life. My husband had some very nice fish which is imported daily from Greece. We also had some Greek salad and a bottle of Greek wine. Everything was just so fresh and yummy. The chef and the her team were so welcoming and accommodating. The experience was so nice I almost wanted to come back the next day for another meal. But we were in NYC only for 2 nights for the US Open so that was the only time we visited the restaurant. But we will be back!

Lovely spot for lunch with lots if soups including a bone broth mushroom that was excellent. I chose plastic hip snd my wife chose spanikopitka which was quite good. The desserts however was not. The walnut cookies weee not and that day the rice pudding was not ready. Still Services’s was fine and the glasses of wine were a nice complement to the meal. I would return happily.

This was easily one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. To start, my group and I walked in fifteen minutes before our reservation and the wonderful host Alex greeted us so warmly and invited us in right away. He was so sweet to us all, as was every other person we interacted with in the restaurant. The food was impeccable, the hospitality was beyond expectations, and both Alex and Maria were lovely to speak with. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone I know!

Since Covid, Many restaurants have closed in NYC. So the quality of dining experience has changed sort of dramatically. It's hard to find a good place where you feel welcome, the foods good and you vibe with it But Not this place!!! My friends and I had such an amazing dining experience and the food was delish and Gluten Free! Think Mediterranean with a twist, because this particular restaurant cooks organically and uses more Olive Oil than the traditional butter of most places! The Chef even came out to our table to say hello and the staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. And respectively, THAT DAMN DAVENPORT an amazing staff member who assisted us with drinking and helped us navigate the menu was a highlight. We laughed! We drank..OH MY GOD THE DRINKS!!! MY COSMO WAS SLAMMING (Pictured Below)... It was like we where in Greece. It was definitely a great vibe and needless to say we will definitely be back just for the grilled calamari and intricate deserts. Yummmm! No fried food at this establishment, but I didn't even care..Everything was fresh. Just for the welcoming atmosphere and laughs was worth the price alone. Please come and support this amazing place and tell the amazing staff member by the last name of "DAVENPORT", Peter sent you💯😏

We celebrated my wife's 50th birthday with her sister, and chose this spot for authentic Greek food. We couldn't have been happier. It felt both cozy and luxurious, and the entire staff was very attentive. The food was perfect. We had the Branzino for two, the seafood orzo and several apps. Everything exceeded expectations, especially the service. We'll look forward to return trips in the future.

Loved the food, great service from Kaiser our waiter. Lovely local Greek dining near Central Park. Ate in the extended patio curbside. Food was delicious and service was spot on.

I don't know of many restaurants that are able to combine tasty and healthy food at the same time. We were at Loi Estiatorio for a business lunch and the whole experience was such a pleasant surprise! We shared some of the dishes, and I'm honestly not sure which one was my favorite: I had the most delicious and light pastitsio I've ever tasted, the branzino was out of this world, the octopus done "comme il faut", the desserts were soooo luscious! Our server was spot on when it came to suggesting the right wines, I'm glad we trusted her, but why wouldn't we, her service was impeccable from start to finish. Overall we felt not just welcome but at home. Best part was that aside from the mouthwatering bevy of dishes we tried, we continued working afterwards without feeling in need of a nap - we felt satisfied and ready to continue our day.... I can tell when a restaurant goes beyond and above to offer their customers the best food, and what a bonus that it's healthy too. Thank you Loi staff for such a great experience!!

We met friends for dinner (me meet in NYC) and heard this restaurant was great. It is way overpriced! The food is bland and just okay. The mushroom barley soup was eh; the Greek salad was ok (but cost $25 for a small appetizer portion). The main of branzino was barely visible on the plate accompanied by soggy and overcooked broccoli. My lamb shank with orzo was actually quite tasty. they did offer a free yogurt with honey to all of us when she just had tea after the meal. The service was good. Overall a disappointing place.

Once again I found myself surprised at the high cost of dining in NYC with not a great deal of food on offer. A main course only, with a small beer and a glass of wine, came close to $100!!! Perhaps this is the typical cost of restaurant dining but compared to London and Europe generally it seems very high. Nevertheless the food was excellent but pricey! If you like GOOD sized portions at GOOD prices this is NOT for you.

Recently, my sister and I dined at this restaurant and found Maria Loi to be genuinely warm, modern, and a dazzling personality. I ordered the branzino as a main and it was fresh and delicious. It reminded me of eating at a Greek island like beautiful Samos! I also loved how olive oil and lemon halves were served with the various dishes! Yummy!

How to describe the energy, elegance and perfection of this place, the original greek food with a direct taste of greece. Is the best perfect place to bring a family, friends and the love of your life. I just so happy when I go there, I love the people who work there, the make sure u have everything, the service is so fast , the food is so delicious it melts in your mouth. it's my favorite restaurant, I love !!!! if you don't know this place you should go. i feel in greece, i am brazilian and i have traveled all the countries i know many restaurants, and i can say that loi is at the top of my list of best place to dine five stars. Thank you 🙏 I can’t wait be back there !!!

Everything was outstanding. Not your typical Greek food. Attention to detail and real home cooking. Maria Loi, the owner, hovers around every table to see if her clientele enjoys her food.

This meal is literally in the top five meals I have ever consumed in my life. We decided to come here because we wanted Mediterranean food and it was incredible. The food did not leave you feeling bad after, it was all clean and tasted great. My favorite was the grilled cheese and chicken entree. We had reservations for 8pm, but the host Alex let us sit down a half hour early when we came in. The service was great and it was so welcoming. We got to meet Maria Loi herself and she we extremely kind to us (a group of college students). We will DEFINITELY be coming back !

The most authentic Greek food in NYC...all prepared without butter! In a city with so many culinary delights, finding a restaurant that consistently delivers both delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere can be quite special. Almost 10 years for me! The staff goes above and beyond to create a memorable experience and make you feel like family. And then there's the incomparable and indefatigable Chef Maria Loi, the "Julia Child of Greece", who greets all patrons with her signature smile! Loi will capture your palate and heart!

What to say about Loi Estiatorio ?? Is the best!!!!!! , best food , quality, best service , best people!! And Maria and Alex is a blessed !!! Make everybody feel so welcome and happy, best wine, best fish, everything so delicious!!! Oh God I come home and I dream about the amazing dinner I have and I come back over and over again!! Also Loi Estiatorio help many people, the support a lot of project, is a really blessed place. I want thank you guys a lot for amazing time with my friends there, and the people who worked there, the waiters, is so Nice, feel home!!! I will back next week, and week after !! Maria also she author like me, writer amazing book, I can’t wait to read !!!

10/10 dishes prepared by a first-rate and very kind chef of Sardinian origins. The sauces she personally prepares are spectacular.

This was a friendly Greek place with excellent food. Branzino is the specialty of the house, reportedly flown in fresh daily. The owner/chef, who we gather from the regulars at the next table is something of a local celebrity, comes out of the kitchen and makes the rounds of the tables.

Great food, drink, service, ambience. Staff could not have been nicer and comped dessert when they heard a friend say it was my birthday. Just perfect! I will go often.

Dined here for the first time over the weekend. Split the “spreads” appetizer which included toasted pita wedges and four different greek spreads (hummus, tzatziki,, etc) along with their heavenly warm feta yoghurt which is to die for. For the 1st course we ordered the fresh, plump mussels which were served in a tasty sauce made with their signature olive oil. For the main course we each had their signature Branzino which didn’t disappoint. Dessert was an assortment of greek pastry, yoghurt with honey and nuts as well as a slice of light-as-air chocolate cake. Will definitely be dining here, again!

Everything we tried was absolutely delicious. The owner/chef Maria Loi is a gem who goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome and part of the “Loi family.” It’s impossible to walk out the door without being satisfied that you have sampled the very best in modern Greek cuisine. A few of our favorites: dolmades, Loi dips, village salad, octopus with fava purée, halloumi. The branzino is grilled to perfection. Her moussaka is outstanding. For dessert, try the baklava and the galactoboureiko. Can’t wait to return. Make sure you make a reservation because the seating is limited and she is always busy.

April 6, 2024 What a FABULOUS find!!!! We were 10 women there for a surprise birthday party. Managers Nicole and Alex could NOT have done anything more to make this a more enjoyable and memorable occasion. Chef Maria Loi hit it out of the park!!!!! The food was so DELICIOUS!!! It is difficult to please your entire group, but these 10 ladies will be talking about this day for some time to come. Everyone one of the wait staff were exceptional as well. The vibe is cozy and you were made to feel like a VIP!!! I will be making this restaurant a definite destination to take family and friends. THANK YOU LOI ESTIATORIO!! ❣️❣️❣️❣️

Food was awesome service was exceptional!! Going back again tonight. The food was very healthy. I would have liked a bigger cocktail menu.

Fantastic meal! This was our second time dining at Loi and I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, than the first time. Was just in Greece in May and this meal made me feel like I was back. Chef Maria manages to elevate her dishes without sacrificing their authenticity. The Pastitsio is one of the lightest I’ve ever had and the flavor was exquisite. The chicken and potatoes with carrot and lemon sauce was fantastic also. We were in pre theatre and had plenty of time to dine. The service was fast without feeling rushed and hospitable. And bonus that we got to see Chef Maria before leaving. Highly recommend!

Came in for some traditional flavors from Greece, had the pasticcio and the lentil soup, they were great. I’ve been here before, the octopus and the calamari equally great.

Dined at Loi Estiatorio with friends during a NYC visit. Fabulous dining with choices of branzino and traditional Greek dishes of eggplant and greek lasagna with a bottle of Greek Sauvignon Blanc. Warm welcome from Chef Maria Loi and efficient professional staffing. Quiet environment conducive to conversation. Would love to return when in NYC again.

I love food, especially quality food, that taste good and is healthy. I’ve gone to lots of different places in NY to eat Greek food, Italian food, and steak, they were good but it didn’t amaze me, heard about Loi estiatorio through recommendations. Went my first time to Loi Estiatorio to eat, when I sat down everything seemed normal, till we ordered the food, we sat and ate, the only thing going through my mind and was how amazing this food is, but not only the food but the people there were amazing, waiters are super nice, and Maria Loi and Alex are the nicest people I’ve met, the way they are is just so wholesome, and they will make you feel at home. The quality is amazing, not only because it’s Greek food and it’s supposed to be, but because they have their own brand products to cook or serve the food, like Olive oil, and pasta. If you ever go to NY or live there and want to go check out a restaurant, highly recommend to visit Loi Estiatorio as your first option. Some recommendations I have are: For starters, Greek salad, octopus, and grilled Calamari. For main course, the Branzino and lamb shank, are the ones I highly recommend trying because the are super tender and flavorful, if you take the lamb shank and take a fork or knife through the meat is gets clean of the bone, and the Branzino just tears apart in your mouth pretty easily, those are my personal favorite ones, but everything else is amazing. For desserts, everything. Everything is amazing and I think you should try each and every one.

I had seen Chef Loi on television so was very excited to experience her food in person. It did not disappoint! We came for a birthday lunch and were greeted very warmly. You start with warm toasted pita and delicious feta spread all complimentary. We shared two appetizers for a light lunch, both with generous portions. The first was artichoke hearts with peas in dill, very flavorful and healthy also quite filling. Then we had the light, airy stuffed grape leaves served warm. The Greek chardonnay was a perfect pairing as suggested by our server Alex. We finished with a chocolate cake and Greek yogurt with rich, dark honey. I would return in a heartbeat!

The food was delicious, with nice portions and reasonably priced for this high quality restaurant. The wine list was extensive with wines priced in all categories. The staff was very attentive and the service was excellent. My wife and I would definitely go back again.

Our waiter was very good. Food was bland, particularly the moussaka. The place didn’t look particularly nice for the price bracket and it was rather hot. Wine was overpriced, even por NYC standards

Maria Loi’s culinary skills are something to experience! Fresh amazing food and always a good time at her Estiatorio!

Era jnteresting and complete menu. We had appetizers and then some of us normal Menu dishes and two of us share a fish by the pound. The fish was really good. We spent a couple of weeks in New York and surrounding and this fish was really cooked to perfection and with a fair price. Great experience

I’d eaten here a few years ago and thought it was great. When I brought my a Greek friend who is a total food snob, she thought the food rivaled her Greek Grandmothers food. Yaya would have loved it! We had delectable lamb shank with perfectly cooked orzo, peas and artichokes that were perfectly cooked and seasoned and grape leaves right on par with Yaya’s but served with a perfectly made yogurt froth. Will definitely be coming back!

Fabulous food and ambiance. Staff friendly and helpful with ordering snd making choices. We especially loved the branzino filets and different spreads appetizer. Will definitely go back

If you are a fan of Greek food then this is the place for you. Not pretending to be anything it is not just simple but super tasty and authentic dishes beautifully seasoned and flavored. I would definitely return.

Healthy Greek Food will definitely go back. Nicola was very attentive and gave us the full scoop of the restaurant and how Loi runs the restaurant with good healthy Ingredients no butter dishes prepared with pure Greek olive oil and no sugar desserts made with honey. We loved it and will definitely go back.

This is the perfect spot for a wonderful Greek meal. The chef and owner Maria Loi is a warm and excellent chef. She greets everyone. The food is farm to table and Maria uses no butter or fried foods. You feel as if you are family. There is a very nice cocktail menu and excellent wine list. The server was so helpful in giving us suggestions. The branzino was so well prepared. The service was super attentive but not fussy. Make a reservation and go.

Fantastically delicious, authentic Greek food! Lamb shank was to die for. Good service. The chef was checking in periodically

This is one of those "WOW" destination restaurants! Go once and you will want to return ASAP. The service? Excellent! The food? Excellent! The wine? Excellent! The personalities of the Staff? Friendly and informative! There is not one thing left to chance in making sure you have an enjoyable experience. It isn't cheap and worth every cent. THIS is a spot you will bring your out of town visitors!

Absolutely delicious Greek food in the heart of midtown. We stopped by for an early dinner (charming outdoor space during the pandemic) and went with Loi classics the Greek village salad, octopus with fava and tender mussels in a traditional and flavorful Greek broth. Finished off with the house-made yogurt with honey and walnuts and the flourless chocolate cake. Amazing food. Excellent service. Chef Loi goes out of her way to make you feel welcome. It’s a must visit if you are in NYC.

From my phone call early Friday afternoon to the second we left the experience was warm, inviting, splendid! Nicole welcomed us with an incredible of sense of humor and kindness. The food was truly outstanding! Bone marrow soup, grilled octopus and two fish entrees. Plus coffee and multiple desserts! Can’t wait to go back!!

Loi Estiatorio is such a unique place in the bustling urban environment of Midtown Manhattan. You get a warm greeting by Nicole and Alex from the moment you walk in--they were both so incredibly courteous and helpful. The menu features Greek traditional and modern dishes curated with healthy ingredients. We had the most fresh branzino that we have had on this side of the Atlantic. No dish disappoints! Definitely a must-visit restaurant!

This was not planned. We had no reservation. But the host gave us a table for two hours and it was well spent. The bottle of Greek red wine was delicious, preparing my palette for the scrumptious meal. I had grilled calamari, Greek lasagna, and the yogurt made me want to stay longer and eat more. Although the owner, Loi Estiatorio was not there, whoever was cooking did a great job representing Loi! I'll go back.

Loi is a great Mediterranean restaurant in midtown. The atmosphere is quiet, quaint and inviting. The staff is attentive and welcoming all while attending to the customers needs. We had the pre fixe lunch menu which offers a variety of options with large portion sizes at a great price. The waitress was lovely offering her suggestions but never bothering us or rushing through the meal. They have a full bar and a good wine menu with Greek wines. A wonderful restaurant option.

We had the most amazing dinner at this restaurant tonight. The food was just incredible, we ordered the grilled cheese and the calamari for the appetizer and the lamb shank for the entree. The grilled cheese was fantastic with the honey on top, and the calamari was cooked so well. The meat of the lamb fell off, I don’t even think I used a knife. For dessert, we got the flourless chocolate cake which was super soft and tasty. Big thanks to Alex for seating us a half an hour earlier than our reservation :))!!!

We met Maria walking to the Plaza hotel one night. From the moment we met her she was so friendly and nice. Her warm smile and kindness made us feel so welcomed to NYC and her restaurant. We then dined in her restaurant- the warm, friendly atmosphere was perfect. The food was amazing. We all loved it even our children who are picky eaters ate their food and enjoyed it. Great dining experience for our family. We definitely will be back!

Thank you Alex (Manager) for always taking care of us every time we visit. It feels like home. And the branzino is on point. Ryan Seacrest is correct!!

I looooove this restaurant. It truly is like a quick trip to Greece. I can see why this restaurant is so highly rated. The food is incredible and the staff is so pleasant. We had the opportunity to meet Chef Maria Loi who is the namesake behind this local treasure. Highly recommend the Talagani (grilled cheese with lemon and black honey), Village Salad, Lentil Soup and of course the Branzino. Located near Central Park South, MoMA and Fifth Avenue.

We were seated in the most delightful outdoor space - our own cabana. From start to finish the meal , service and environment was excellent. Headed back again with out of town guests as it is certainly not to be missed !

We found this gem through TripAdvisor and very lucky to get a table for same day with an hour in advance reservation request by calling the restaurant. From the first moment we felt the very positive vibe & energy of the place. Everyone was so friendly & helpful. Maria (the chef) came to our table twice and we had a nice chat about the foods. I asked for test of different wines and after the forth one we picked ours. Then we started our dinner with awesome basket of breads with very delicious mix of feta cheese & yoghurt. Without any request, our server refilled the basket twice! We tried four different kind of soups and four different kinds of main courses which all were amazing. At the end, they surprised us with yoghurt & baghlava dessert which was on the house. It was a dinner experience which I am sure my family will remember as a highlight of our trip to NY. Definitely we will be back here.

One of the best greek places in nyc, Loi is now providing fantastic take out of the same quality. we went to help her stay in business, but will now do often because it is just as good as it gets

Every time we’re in NY and stay on Central Park we visit this place. The food is always well prepared and you feel as if you’ve walked into your best friend’s kitchen. The whole fish and grilled vegetables are our favorite! A must visit for delicious and authentic Greek food.

Fabulous food, great atmosphere and wonderful chef. Would highly recommend. Chef also loves Kansas City!

The service was excellent and the food very good! The lady serving us arranged a dish combination for me to support my Keto/gluten free diet. My husband had the lentil soup and the lamb dish which were both great. They have a nice selection of greek wines. The ambiance was not what we expected. It was very quiet. Oksana was our server and we truly appreciated her. I would recommend this restaurant.

The mussels were frankly terrible . . . served in a bath of barely melted butter. and at $31 unforgivable. The stuffed eggplant was practically tasteless. There are any number of better Greek restaurants in NY to go to before this one.

The moment you step into Loi, you feel like family…. from Alex’s warm greeting at the entrance (and authentic recommendations for food and drink), the attentive staff (thank you Victor!!) to Maria Loi’s genuine coversation and visit to our table… the food, company, and mastiha is unforgettable. When does Loi close? When you are finished… like an intimate dinner party with lifelong friends. We will come again and cannot wait for our next visit. We don’t have a Greek restaurant is Hilo, Hawaii… just saying!!! Mahalo nui loa and see you again! xoxo

It looked promising, the chef came up to our table, but sadly enough the food wasn't any good. It was bland (we had the lasagna and the mussels) and the lasagna was very dry. There was no sauce in the lasagna at all. 10 mussels for 29 dollars without any side dishes is ridiculous, especially since it barely had any taste. When we told the waiters, they just gave us the bill and fled. We also had to pay 6 dollars for what we think was tap water and they didn't even give us the bottle. We left feeling hungry and disappointed.

We had a wonderful experience here recently with my wife and baby son. Maria and Alex’s hospitality was exceptional, giving a great level of attention to our son which helped distract him so we could eat!! Food was delicious, we started with the sharing platter with dips and for the main we had the moussaka and salmon. Both were very tasty and nicely presented. We had an assorted dessert which were a perfect way to cap off our meal. For the hospitality alone I’d give this a five star review but the food was able to live up to the standards too!

Great authentic Greek food in a beautiful setting! The staff were all attentive and made good suggestions on what to order.

My cousin and I dined at Loi last evening. We were warmly greeted by Chef Maria Loi and Nicole. We ordered quite a few dishes and all were delicious. The entire team is wonderful. We’ll definitely be back in the near future.

Loi Estiatorio New York City Loi Estiatorio with Alex - Among Top 10 Things to Do in Manhattan! 970193164 Run, do not walk, to Loi Estiatorio, 132 W 58th St; NY, NY 10019! This was my second time here, as I do not get to Manhattan often and Chef Maria Loi is Better Than Ever! Loi Estiatorio has expanded their plant-based options (since I am now vegan, that made me jump for joy!) We had the melitzanosalata (eggplant dip) and humus (wow... the very Best humus!) with pita and cucumbers for an appetizer. This was a terrific start! My (non-vegan) friend had shrimp pasta for his entree. He said it was soooooo good! Chef Maria Loi knows how to blend her ingredients to make something that is better than if the ingredients were eaten separately. The shrimp and Greek pasta with feta cheese and tomatoes, onions, and garlic was a fantastic treat for my friend! I had roasted vegetables, including patates lemonates (roasted lemon potatoes) that were out-of-this-world! We then had a feast of desserts including walnut cake, chocolate cake, yogurt, and, the piece de resistance... baklava - the Best you will ever have! - (and it's plant-based!) This baklava has spiced honey drizzled over walnuts wrapped in crispy phyllo layers... Do not leave without having this! All the wonderful food is made even better by the very warm, caring staff at Loi Estiatorio! Everyone there goes out of his or her way to make sure your experience is the Best it can be. Special shout-out to Alex! And of course, the very talented Chef Maria Loi. To be in her presence is to be with Greatness. I cannot wait to get back to Loi Estiatorio again! You will count a meal here as one of Manhattan's highlights! 100,000 stars! Thank you, Alex and Chef Maria Loi!

Visited an a rainy Feb day for the fixed price lunch. Several good choices of appetizers, entrees and dessert. Well presented and prepared dishes with complimentary cucumber yogurt salad

We had an excellent time at Loi, the service was great and the servers were very attentive. I highly recommend the mussels, even my 8 year old daughter loved them! They were fresh and flavorful. I will visit every time I am in the city. Plus the homemade yogurt dessert was just like I was back in Greece 💙

Went there for the first time two weeks ago and have been back at least 4 times since then! I’ve tried almost everything on the menu and it’s all amazing! Service is great and I feel like home whenever I’m there. Last dish I had was the Mussels and they were absolutely wonderful! Never had so fresh and meaty! The olive oil broth was just Devine ! I recommend to all my friends and will be back many time again!

We came to this restaurant on the recommendation of our foodie friends. So, please take my review as only one person's thoughts. I vow that the next time I spend $28 for the national dish and it's dry and smaller than my palm, I will assert my rights as a customer. I love the Greek pastiche, or lasagna as they call it. I really feel torn about writing this review; but this was a miserable excuse for a dinner. My husband had a $44 branzino. It sure looked sad on a a big white plate. Yes, there was a side dish, but really $44 should buy you a beautiful plating. The chef/owner came by, but kept moving quickly. I don't think conversation was her objective. No, I won't be back and suggest you try Nerai.

Hosted a cast party this evening and everything was perfect! From the wine, to the appetizers. the best branzino EVER , and so good there aren't words to describe it desserts. BTW, you'll never want to buy yogurt from the store again... Chef Loi's homemade yogurt is beyond comparison. Greek hospitality at its finest!

A group of seven of us for dinner and it was great. Service, drinks, dinner and deserts could not have been better. We get to the city 4 or 5 times a year and always find a Greek restaurant to try but now we have found the best and do not need to keep looking. The Octopus starter was the best I have ever had. I could go on about all the dishes all which were great.

I visit Loi Estiatorio in each ocassion I'm in NY and it never dissapoints! The place is very nice and the service is top-notch.

Truly authentic fresh Greek cuisine and excellent atmosphere, incredible service. I can’t wait to come back. We enjoyed the meal so much that we made a reservation for next week. We are bringing our friends who are coming from out of town.

A family owned and run Greek restaurant that prides itself on healthy ingredients, cooking methods and the resulting meals. The venue is spacious and comfortable. The service is friendly and attentive. The menu is extensive and varied. I liked how many wine selections were available by the glass. We had very good meals and felt relaxed sharing a meal with visiting friends.

Best restaurant. Love this place and come every time I’m in ny. Owner is super friendly and food is incredible. Very good value for the quality

We went on a family trip with our younger kids and it was more formal than we expected, but they treated us very well and we loved it! They had amazing service and great food.

We looked forward to returning to this restaurant we visited on our last trip to NYC as the food and service is superb. We were not disappointed! A small restaurant with Greek cuisine - Chef Maria came by our table and our server Victor was attentive We plan to order some of the Loi olive oil - it is velvet smooth

Service impeccable but food very average. I was just very surprised because so many reviews described the food as exceptional. That was not my experience.

This restaurant has a great reputation, because of its star chef, Maria Loi, but it deserves it. It was more modest than I had imagined, but it was elegantly appointed, and the food and service was delightful and impeccable. Ms. Loi greeted us and exchanged advice (on the delicious olive oil), which did add to the pleasure of our dining experience. As did the yogurt and honey!

I had dinner at Loi with friends & we had a great time. Alex greeted us warmly, and took us to our table and presented a wine and cocktail list.. My server Alvin greeted us promptly and took our drink and water order. Our Food was OUT OF THIS WORLD . We did everything family style. The Chef Maria Loi came to speak with us and that was a treat. We Will Be Back!!

This place was absolutely amazing! We ran into it by coincidence. The owner Maria was so friendly. She made sure we had a table even though the restaurant was fully booked. We had the eggplant casserolle and the stuffed eggplant, and it was delicious. The restaurant was cosy/nice atmosphere! I highly recommend this place.

Wonderful and authentic Greek food in a quiet and beautiful atmosphere. Fantastic and attentive servers and staff. We were in Athens and Santorini 3 months ago and this food and overall experience rivals that of the best restaurants in both places we went in Greece. Loved every part of our experience at Loi.

Came here for an 80th birthday with my in-laws and thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the ambience. The restaurant is very unassuming from the outside... indeed I would go as far as to say that I would have avoided it if I hadn't read good reviews beforehand. But once inside, it's like being in a little piece of Greece that's been picked up and put in NYC. The staff were all very attentive and friendly. The food was top quality and the three vegetarians in the party all found sufficient choice (the spinach pie was particularly good). The seafood lover enjoyed the king prawns. It was a nice touch to have suggested dessert wine and liqueur parings with the desserts. All in all, a very enjoyable evening.

This afternoon we have been blessed in our research for a quick dinner after coming from Europe. Very close to our hotel, we walked to this restaurant without reservation and from that moment we enjoyed a memorable genuine greek food experience. Three salad plates (greek, halloumi and spinach pie) very tasty and a seafood orzo stew well blended made our mouths watering. Manager, maitre and waiter did the rest: friendly and professional service. Looking forward to be back next trip in NY.

As a New Yorker living in midtown Manhattan, Loi Estiatorio is one of my favorites Greek restaurants in NYC. The food is outstanding. The service is impeccable, the staff is always friendly and accommodating. I love the warm feta spread with a basket of pita bread that greets you before even ordering. The octupus appetizer is delicious. The lentil soup is perfect. Both the cod en papillote, and grilled branzino are superb. My experience eating at Loi’s is that everything tastes so good but also feels nourishing, balanced. What speaks volumes about the quality of this restaurant is that its famous chef, Maria Loi, is always there, going around the tables, making sure that every single customer feels entirely home and is enjoying a fabulous meal. Highly recommended.

Maria Loi personally welcomed me with a sincere warmth which is so rare these days in New York The food was so fresh and delicious I thought I was in Europe The Chicken Soup, Spreads, Freshly made warm yogurt, Freshly baked Pita After dining I walked over to The Loi Shop at The Plaza Hotel to buy her Greek Diet Cookbook I’ll be back for sure with guests I’ve made a new friend and found a gem of a fabulous restaurant Thanks Maria Loi

This place is more than a restaurant. Chef Loi and her team have created a community. Alex (front of house) is quick to greet every guest that comes in the front door, and the staff is the friendliest you'll find in NYC. Truly a treasure in the city!

Went to Loi Estiatorio with friends for a weekday lunch. We ordered from the Prix Fixe ($29) menu. For the appetizer I had the calamari, which was fresh and lightly dressed with lemon and oil. For the main I enjoyed the crab cake. We had wonderful wines and a selection of desserts. The owner and staff were very welcoming.

I am in New York for work and decided to go to Loi Estiatorio based on the good reviews. Boy am I glad I did! It is such a relaxing restaurant with great people and delicious food - which is also healthy. In fact, the chef/owner Maria Loi has a cookbook and an upcoming show about healthy foods. I had the honor and privilege of meeting Maria in person. She is warm, friendly, and generous. She has a line of premium olive oil and honey imported from Greece which she kindly let me try. I also got to meet their corporate chef Dara, who is very nice and interesting. What a great place, people, and experience.

This restaurant is spectacular, it offers top quality Greek cuisine with exceptional products that are produced by the dear Chef Maria Loi, in addition to all the staff who are very receptive and serve us in an essential way. I feel at home with so much receptivity and professionalism, I love everything, the menu is super satisfying and delicious

Yassas! If you want to experience great, simple and healthy food and ambiance you must visit Loi Estiatorio and if you are lucky like me you get to meet Maria and Felipe. I certainly will be back.

There’s something so special about this restaurant it feels like you’re eating your grandmother’s homemade cooking. I moved to NYC and don’t see my family as often as I used to and when I’m in the mood to truly enjoy something out of this world that brings me back to a special place in my heart I head straight to Loi. The restaurant itself is beautiful and always so welcoming. The staff is unbelievable and so attentive to every detail, you will always have a smile there. Chef Maria truly made magic here, she loves what she does with a passion and you see it in everything she does, she is so unique and brings the entire experience together. I highly highly recommend this place!

Based on the five star reviews I was expecting an exceptional meal. Don’t get me wrong it was passable but not memorable. Frankly I just don’t get why people were raving about this place. It’s NYC home of overwhelming choice. Frankly I’m suspicious that half the reviews are questionable . I had the peas and artichoke appetizer special. 2.5 artichokes and about 2 cups of peas. It was just ok . I ordered the giant prawns. Again just ok. My son ordered the branzino which was very simply prepared but delicious. My husband ordered the Greek salad which was very fresh and flavorful along with fish in parchment. Again all the dishes were ok but nothing crazy good. Under seasoned generally. Service was good…

Step into Loi Estiatorio and you will feel like you have stepped into the heart of Greece. The staff is lovely and the food exquisite! We ordered more than we could possibly eat and loved it so much, we went back two days later :) Worth the trip to midtown. Highly recommend!

Loi Estiatorio is truly the best restaurant! The staff is wonderful, the food is outstanding, and Chef Maria is amazing. I love this place; it’s a high-quality restaurant in New York. The service is incredibly fast, and the food melts in your mouth. The welcoming staff makes you feel at home, making it perfect for families. Be sure to make reservations, as it's always busy. I recently celebrated my birthday here and couldn’t be happier. Thank you so much, Loi Estiatorio—I will be back many times! ❤️😍❤️

Wow such a gem in NYC. Feels like you are being transported to Greece. Authentic and delicious food. Chef Maria Loi is just a fabulous personality, you feel the love from the first time meeting. A friend who lives around the block introduced me to this place. Food is on point. Perfect for a night out, business or with friends. Thank you! Can’t wait to come back. Try the grape leaves.

MAKE SURE YOU BOOK A RESERVATION FOR THIS FANTASTIC RESTAURANT First time dining at Loi Estiatorio & we were THRILLED!! Clean, cozy & updated atmosphere. My close friend for more than 25 years is from Greece - and even though I have not seen him since the pandemic - we chose a Greek restaurant because we love the cuisine. The owner, Maria, greeted us so warmly, and visited our table to talk with us. She could not have been more inviting & she sent over free appetizers & free desserts!? WOW! The food tasted LIKE WE WERE IN GREECE! We ate everything: medley of Greek spreads (zatziki, Tyrokafteri, Melitzanosalata, Hummus), horiatiki (village salad), spanokopita, calamari; branzino - and it was INSANELY Delicious. Fish flown in every day from Greece fresh. Wine was absolutely delicious, the service was over the top. We will be back. THANK YOU MARIA!!!!

We have a house in Crete so go to Greece every year and know really good Greek food and this is it! Great atmosphere and a special mention to our waiter from Ukraine. An authentic bit of Greece in NY.

The best Greek restaurant- estiatorio worldwide!!! Loi is truly the best Greek restaurant in the world. Simple, authentic Mediterranean cuisine, healthy and full of flavor. The service is outstanding, the atmosphere warm and welcoming, and the people are genuinely wonderful. Every visit feels special. Highly recommended.

We loved the octopus and the bronzino. Top notch. Our first order of grilled calamari was burned, and bitter. When we said so, it was quickly replaced by the delectable octopus . The service was excellent. The only reason it is 4 and not 5, is because the grilled calamari was inedible. Other than that, we loved this restaurant.

We were greeted warmly by Nicole right when we walked in - which set the tone for a wonderful meal and experience! No ordinary breadbasket here - we received a delicious feta-yogurt spread with warm pita. Everything we ordered came promptly and was wonderful. I had the prix fixe lunch with grape leaves, spinach pie and baklava - it was perfect. Cannot wait to go back.

Best Greek food I have ever had in New York City. Makes me feel like I am in Greece. The hospitality and quality of the service and food was amazing. Alex, the owner was so friendly and hospitable, making sure everybody is enjoying their stay and their meal. I have learned that this was the site of the original Stork club. I had the village salad and the lamb Shank I can’t wait to go back again

Went with my friends for my birthday and the service and food were both fantastic. Flavorful and fresh! Would go back

A new friend and I met for a late weekday lunch at Loi Estiatario and were treated to a tasty, healthy meal. The marinated octopus with fava bean puree was tender and flavorful. The pretty beet salad was elevated by the addition of manouri, and the spanakopita with dill, mint and feta tasted as though the ingredients had been bought at the farmers market that morning. We felt so virtuous after our healthy lunch that we splurged on dessert, sharing delicate portions of baklava and flourless chocolate cake, and a perfect dollop of Loi’s authentic greek yoghurt. I feel so lucky to have been introduced to Chef Loi and the staff at Loi Estiatorio and look forward to coming back with my husband and friends (including those who are vegan, pescatarian and gluten free) so that we can drink Greek wine and taste our way through the rest of the menu. Final plus. The dishes were served mediterranean style with Loi’s imported greek olive oil instead of butter. Much better for the heart, and the belly, too.

I had the pleasure of dining at the best Greek restaurant, and it exceeded all my expectations. Every dish we ordered was not only delicious but also incredibly authentic, offering a true taste of Greece. The service was exceptional, and the gesture of providing honey and a complimentary dessert was a delightful surprise that added to the overall positive experience. This restaurant is, without a doubt, a hidden gem that's absolutely worth a visit. An amazing culinary journey with authentic Greek flavors and outstanding service.

For lovers of Greek food. The food is excellent by all standards. A very authentic experience that can be recommended to everyone.

the fish was fresh, and he bread was fine, but all the vegetables were canned, The price is not worth the quality. I will not go back and cannot recommend this.

Our family of five enjoyed a delicious dinner. The food was flavorful and fresh. Staff were welcoming, attentive, friendly and great at their jobs. Nearly everyone dining were speaking Greek. So, if you’re looking for Greek food that’s the real deal, this is the place.

Chef Maria is the ideal host! I’ve been to 3 Star Michelin restaurants in the world but you don’t find this brand of hospitality. Chef Maria exudes utter warmth throughout her core. She genuinely cares about her customers and their experience. The food is impeccable, and you won’t leave hungry. A sublime evening all around! (Actual visit was in January 2020, pre-pandemic.)

We were so lucky to find a table without a reservation on a Friday night at Loi but we're sure glad we took the chance. This restaurant is not to be missed and we can't wait to return! We were welcomed warmly and the service was outstanding - professional, friendly and efficient. The staff worked in concert together to make sure we wanted for nothing and it felt as if we were dining at their home as you could sense their pride in the restaurant and the authentic food they serve. And the FOOD! Every dish was amazing, perfectly prepared/seasoned and made with love. We decided to do lots of small plates vs. entrees - we enjoyed their delicious greek spreads with pita, the octopus with fava, grilled calamari, gigante beans and the stuffed eggplant. All happily eaten with a bottle of delicious Greek white wine. We were stuffed and decided against dessert but the Loi team couldn't let us say goodbye without trying some of Maria's famous desserts - out came a plate with three small servings of sweets. What a nice touch! They were all delicious but our favorite was the homemade greek yogurt with honey...we're still talking about it! A big thank you to the Loi team for an amazing meal and we look forward to returning again!

One would be hard pressed to find a friendlier staff at another restaurant. From the greeter to the waiter to the chef everyone was super friendly and efficient. The food was very good. I particularly enjoyed the shrimp pasta and the bread. The only drawback is that this is an expensive restaurant even when compared to other restaurants in NYC.

First of all the food was delicious! We have tried octopus, calamari, branzino and deserts .. and it taste like it was made with love:) Branzino and octopus were spectaculars! We ordered it twice lol The restaurant very clean and classy , all waiters was very friendly and knew about the menu. The food came out in a few minutes. We had a chance to meet the owner of the restaurant. He was very attentive to each client and treat everyone with welcoming and respect. We definitely will be back as soon as possible!!!

One of my friends made reservations at Loi Estiatorio for us on a whim, and I can definitely say I will be back again and again. Im not a big "review writer" but this restaurant deserves a big shout out. The three of us are not well versed in Greek food except for Spanakopita and Greek salad. Alex, sensed our unfamiliarity and helped us to pick out some plates to share and I must say that every single thing we tried, we LOVED. One of my favorites appetizers was this cheese that was grilled and Alex prepared and served it table side with lemon and Black Organic Honey. It was absolutely delicious! Although, we were pretty stuffed already (like grape leaves:) we wanted to try some dessert, but had no idea what to order. Alex helped us to pick out some desserts to share and we were in heaven with those too. I must say, this place is a winner all around. Both food & service were absolutely outstanding. Alex took care of us so well, you would have thought by the attention we received, we were the only people in the restaurant. I advise you to make a reservation here at Loi Estiatorio, you will not be disappointed!

Visited for dinner and was cordially escorted to our table by the owner, Loi. She was very pleasant and gracious. We started with the Village Salad. Enough for two. Delicious with fine EVO, and outstanding FETA. I-raved about the cheese. She over heard me and came over to tell me about it. We the had the octopus which was tender, and Bronzino for two cooked in a salt covering. It was excellent. I told her we were marching in the Columbus Day parade on 5th. Avenue on Monday. So she offered to give me some of the FETA if we passed by on Monday. Well we did, looking exhausted after marching for over 3 miles, and she immediately recognized us. First thing was to give us a couple of bottles of water. Thoughtful. Then proceeded to give me an enclosed tub of her delicious FETA. SO a few days later we stopped by for an early dinner, and recommended the “Porto house” pieces of tender delicious lamp. The complimentary warm yogurt and feta with pita arrives when you sit and a delicious creamy yogurt with honey and nuts for dessert This is now our go to place for outstanding Greek food in NYC. They have a beautiful outdoor area which is extremely comfortable and very clean. Go have a great meal and enjoy the family’s hospitality.

Came across this gem of restaurant and absolutely loved the food and people. Chef Maria Loi personally greeted us and the service was superb. Food was delicious, fresh and healthy - branzino and eggplant casserole. This is a 5 star restaurant at reasonable prices. Highly recommend

Delicious Greek cuisine! We just split a bunch of appetizers and desert, but all were flavorful and delicious! Wait staff was friendly

We took our daughter to Loi Estiatorio for her birthday dinner. The hostess seated us outside. The service was excellent!! Unfortunately part way into the meal our daughter discovered a dead fly under her chicken. Although it ruined my daughters birthday dinner, we realize that this can happen at restaurants. But when we brought it to the owner's attention his response was completely inappropriate. Rather than apologize he told my daughter that the fly did not come inside the kitchen but from the outside. Our daughter explained to him that the fly was under her chicken, not on top. We also pointed out that there were no flies around our table or any of the nearby tables. The owner treated my daughter dismissively as if she were making the whole thing up and continued to insist that the fly did not come from inside his restaurant. He never apologized. Unbelievable. Instead he took my daughter's half eaten meal off the bill and sent free desserts. Apparently he thought that would be enough to keep us from putting a bad review online. It didn't work. If he had handled the situation differently, we probably wouldn't be posting this negative review.

We had the most wonderful late lunch/early dinner. Chef Loi prepares everything per her own fantastic recipes using all premium ingredients, many specially imported for her restaurant. She stopped by our table a spoke briefly with us about ourselves, Chicago, and Greece. The spreads were extra wonderful on the house made pita chips. The salad dressing was carefully balanced with her own olive oil and vinegar over bright, perfect vegetables and feta. The spinach pie was also really great! The yogurt, honey, and walnuts and house made baklava was a great way to round out the meal! We left feeling like family and can’t wait to return.

This is one of the best Greek restaurants in New York City. The ambiance is great and the food is delicious. Their appertizers are imaginative - especially the fried cheese! The fish is fresh and moist and the lamb is superb. I adore the Branzino and order it often. Everything is great. And be sure to save room for dessert!!

Such a wonderful restaurant. The food was outstanding and the hospitality was even better. Chef Loi was so sweet and the evening was perfect! Delicious salad, lamb shank (giouvetsi) and desserts. The restaurant is small but very intimate and romantic. Will definitely dine here again the next time I’m in the city. ❤️🇬🇷

We dined at Loi by a very happy chance. We'd walked past the place en route to a concert at Carnegie Hall, checked out the menu, and decided it looked good, so made a reservation. This was complete serendipity. The food and service at Loi was amazing. We both love Greek food and this was a truly delicious example. Also, a lot lighter and healthier interpretation of one of my favorite dishes, pastitsio (listed as Greek lasagna on the menu). A highlight of our visit when Chef Loi herself stopped by our table to see if we were enjoying our meal. (We gave an enthusiastic "Yes!" reply, no surprise.) We're looking forward to our next visit.

Booked a table for Christmas Day , after reading good reviews . We ordered the halloumi starter which was literally thin strips of halloumi with a drizzle of honey ( 1 starter between 2 ) for mains we had the Greek lamb & potatoes. I really love Greek food & the lamb came & it was chewy & bland , sat in almost a bucket of oil . We had a glass of wine each & water . We were given stale pitta with Hummus ( we did not ask for this ) . The chef/ Owner came out & did not seem happy , we did not know who she was. We were given a small mousse like thing on the house , at the finish of our meal . We expected to pay around $120 ( around £100 ) as it was Christmas Day but when the bill came for $224.28 (£180) we were totally gob smacked . This was very very average & bland food & so overpriced . We visited several other restaurants in NYC , more upmarket with good food & we’re not overcharged like at this one . Honestly don’t fall for the reviews like we did

We had such an amazing dinner at Loi. Everything was great and truly authentic Greek! 5/5 for everything but my favorite was the fish of the day. It was melting in my mouth!

We were away for couple of years and we were most happy to discover that nothing changed at the best Greek gourmet restaurant that you can find. Same meticulous attention to food, wine, water, service, every part of the experience. The best Greek wines (and they are happy to guide you if you not familiar), water from the Carpathian mountains. And every bite was delectable and entertaining.

One of the best spots for Greek food and Thanksgiving lunch! The food is always fresh and full of flavor! The best for all occasions!!!

The food is fantastic, the chef really knows what she’s doing. I’m not a fan of Greek food but this food is fantastic! I had one of the best pastas of my life, linguine with prawns. The branzino was also really delicious. Highly recommended! The service is also extremely kind!

Service professional and friendly. Interiors modern and fabulous. Food was outstanding. We had the lentil soup that was perfectly prepared. The stuffed grape leaves appetizer were exceptional. The grape leaves were cooked spot on. My guest had the branzino with greek roasted lemon potatoes and seasonal greens. The fish was prepared simply, because you don't need much else where your ingredients are fresh. Fish is shipped daily from Greece. I had the roast chicken breasts with carrots and lemon potatoes with a creamy sauce that had no cream whatsoever. The chicken breast was like butter. For dessert we had the walnut sponge cake with cinnamon syrup and the shredded Phyllo soaked in honey, and topped with Custard, Light Cream & Toasted Almonds. Everything was exceptional. But what makes this place stand out from all the other Greek restaurants in NYC is Chef Maria Loi. It was an honor to meet her today as she welcomed guests. Don't miss this place. It's amazing.

My friend and I were in the city for my birthday recently and requested to have lunch at this wonderful restaurant! We had such a memorable experience! Coming from Boston I had heard of Chef Maria Loi previously from watching her popular Greek cooking show on PBS and was so looking forward to dining there. It didn't disappoint! When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Alex who was extremely friendly and helpful. My friend and I each ordered soup to start. The fasoulada (white bean soup) was so flavorful! The lentil soup (fakes) also was delicious reminiscent of my grandmother's recipe. We also enjoyed the beet salad and spreads with pita bread. Everything we ate was very delicious, fresh and healthy! We noticed also that Chef Maria has her own brand of olive oil on the table which seemed to be of excellent quality. To top it off, we had the pleasure of meeting her! What a delightful person! She surprised me by bringing us complementary desserts with a birthday candle. This is an upscale Greek restaurant with a cozy friendly atmosphere. I highly recommend it and hope to return in the future!

We had a wonderful Dinner experience at Estiatorio Loi with my wife! Chef Loi and partner Alekos were truly very kind! From the moment we walked in we were greeted and welcomed warmly! The food was truly sensational. we started with the Beet salad and the artichokes. the artichokes reminded me of my mother's cooking. Filled with flavor and memories from my childhood! the pasta with shrimp tasted so fresh like you were eating on a island in Greece right after the beach. there was complimentary dessert including greek yogurt with honey, chocolate and walnut pie. Lastly the wine selection was very inclusive of Greek wines from all regions of Greece. Chef Loi and Alekos were the best hosts. we felt like home and will be sure to visit the again. This restaurant is one of the few restaurants in the city that has that home like environment and home made food. It is sincerely recommended by us.

Everything was amazing. Food was fresh, healthy, beautiful, and delicious. Service made us feel like VIPs. We had such a good lunch that we came back another day for dinner. We will be back again!

We saw great reviews so tried this Greek restaurant… we were the first customers in, greeted by the owner who introduced us to the Chef!!! We enjoyed cold water and amazing pita and the “Lio” Tzatziki and red sauce, and a rich, full Merlot from Crete. We enjoyed talking with the owner so much and discovered a brother of his is an a colleague of my husband from Kentucky! We enjoyed the spinach pie and the bean soup, licking the bowl 😎!!! Then we felt like royals devouring the baklava, but then we were so surprised at the addition of the home made Greek yogurt with honey and the chocolate cake!! We feel so blessed, and content!! Thank you, Luis, for a surprising wonderful afternoon , and a treat for all of our senses!!!

Excellent experience! Delicious cooking (the branzino was perfect), calm, elegant atmosphere, and exceptional service. The owner, Alex, and the chef were both circulating and greeting guests, making us feel very welcome. It was a lovely place for us to celebrate a birthday.

Maria Loi is the creative force behind this authentic jewel of a restaurant. Dara Davenport adds her culinary gifts as well. Great menu and wine list can't be beat. Don't miss a chance to enjoy this slice if Greek life.

The experience was breathtaking with the amazing food and experience. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we sat outside with heat lamps and nice chairs in a nice tent with beautiful lighting around the tent. Without the heat lamps I still got a warm vibe. The appetizers, specials, and entrées were all insane. We got the freshness of the food like we were on a cruise in Greece with the fish and prawns that were so fresh.